The Cheltenham Races International Meet Preview 🐎

Ahhh, haven’t we waited long enough! But the wait is almost over! Cheltenham Races is almost back for The International Meet!

We’ve had some great racing this weekend, with Native River winning the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree and Defi Du Seuil winning the Tingle Creek at Sandown- did you manage to catch these races?

Below I’ve put together a little preview of the two race days to come at Cheltenham Racecourse this week, a handy jackets guide if you’re struggling with what to wear, and some top tips for the day. I hope you enjoy 🐎

The International Meet

Running Friday 13th and Saturday 14th December, this exciting meet promises 14 exciting races across two days of racing. Christmas jumpers are welcome, with prizes available for the most festive and fun! With approximately 19 trade stands within the shopping village, it’s the perfect opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done, whilst enjoying a fabulous day out!

Friday 13th

Gates open at 10am, with the first race at 12.10pm and the last race at 3.40pm. Tickets start from just £9 and are also available on the gate.

The Betvictor Handicap Chase at 2.30pm is set to be the big race of the day here. Cheltenham Racecourse is also the only course of its kind in Britain to hold a race over the cross country fences, which are to the centre of the course. The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (3:05pm) concludes the Crystal Cup series, which is run across 10 different racecourses.

At 4.45pm after racing, Tattersals Cheltenham will hold their sale in the Tattersals Sales Arena.

Saturday 14th

Gates open at 10am, with the first race at 12.10pm and the last race at 3.40pm. Tickets start from just £9 and are also available on the gate.

On the Saturday, it’s the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup Hanicap Chase at 1.55pm that’s set to get pulses racing. It was last year that we saw the incredibly talented Bryony Frost take the win on probably my favourite racehorse, Frodon.

There really is something for everyone, and the Saturday of the meet is perfect for friends, families or evening coming alone!

Jackets for the Occasion:

Struggling to decide what to wear to your next race meet? Below I’ve chosen four jackets from affordable style through to timeless luxury, that will carry you through the racing season.

Primark Mustard Single Breasted Coat

This jacket is so affordable and I love the mustard colour. This design is timeless and you can layer up well underneath. This would pair perfectly with a really chunky roll neck jumper and a skirt or trousers. Pair with some short ankle boots to complete the look.

Price: £23.00

New Look Camel Revere Collar Coat

Camel coats are such a popular option now and New Look offers something really affordable. This would be ideal for someone racing for the first time, or someone wanting to buy a new outfit, but on a sensible budget. If camel isn’t quite your colour, there are plenty of colours available in this style so there would definitely be something to suit you!

Available in eight other colour ways and in sizes 6-18.

Price: £39.99

Marks and Spencer Wool Blend Waisted Overcoat

This jacket looks so feminine and I love the double breasted button detailing. A longer coat can look so elegant and you could pair this with anything! Layering up underneath a jacket like this is really simple, and you will look warm and cosy on the day- after all there is nothing worse than being stood at the races freezing cold!

Available in three other colour ways and in sizes 6-24.

Price: £99.00

Welligogs Demelza Navy Wool Coat

Welligogs offer such beautiful clothing, absolutely perfect for race day style. The quality, fit and design of each jacket is second to none and you definitely get what you pay for here. These pieces are timeless and well worth the investment. One of these jackets would be my go to racing piece.

Available in five other colour ways, and available in sizes 6-18.

Price: £295.00

Top tips:

– Racing is so much more than just going for a day of drinking and betting! Don’t forget to get outside and see the racing happen! What is more of a waste of a day than going and not seeing a single horse in action!

– If you’re driving, make use of the great coffee units available instead, they also have Costa Coffee on site!

– Check the race times in advance so that you know where you want to be and when – there isn’t actually that much time between the races!

– If you’re wanting to bet, have a look at the form beforehand, and if it’s your first time racing, familiarise yourself with the race card layout and what everything means- this will make things easier on the day!

– If you’ve purchased a Club/Tatts ticket, do have a look around the racecourse, including the Hall of Fame and Parade Ring. Soak up everything there is to see here, Cheltenham is such a beautiful course!

– Most of all, wrap up warm and have fun. Racing is the most delightful of events and there is so much fun to be had by all. No matter who you attend with, or even going alone, do enjoy yourself and embrace the amazing atmosphere!

That’s all for now Darlings!

Follow/stay turned on my Instagram channel, @countryclassiclucinda, to see what I get up to at the meet.

Until then,

Lots of love, Lucinda xo