Cheltenham Vs Royal Ascot: A Comparison Of Two Prestigious Horse Races

Horse racing fans often ask about Cheltenham vs Royal Ascot. Both events offer top racing action, but each has its own style. You want to pick the right event for your first racing day out.

These two racing festivals stand apart in British sports. Royal Ascot draws 300,000 people across five days each June. The Cheltenham Festival brings in huge crowds in March. Each event offers different types of racing – Royal Ascot focuses on flat racing, while Cheltenham features jump racing.

This guide shows you the key facts about both events. You’ll learn about ticket prices, dress codes, and the best times to visit. Plus, you’ll get tips on betting and how to enjoy each festival fully.

Ready to pick your perfect racing day?

Key Takeaways

• Royal Ascot runs for 5 days in June with flat racing, while Cheltenham hosts 4 days of jump racing in March. Royal Ascot started in 1711 under Queen Anne, making it Britain’s oldest racing event, while Cheltenham began in 1819.
• Royal Ascot draws 300,000 visitors across its run, with strict dress codes requiring morning suits and fancy hats. Cheltenham brings a more casual vibe with tweed jackets, drawing 65,000 fans daily who drink 265,000 pints of Guinness during the festival.
• The prize money differs greatly – Royal Ascot offers £8.5 million across 30 races, while Cheltenham provides £4.5 million for 28 races. The Cheltenham Gold Cup pays £625,000, making it Britain’s richest jump race.
• Both events bring huge betting action. Cheltenham sees £500 million in yearly bets. Royal Ascot draws horses from 15+ countries. Basic tickets start at £37 for Cheltenham and £60 for Royal Ascot.
• The tracks are very different. Royal Ascot has a flat, straight mile course. Cheltenham’s track rises 200 feet and has 14 fences for the Gold Cup race. The ground at Cheltenham often turns soft after rain.

What Are The Main Differences Between Cheltenham And Royal Ascot?

Royal Ascot and Cheltenham stand miles apart in their racing styles. Royal Ascot brings flat racing on a straight track, while Cheltenham tests horses with jumps on its hilly course.

Historical Background

Queen Anne started Ascot races in 1711, making it Britain’s oldest racing event. The monarch spotted an ideal racing spot near Windsor Castle, which became the famous Ascot track.

Cheltenham’s story began in 1819 on Cleeve Hill. The first race drew huge crowds to watch horses compete on the steep slopes. The festival moved to its current home at Prestbury Park in 1831, where it grew into the top National Hunt racing event in Britain.

Racing Calendar Timing

Royal Ascot runs for 5 days in June each year. The summer event takes place at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire during peak British social season. Flat racing stars compete across 30 races from Tuesday to Saturday.

The racing schedule starts at 2:30 PM daily with six races per day.

Cheltenham Festival occurs in March over 4 days. The spring event features 28 jump races at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire. Each racing day starts at 1:30 PM with seven races.

The Gold Cup serves as the main event on Friday. Both festivals sit at different points in the British racing calendar to showcase their distinct racing styles – flat racing at Ascot and jump racing at Cheltenham.

Event Duration

Cheltenham Festival runs for 4 busy days in March. Each day brings 65,000 fans to watch premium jump racing action. The festival hosts seven races each day, giving you 28 exciting contests to enjoy.

Ascot spans 5 full days in June, welcoming 60,000 visitors daily to its grounds. The event features 6 races per day, totalling 30 races across the festival. Each day starts with the famous horse-drawn carriage procession that carries the British royal family to the course.

Course Characteristics

Royal Ascot features a straight mile track with a slight uphill finish. Its flat racing surface spans 1.6 miles on level ground, perfect for speed tests. The course stays firm in most weather conditions, letting horses reach top speeds.

The track at Cheltenham offers steep uphill climbs and challenging jumps. Its famous hill rises 200 feet from the lowest point to the highest. Horses must clear 14 fences during the Gold Cup race across the 3.25-mile course.

The ground often turns soft or heavy after rain, making races more demanding for both horse and jockey.

What Makes Royal Ascot A Unique Racing Festival?

Royal Ascot stands out as Britain’s most elegant racing event, where the Queen leads daily royal processions in horse-drawn carriages, and strict dress codes create a dazzling display of fashion and tradition – fancy a peek into this grand social spectacle?

Royal Patronage

The British monarchy remains central to Ascot’s heritage since 1711. Queen Anne established this grand racing tradition at the first meet. Each June, the current monarch leads a daily procession in horse-drawn carriages along the track.

This display adds special glamour to the five-day festival.

The Queen’s presence shapes many elements of this prestigious event. Her Majesty owns several horses that race at Ascot each year. The Gold Cup stands as the week’s principal race, where the monarch presents the trophy to winning connections.

This enduring connection between crown and racing spans over 300 years, making Ascot a significant highlight of the British social season.

Dress Code Requirements

Royal Ascot implements specific dress codes across all areas. Your attire needs to meet the standards of this prestigious event. Men must wear three-piece morning suits with a top hat and polished shoes.

Ladies need formal dresses falling below the knee, with a hat or headpiece.

Queen Anne Enclosure visitors follow exact requirements. Men wear two or three-piece suits with neckties. Windsor Enclosure maintains smart dress standards with more casual options.

Your clothing reflects Royal Ascot’s 300-year tradition as Britain’s most elegant racing event.

Social Atmosphere

The social scene at both races sets them apart in British culture. Ascot brings a mix of high fashion and elegance, with guests dressed in their finest outfits. Ladies sport designer hats and dresses, while men wear morning suits in the exclusive Royal Enclosure.

The atmosphere buzzes with champagne-sipping crowds and social mingling.

Cheltenham offers a more laid-back feel with tweed jackets and country attire. The festival draws passionate racing fans who focus on betting and studying form guides. You’ll find packed bars serving Guinness and hearty food stands.

The crowd cheers create an electric mood as horses thunder past, making it a true celebration of jump racing culture.

International Racing Participation

Royal Ascot draws top racing talent from 15+ countries each year. Horses from Japan, Australia, America, and Europe compete for £8.5 million in prize money across 35 races. International runners make up 30% of the festival’s Group 1 races, bringing global prestige to this British racing event.

Star horses like Sea The Stars and Galileo have raced against global champions at Royal Ascot. The festival hosts 8 Group 1 races, attracting elite international jockeys and trainers who vie for racing glory.

Prize purses reach £1 million per race, making Royal Ascot a prime target for foreign competitors seeking racing success on British soil.

What Distinguishes Cheltenham As A Racing Event?

Cheltenham stands as Britain’s top jump racing show with its famous Gold Cup race. The festival draws huge crowds who love the mix of top racing and fun party spirit.

Jump Racing Focus

Jump racing is central to this racing festival. The Gold Cup, Queen Mother Chase, and Champion Hurdle examine both speed and stamina of the finest horses. Elite competitors face challenging hurdles and fences across the course.

The races attract top-tier horses and trainers from Britain and Ireland.

The prize money reaches significant amounts for these grade 1 races. Steeplechase events see horses clear at least 12 fences per circuit. Each jump requires perfect timing and skill from both horse and jockey.

The festival features 14 grade 1 races across four exciting days of competition.

Festival Atmosphere

The Cheltenham Festival buzzes with raw energy and pure racing passion. Crowds pack the stands to cheer on their picks, creating a lively mix of sport and social fun. The festival draws 120,000 racing fans who share drinks and stories across four exciting days.

You’ll spot plenty of tweed-clad racegoers enjoying the casual vibe at Cheltenham. The stats tell the real story – punters downed 265,000 pints of Guinness and 120,000 bottles of wine in 2014.

The atmosphere stays friendly and sports-focused, with mates meeting up to back their favourite horses and celebrate big wins together.

Prize Money Structure

Prize money at both racing festivals reaches millions of pounds. Cheltenham Gold Cup offers £625,000 in prize funds, making it one of Britain’s richest jump races. Royal Ascot’s prize pool tops £8.65 million across its racing programme, spread among 35 races.

Each festival rewards winners differently based on race types. Jump racing at Cheltenham sees purses split among top six finishers, while flat racing at Royal Ascot divides prizes between first to fourth places.

Both events attract elite horses, jockeys, and trainers due to substantial prize funds. Local areas benefit from £100 million in economic gains during these prestigious racing festivals.

Traditional Following

Cheltenham Festival draws loyal fans who return year after year since 1839. The opening day brings “The Roar” – a mighty cheer from 70,000 spectators as horses leap the first fence.

Fans sport Barbour jackets and tweed caps, creating a distinct country feel at the races. The crowd favours Guinness as their drink of choice, setting it apart from other racing events.

Local pubs fill up with racing fans who study form guides and share tips. The Festival attracts visitors from Ireland who make up 30% of all attendees. You’ll spot generations of families who’ve passed down their love for jump racing through the years.

The atmosphere stays relaxed yet exciting as people focus on the top-quality racing action.

How Do The Betting Opportunities Compare?

Cheltenham and Royal Ascot offer distinct betting choices based on their racing styles. You’ll find steeplechase wagers at Cheltenham, while Royal Ascot focuses on flat racing bets with higher stakes and global racing pools.

Types Of Races

Royal Ascot hosts flat racing on smooth tracks, with races spanning 5 furlongs to 2.5 miles. These races test pure speed and tactical skill on level ground. The festival features 8 Group 1 races, including the prestigious Gold Cup and Queen Anne Stakes.

The racing styles differ greatly at each venue. Royal Ascot focuses on flat racing speed tests, while the Cheltenham Festival specialises in jump racing with hurdles and steeplechases.

Each race demands specific skills from both horse and jockey. The Gold Cup at Royal Ascot runs over 2.5 miles on the flat, yet the Cheltenham Gold Cup challenges competitors with 22 fences over 3.25 miles.

Betting Markets

Cheltenham Festival leads the betting action with £500 million in annual wagers. You’ll find more bookmaker deals at Cheltenham compared to Royal Ascot. Both events offer standard betting options like win, place, and each-way bets.

The races draw punters from across the UK who place bets on their favourite horses.

The betting markets stay busy during both festivals. Cheltenham brings in £300-£500 million yearly from eager punters. Ascot sees about £400 million in bets each year. Bookmakers set up shop at both venues to take bets right at the track.

The odds change fast as money flows in from excited race fans.

Prize Purses

Prize money stands as a major draw at both racing festivals. Royal Ascot offers £9.52 million in total prize funds across its 35 races. The Gold Cup at Royal Ascot pays £500,000 to winners.

The Queen Anne Stakes brings £600,000 in prize money.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup leads the jump racing world with its £625,000 prize purse. The festival’s total prize fund reaches £4.5 million. Top races like the Champion Hurdle and Queen Mother Champion Chase offer £400,000 each to victorious connections.

The rich rewards attract elite horses, trainers and jockeys from Britain, Ireland, France and beyond to both events.

Field Sizes

Royal Ascot races host larger fields, with up to 30 horses in major races like the Royal Hunt Cup. The flat racing course allows more horses to run safely at high speeds.

Cheltenham races feature smaller fields due to jump racing safety rules. Most races limit entries to 20-24 horses, though the Gold Cup often sees 12-15 runners tackle the challenging steeplechase course.

The smaller fields create tight, tactical racing that fans love to watch.

What Should Visitors Know About Attending Each Event?

Both Cheltenham and Royal Ascot offer varied ticket choices, transport links, and places to stay – read on to learn the key details you’ll need for a perfect day at the races.

Ticket Options

Cheltenham Festival offers three main ticket areas to suit your budget. The Best Mate Enclosure starts at £37, giving you a great view of the racing action. Club Enclosure tickets cost £86 and up, with access to better facilities.

Private boxes fit 30-50 people and come with food and drinks.

Royal Ascot splits its tickets into four zones: Windsor, Queen Anne, Village, and Royal Enclosure. Each area has its own dress code rules and viewing spots. The Royal Enclosure needs special permission to enter.

Hospitality packages at both events range from £395 to £1,000+ per person, with fancy dining and drinks included.

Transportation Access

Royal Ascot sits near four major motorways – M3, M4, M40, and M25. You’ll find direct train links from London Waterloo to Ascot station, with the racecourse just a 7-minute walk away.

The track’s location puts it close to London Heathrow Airport, perfect for global visitors.

On-site parking areas offer space for thousands of cars at Royal Ascot. You can pick from multiple transport choices – private cars, taxis, or chauffeur services. The track’s spot near key roads makes it easy to reach from all UK regions.

Local bus routes run straight to the venue gates during race days.

Accommodation Choices

Luxury stays near Cheltenham Festival include Wilfred Manor and Rissington Hill House. These grand homes offer cosy rooms and stunning views of the countryside. The Glebe provides another top choice for race-goers who want comfort close to the track.

Your stay options extend beyond hotels. A skilled concierge team helps you book the perfect spot. They sort out all the details for your racing break, from check-in times to special requests.

This service makes your festival visit smooth and stress-free.

Hospitality Packages

Keith Prowse provides official racing hospitality packages at both events. Royal Ascot packages begin from £425 + VAT per person. These packages include excellent viewing locations, fine dining, and exclusive access to VIP areas.

Cheltenham Festival packages cost £540 + VAT per person.

The QIPCO King George Racing Weekend offers packages at £350 + VAT per person. Each package includes reserved seating, gourmet meals, and private bars. You receive dedicated service staff and special access to betting facilities during your race day.

Which Racing Festival Offers Better Value For Money?

Royal Ascot costs more than Cheltenham for tickets, food, and drinks. You’ll find better deals at Cheltenham Festival, where basic tickets start at £40 compared to Royal Ascot’s £60 entry fee.

Ticket Pricing Comparison

Cheltenham Festival offers varied ticket prices to suit different budgets. Club Enclosure tickets cost £86, giving you access to prime viewing spots. Best Mate Enclosure tickets start at £37, perfect for first-time visitors.

These prices stand out as good value compared to other UK racing events.

Hospitality packages at both events show big price differences. Cheltenham’s packages range from £395 to £1,000+, including food and drinks. This pricing structure makes both events more affordable than many might expect.

You’ll find the best deals by booking early and choosing standard admission tickets. Each venue sets its prices based on the viewing areas and included services.

Food And Beverage Costs

Food prices at racing events hit your wallet hard. A draught beer costs £7.50, while a small wine sets you back £9.70. Spirit drinks range from £7.00 to £7.60 per serving. Many guests express concerns about the high combined cost of basic items like a pint and burger.

Prices stay steep across both racing festivals. Royal Ascot and the Festival share similar pricing structures for drinks and snacks. The cost of refreshments matches the premium nature of these British social calendar highlights.

Smart visitors bring cash to cover their food and drink needs throughout the day.

Entertainment Options

Royal Ascot offers live music bands, fashion shows, and champagne bars across its five-day festival. You’ll spot street performers, art displays, and royal family members at this grand racing event.

The Royal Enclosure hosts exclusive parties with live DJs and gourmet dining options.

Cheltenham Festival brings Irish folk music, traditional racing songs, and beer tents to create its unique racing spirit. The venue features 4 live music stages, roaming brass bands, and the famous Guinness Village.

Gold Cup day sees the ‘Cheltenham Roar’ – the crowd’s mighty cheer at the start of each race.

Overall Experience

Both events offer distinct racing fun. Cheltenham brings a laid-back vibe with its National Hunt racing focus. You’ll spot people in tweed jackets mixing with casual racegoers. The crowd gets loud and cheers each jump.

Food stalls serve hearty pies and local ales at fair prices.

Ascot stands out for its fancy dress codes and posh atmosphere. Ladies wear fancy hats while men sport morning suits in the Royal Enclosure. The flat racing draws top horses from across the globe.

Fine dining spots and champagne bars dot the grounds. Each venue creates its own special magic through different racing styles, crowds, and traditions.

Conclusion

Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival are two major events in British horse racing. You can experience flat racing excellence at Royal Ascot with its strict dress codes and royal connections.

Cheltenham offers jump racing excitement and a casual atmosphere at its grounds. The Gold Cup races at each location attract massive crowds and present substantial prize money. Your preference guides the choice between summer flat racing elegance or spring jumping entertainment.

These racing festivals contribute £400 million yearly to the UK economy through tickets, wagering, and tourism.

FAQs

1. What makes Cheltenham and Royal Ascot different from other UK horse races?

Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot are two of the biggest horse races in the world. Cheltenham, founded in 1807, is known for steeplechase racing. Royal Ascot, started in 1711, is famous for flat races and royal family links.

2. Which race has the better fashion scene?

Royal Ascot is known for its high-class feel and fashion rules. People dress up in fancy clothes and hats. At Cheltenham, the dress code is more relaxed, but people still look smart.

3. How long are the races at each event?

Cheltenham races are longer, with some going over three miles with jumps. Royal Ascot has flat races that are shorter, usually between five furlongs and two miles.

4. Which famous horses have won at these races?

Cheltenham heroes include Golden Miller and Arkle. At Royal Ascot, Nijinsky and Galileo are big names. Both events have seen many champion horses make history.

5. What’s the difference in atmosphere between the two events?

Cheltenham has a lively, sporty feel with lots of Irish fans. Royal Ascot is more formal with the Queen often attending. Both events mix drinking and socialising with racing.

6. When do these races take place?

Cheltenham Festival happens in March at Cheltenham Racecourse. Royal Ascot runs in June at Ascot Racecourse. Both are huge events in the British racing calendar.