Writer, analyst, podcaster, Spurs fan. Three out of four is not bad. If there is a data angle, I will find it.
Over the past thirty years, Cheltenham Festival Trials Day has become a cornerstone of January jump racing. This reflects the sport's evolution and the public's enduring fascination with this sporting spectacle. This fascination can be linked to the number of punters who attend, not to mention the amount of money staked at horse racing betting sites.
Cheltenham Festival Trials Day
Attendance figures have seen a remarkable transformation during this time, compared to the wider horse racing attendances, rising from modest crowds in the late 1980s to consistently strong on-course support in the modern era – which is all the more impressive when there is so much competition in terms of entertainment.
Festival Trials Attendance Record
Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham // PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
This growth not only underscores the event’s enduring popularity but also the cultural significance of Cheltenham as a premier venue and with data going back to 1989, we are now going to highlight the peaks and troughs when it comes to the popularity of the Trials.
| Date | Attendance | Bookmakers | Runners |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28/01/1989 | 7,467 | 91 | 32 |
| 27/01/1990 | 7,471 | 94 | 32 |
| 26/01/1991 | 8,517 | 118 | 40 |
| 25/01/1992 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 30/01/1993 | 9,417 | 115 | 48 |
| 29/01/1994 | 9,586 | 114 | 55 |
| 28/01/1995 | 10,166 | 104 | 74 |
| 27/01/1996 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 25/01/1997 | 9,913 | 101 | 61 |
| 31/01/1998 | 10,604 | 110 | 57 |
| 30/01/1999 | 11,703 | 97 | 60 |
| 29/01/2000 | 11,885 | 104 | 59 |
| 27/01/2001 | 14,174 | 109 | 75 |
| 26/01/2002 | 12,867 | 97 | 62 |
| 25/01/2003 | 14,544 | 91 | 86 |
| 24/01/2004 | 15,817 | 76 | 76 |
| 01/01/2005 | 18,131 | 78 | 84 |
| 29/01/2005 | 17,193 | 91 | 76 |
| 28/01/2006 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 27/01/2007 | 16,881 | 85 | 70 |
| 26/01/2008 | 16,555 | 89 | 72 |
| 24/01/2009 | 16,607 | 28 | 67 |
| 30/01/2010 | 15,479 | 82 | 73 |
| 29/01/2011 | 17,286 | 96 | 70 |
| 28/01/2012 | 18,565 | 28 | 72 |
| 26/01/2013 | 18,208 | 92 | 84 |
| 25/01/2014 | 18,932 | 97 | 56 |
| 24/01/2015 | 20,046 | 81 | 58 |
| 30/01/2016 | 20,785 | 257 | 59 |
| 28/01/2017 | 22,598 | 75 | 94 |
| 27/01/2018 | 20,885 | 52 | 64 |
| 26/01/2019 | 20,407 | 87 | 63 |
| 25/01/2020 | 20,414 | 95 | 61 |
| 30/01/2021 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 29/01/2022 | 20,050 | 96 | 65 |
| 28/01/2023 | 21,024 | 122 | 93 |
| 27/01/2024 | 20,053 | 103 | 61 |
Thriving Through the Decades with a 168% Attendance Boost
The Cheltenham Trials event has seen a consistent increase in attendance from its inception in 1989, when it hosted 7,467 attendees, to over 20,000 in recent years.
- By the mid-1990s, the event's popularity had already attracted over 10,000 attendees.
- The early 2000s marked a further rise, with attendance surpassing 15,000 by 2004 and continuing upwards.
- Notable peaks were recorded in 2017 with 22,598 attendees and in 2016, which also had a significant rise in bookmaker participation.
- By 2024, the event had stabilized at around 20,000 attendees annually, with no year since 2015 recording fewer than that number.
From 1989 to 2024, the percentage increase in attendance was 168%, highlighting the Trials' growing popularity as racing enthusiasts begin to experience 'festival fever.' This trend reflects the enduring allure and excitement surrounding the Cheltenham Trials as a premier event in the racing calendar.
Bookmaker pitches are as busy as ever at Cheltenham on Trial day
There has been a steady increase in attendance, but bookmaker participation has shown notable fluctuations over the years, with numbers generally correlating to attendance trends but also influenced by external factors.
In the 1990s, bookmaker pitches averaged around 100, closely aligning with the steady growth in attendance. However, 2009 marked a sharp decline to just 28 pitches, contrasting with a still-strong attendance of over 16,000.
The peak in bookmaker participation occurred in 2016, with a remarkable 257 pitches - driven by regulatory changes or heightened industry interest. Since then, bookmaker numbers have generally declined, with recent years averaging around 90 pitches despite stable attendance figures.
Growth in Runners and Bookmaker Dynamics
Attendance and runner numbers at Cheltenham Trials have generally increased. In the 1990s, runner numbers ranged from 40 to 60, compared to 56 to 94 runners in recent years.
While attendance is strong, bookmaker involvement has become more variable, reflecting changing market conditions. The event's ability to attract large audiences highlights its significance in jump racing.
Next, let's explore trends in the four races held at the end of January.
Cheltenham Trials Day Main Races
Next, let's explore trends in the four races held at the end of January to dive into how they may have changed over the years. Click on any of the links in the bullet list to find a complete preview and statistical record of each race
Timeform Novices Handicap Chase
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 5:20.34 | Ginnys Destiny (IRE) 8yo 12-0 4/1F | Harry Cobden Paul Nicholls (GB) |
| 2023 5:15.10 | Stage Star (IRE) 7yo 12-0 11/4F | Harry Cobden Paul Nicholls (GB) |
| 2022 5:16.55 | Imperial Alcazar (IRE) 8yo 11-12 9/1 | Paddy Brennan Fergal O'Brien (GB) |
| 2020 5:35.20 | Simply The Betts (IRE) 7yo 11-5 11/2 | Gavin Sheehan Harry Whittington (GB) |
| 2019 5:17.30 | Kildisart (IRE) 7yo 11-7 9/2 | Daryl Jacob Ben Pauling (GB) |
| 2018 5:28.60 | Mister Whitaker (IRE) 6yo 10-8 6/1 | A P Heskin Mick Channon (GB) |
| 2017 5:28.30 | Royal Vacation (IRE) 7yo 11-9 12/1 | Paddy Brennan Colin Tizzard (GB) |
| 2016 5:39.10 | Kings Odyssey (IRE) 7yo 10-13 8/1 | Leighton Aspell Evan Williams (GB) |
| 2015 5:24.70 | Generous Ransom (IRE) 7yo 10-11 6/1 | Daryl Jacob Nick Gifford (GB) |
| 2014 5:34.70 | Indian Castle (IRE) 6yo 11-3 14/1 | Jason Maguire Donald McCain (GB) |
- Race duration fluctuates, with fastest time in 2023 by Stage Star (5:15.10) and slowest in 2016 by Kings Odyssey (5:39.10).
- All winners in the dataset are Irish-bred; victors are typically 6-8 years old.
- Standout heavy-weight performances: Ginnys Destiny (2024) and Stage Star (2023), both at 12-0.
- Mixed betting trends; favourites sometimes deliver, but longer odds have also succeeded.
- Notable jockey-trainer duo: Harry Cobden and Paul Nicholls, winning back-to-back in 2023 and 2024.
Timeform Novices Handicap Chase Preview, Tips, Runners & Trends (Festival Trials Day)
The Cotswold Chase
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 6:48.88 | Capodanno (FR) 8yo 11-4 7/2 | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2023 6:35.96 | Ahoy Senor (IRE) 8yo 11-7 13/2 | Derek Fox Lucinda Russell (GB) |
| 2022 6:33.81 | Chantry House (IRE) 8yo 11-6 5/6F | Nico de Boinville Nicky Henderson (GB) |
| 2021 6:39.74 | Native River (IRE) 11yo 11-6 13/2 | Richard Johnson Colin Tizzard (GB) |
| 2020 6:59.15 | Santini (GB) 8yo 11-4 13/8F | Nico de Boinville Nicky Henderson (GB) |
| 2019 6:35.60 | Frodon (FR) 7yo 11-6 9/4 | Bryony Frost Paul Nicholls (GB) |
| 2018 6:54.00 | Definitly Red (IRE) 9yo 11-6 7/1 | Danny Cook Brian Ellison (GB) |
| 2017 6:41.20 | Many Clouds (IRE) 10yo 11-10 8/1 | Leighton Aspell Oliver Sherwood (GB) |
| 2016 6:58.10 | Smad Place (FR) 9yo 11-6 9/2 | Richard Johnson Alan King (GB) |
| 2015 6:52.10 | Many Clouds (IRE) 8yo 11-10 4/1 | Leighton Aspell Oliver Sherwood (GB) |
- Fastest race time: Chantry House 2022 (6:33.81) under Nico de Boinville for Nicky Henderson.
- Slowest time: Santini 2020 (6:59.15), showing impact of conditions.
- Winners typically experienced chasers, aged 7-11; standout veteran Native River won in 2021 at eleven.
- Horses like Many Clouds showed class carrying extra weight.
- Mixed betting trends: favorites justified positions; upsets with horses like Ahoy Senor (2023) and Many Clouds (2017).
- Key jockey-trainer pairings: Nico de Boinville/Nicky Henderson, and Paul Townend/Willie Mullins highlighting Irish dominance.
Cotswold Chase Preview, Tips, Runners & Trends (Festival Trials Day)
Cleeve Hurdle
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 5:06.56 | Noble Yeats (IRE) 9yo 11-2 3/1 | Harry Cobden Emmet Mullins (IRE) |
| 2023 6:00.23 | Gold Tweet (FR) 6yo 11-2 14/1 | Johnny Charron Gabriel Leenders (FR) |
| 2022 5:58.53 | Paisley Park (IRE) 10yo 11-6 5/1 | Aidan Coleman Emma Lavelle (GB) |
| 2020 6:25.81 | Paisley Park (IRE) 8yo 11-6 4/6F | Aidan Coleman Emma Lavelle (GB) |
| 2019 5:59.20 | Paisley Park (IRE) 7yo 11-6 100/30F | Aidan Coleman Emma Lavelle (GB) |
| 2018 6:25.60 | Agrapart (FR) 7yo 11-6 9/1 | Lizzie Kelly Nick Williams (GB) |
| 2017 5:59.90 | Unowhatimeanharry (GB) 9yo 11-8 10/11F | Barry Geraghty Harry Fry (GB) |
| 2016 6:26.20 | Thistlecrack (GB) 8yo 11-8 4/5F | Tom Scudamore Colin Tizzard (GB) |
| 2015 6:07.80 | Saphir Du Rheu (FR) 6yo 11-4 3/1 | Sam Twiston-Davies Paul Nicholls (GB) |
| 2014 6:25.81 | Knockara Beau (IRE) 11yo 11-0 66/1 | Jan Faltejsek George Charlton (GB) |
- Fastest recent time: Noble Yeats in 2024 (5:06.56) under Harry Cobden, Emmet Mullins trainer.
- Slowest time: Thistlecrack in 2016 (6:26.20) with Tom Scudamore/Colin Tizzard.
- Dominant performances by seasoned hurdlers; notable three-time winner Paisley Park (2019, 2020, 2022) with Aidan Coleman/Emma Lavelle.
- Mixed betting trends: reliability of favorites like Thistlecrack (2016) vs surprise wins like Knockara Beau (2014).
- Key jockey-trainer partnerships: Aidan Coleman/Paisley Park and Harry Cobden/Noble Yeats.
Cleeve Hurdle Preview, Tips, Runners & Trends (Festival Trials Day)
International Hurdle
| Year | Horse | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 4:14.87 | Lossiemouth (FR) 5yo 11-0 4/7F | Paul Townend W P Mullins (IRE) |
| 2021 4:02.98 | Guard Your Dreams (GB) 5yo 11-0 5/1 | Sam Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies (GB) |
| 2020 4:08.67 | Song For Someone (GER) 5yo 11-6 6/1 | Aidan Coleman Tom Symonds (GB) |
| 2019 4:18.96 | Call Me Lord (FR) 6yo 11-0 2/1F | James Bowen Nicky Henderson (GB) |
| 2018 4:05.10 | Brain Power (IRE) 7yo 11-0 7/1 | Nico de Boinville Nicky Henderson (GB) |
| 2017 4:07.90 | My Tent Or Yours (IRE) 10yo 11-0 5/1 | Barry Geraghty Nicky Henderson (GB) |
| 2016 4:06.90 | The New One (IRE) 8yo 11-8 13/8F | Richard Johnson Nigel Twiston-Davies (GB) |
| 2015 4:12.80 | Old Guard (GB) 4yo 11-4 7/1 | Sam Twiston-Davies Paul Nicholls (GB) |
| 2014 4:06.90 | The New One (IRE) 6yo 11-8 4/7F | Sam Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies (GB) |
| 2013 4:04.45 | The New One (IRE) 5yo 11-8 2/5F | Sam Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies (GB) |
- Notable recent win: Lossiemouth in 2024 (4:14.87) with Paul Townend/W P Mullins.
- The New One excelled with wins in 2013, 2014, 2016, notable time of 4:04.45 in 2013.
- Surprise win: Guard Your Dreams in 2021 (4:02.98) with Sam Twiston-Davies, showcasing potential of younger horses.
- Young and older horses show competitiveness; age not always crucial.
- The International Hurdle highlights mix of experience and youth, thrilling spectators in January.
International Hurdle Preview, Tips, Runners & Trends (Festival Trials Day)
These four races, each with their unique characteristics and challenges, continue to draw significant crowds, showcasing the enduring appeal of Cheltenham as a hub for National Hunt racing. While the increased attendance over the past three decades mirrors the growing popularity of the sport.
