There has been much talk about Cheltenham this year and how they attract bigger crowds. Personally I thought the crowd sizes on Tuesday this year were perfect. The best experience I've had at Cheltenham for a long time. There were little to no queues at bars, bookies and trackside viewing was easily accessible. 

Cheltenham Crowds for 2025 vs 2024 below: 

Tuesday 55,498 v 60,181

Wednesday 41, 949 v 46,771

Thursday 53,366 v 53,918

Friday 68, 026 v 69,129

My personal opinion is that the course attendance cap for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should be 56,000. That number was enjoyable on Tuesday this year and the space was there. Granted the weather was nice and that does play it's part as the space inside at Cheltenham is limited. Friday should be limited to 65,000 (I wouldn't go as I think Friday is a shocking days racing with massive crowds. Similar to the Grand National day. 

As for value: 

Cheltenham have lowered the price for tickets this year as below: 

Tues - Thurs 

Club - £83, Tatts - £52, Best Mate - £35

Friday 

Club - £99, Tatts - £67, Best Mate - £50

Compared to racing in Ireland where Gold Cup day is 30 Euros, we are still massively overpriced but also it is good to see that the Jockey Club are trying to improve. 

Personally I do not see the point in offering Club and Tatts. They are virtually the same area these days and no steward actually stops to check your carboard badge. I was club this year and found those bars worse than the Guinness village which is available for Tatts. As is the Centaur which has live entertainment. 

Why not offer one Club enclosure with prices at £75 and incorporate that full area for racegoers. It's a much more appealing price to me. 

Which ever route the festival choose pricing wise it will still not solve the problem of diluted races with horses avoiding each other. I have spoke at long length about this and how certain races are better at Trials Day. The issue I have is with races that give trainers and owners the opportunity to copout of a clash with the best horses. The Mares vs the Champion Hurdle and the Ryanair vs the Gold Cup are the best examples. Proposal of a three day meeting with better quality racing would certainly help. Although the course team cannot be blamed for horses like Sir Gino and The Jukebox Man getting injured or Constitution Hill falling in a heap. That is just bad luck unfortunately....