Record Crowd Throngs Cheltenham Racecourse on New Year’s Day
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More than 44,000 spectators witnessed a historic sell-out at the Cheltenham Racecourse on New Year’s Day.
- Cheltenham Racecourse hosted a record-breaking crowd of 44,151 on January 1st.
- This attendance surpasses the previous New Year’s Day record of 38,374 set in 2023.
- The Relkeel Hurdle, featuring Kabral Du Mathan’s victory, highlighted the day’s racing.
A vibrant energy filled the air as Cheltenham Racecourse welcomed a record crowd of more than 44,000 racegoers for its New Year’s Day fixture, marking the first time the event has ever sold out. The impressive turnout demonstrates the enduring appeal of National Hunt racing and Cheltenham’s position as a premier sporting destination. The sheer volume of people created a palpable buzz, a thrilling start to the new year for racing enthusiasts.
Attendance Soars Past Previous Records
The seven-race card drew a total attendance of 44,151, significantly exceeding the previous best New Year’s Day crowd of 38,374, which was established in 2023. Interestingly, this figure is even higher than the 41,949 people who attended the Wednesday of the Cheltenham Festival in 2025, a testament to the special draw of the New Year’s Day meeting.
What makes the Cheltenham Festival different? The Cheltenham Festival is unique because it’s the only meeting where the track can reach maximum capacity, thanks to the addition of temporary structures designed to expand facilities.
The Cheltenham Festival remains the only meeting at which the track can operate at full capacity. This is achieved through the construction of temporary structures that augment the course’s usual facilities, allowing for a larger number of spectators. The expanded infrastructure ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees during the festival’s peak days.
Kabral Du Mathan Claims Victory in the Relkeel Hurdle
The Relkeel Hurdle proved to be the standout race of the day, delivering an exciting finish. Kabral Du Mathan, skillfully ridden by Harry Skelton, secured the win, finishing a decisive five-and-a-half lengths ahead of Jingko Blue. The performance underscored Kabral Du Mathan’s status as a favorite and provided a thrilling spectacle for the enthusiastic crowd.
