The Season: Royals, famous faces and sport stars pictured at Cheltenham Festival 2024
Despite the wet and windy weather at times, it has been a fantastic week so far at Cheltenham and the damp spell certainly hasn’t put off the crowds. The atmosphere has been eclectic throughout, with people queuing from 10 o’clock in the morning to enjoy a piece of the action at Prestbury Park.
Style Wednesday saw the arrival of Queen Camilla at the Cheltenham Festival 2024, which is the highlight of the jump racing season and the first big event of the British Social Season. Other members of the Royal Family have been spotted in attendance throughout the week. The Princess Royal was joined by her daughter Zara Tindall and her husband, Mike, with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie also seen enjoying the racing.
The Green Room proved to be one of the hottest hospitality tickets at the venue. It has been a few years since The Sloaney team last visited the Green Room, and it never disappoints. Yet again, Mark Durden-Smith proved to be an outstanding compère, with his sharp sense of humour helping to create an excellent atmosphere.
Tips in The Green Room were provided by legendary jockey Sir AP McCoy, during an interview session with Mark. Other sports stars who enjoyed the four course lunch and drinks reception prior to the commencement of the racing were Lee Westwood, David Flatman, Jason Leonard, Austin Healey and James Haskell. Television presenters Kirsty Gallacher and Natalie Pinkham were also in attendance, with Kirsty donning a striking maroon Holland Cooper coat.
Mike Tindall took a break from his lunch to talk about the Green Room’s charity alignment, emphasising the importance of raising funds to help future research into Parkinson’s Disease.
Meanwhile, spotted by the parade ring were the likes of Cheltenham-based fashion designer, Jade Holland Cooper, Georgia Toffolo, Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp.
There are so many parts of the racecourse to be enjoyed. The Festival Restaurant provided a lovely escape from the rain and easy access to the parade ring. It enables guests to book smaller hospitality tables, which worked well for couples who were looking to enjoy a sophisticated day out.
The shopping village is worth visiting on arrival, before the racing begins, so that you have time to browse the many individual boutiques without missing out on the action on the track. The popular Guinness village has been rocking throughout the week, with live Irish music entertaining spectators between races.
In the fashion stakes, Fairfax & Favor are proving a popular choice for many. Our Editor, Dr Laura Toogood (pictured), wore boots from the brand and commented on the warmth and comfort of the stylish footwear. Holland Cooper is another brand that has become synonymous with Cheltenham and many visitors to the racecourse wore items from the current and past collections. As usual, there was plenty of tweed, wool scarves, darker hues, tailored winter coats and trilby hats on show.
On the track, there have been countless highlights at the Cheltenham Festival 2024. Rachael Blackmore is proving a popular jockey with punters and her fantastic win on Captain Guinness was very well received by the crowds. All eyes will be on the highlight of the week, which is the famed Cheltenham Gold Cup, which runs later today. Despite a quiet Thursday, it has been an incredible week for Willie Mullins, who will be looking to finish on a high with favourite Galopin Des Champs.
