Cheltenham Festival organisers have taken the decision to cap the daily attendance at 68,500 from 2023 onwards.
The Jockey Club have made the decision in response to customer feedback following this year's meeting, which saw the record attendance for a single day broken on both Thursday and Friday as 73,754 piled into the racecourse on St Patrick's Day before 73,875 attended Gold Cup day.
In total, 280,627 racegoers attended Prestbury Park over the four days in March, but that figure will be down to 274,000 from next year.
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As part of planning the 2023 event, the Jockey Club said it had gathered and reviewed feedback from racegoers and participants about their experience, and while the feedback was “very positive towards the world-class sport on offer and the high standards of facilities at Cheltenham… it was also clear that many wished to see reduced spectator numbers to ease movement around the course and enhance service times”.
Ian Renton, the Jockey Club’s managing director for Cheltenham and the West Region, said: “With Covid-19 spectator restrictions lifted, the Festival made a spectacular return in 2022, welcoming record crowds to enjoy a tremendous atmosphere and the very best of jump racing.
“It was fantastic to attract capacity crowds on both Thursday and Friday to witness some brilliant racing in glorious sunshine. However, we are well aware that our facilities, even after significant investment in recent years, are stretched at these attendance levels.
“Despite the financial implications of reducing attendance numbers, we will be capping daily capacity at 68,500 in the recognition of the importance of ensuring that the Festival remains an attractive and enjoyable experience for the long-term.
“Ticket sales for 2023 have been very brisk and I would advise those wishing to attend to book as soon as possible to avoid any possible disappointment.”
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