A significant horse racing event in the UK’s National Hunt racing calendar, the Cheltenham Festival has a particular hold over people in Ireland. Here’s why.
A four-day horse racing festival in March that takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse in, Gloucestershire, The Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest events in the UK’s horseracing calendar.
Not only does it normally coincide with the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Rather, The Cheltenham Festival is practically a national holiday in and of itself.
Today, we’re looking at a few reasons why the festival has captured the hearts of the nation.
Ireland’s long-held connection to horseracing – a national past time
One of the most obvious reasons why the Cheltenham Festival is practically a national holiday in Ireland is thanks to the island’s strong links with horseracing.
A hugely popular sport across Ireland that bleeds into the island’s culture and history, it comes as no surprise that Irish trainers, jockeys, and horses frequently dominate at Cheltenham.
Often the festival is seen as a showcase of Irish talent, awakening a sense of national pride. Some well-known Irish competitors include jockeys Tony McCoy, AP McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald, Ruby Walsh, and Barry Geraghty.
Legendary Irish horses such as Arkle, Istabraq, and Hurricane Fly have also cemented Ireland’s success at the festival.
The luck of the Irish – betting and horseracing in Ireland
The Irish have long engaged in the thrills and spills of betting and trying their luck.
So, the excitement of a horseracing event such as Cheltenham, which offers punters the chance to bet on the races live feeds into that culture of excitement.
The festival normally takes place in the third week of March, meaning it falls around the Paddy’s Day holidays.
The ideal way to combine the excitement of Ireland’s national holiday while socialising, enjoying a few pints, and the prospect of winning some money, the Cheltenham Festival aligns perfectly with the festive atmosphere.
The impact of TV and media – widespread coverage
The Irish media machine no doubt plays a central role in why the Cheltenham Festival is practically a national holiday in Ireland.
The annual festival receives extensive media coverage in Ireland, with dedicated TV channels and radio stations broadcasting the latest updates on the race.
The build-up to the big day boosts attention and excitement for the race, with prospects and predictions dominating sports news in the weeks leading up to the event.
The hype around Cheltenham creates a real sense of anticipation and celebration, which is similar to that of any major national holiday.
Significant economic impact – a huge win for Ireland
Another major reason why the Cheltenham Festival is practically a national holiday In Ireland is because of the significant economic impact it has on the island.
Ireland’s continued success in the race has created an entire industry around the breeding and training of racehorses.
Meanwhile, the huge hype and excitement around the event draws large crowds to bars around the island that are screening the event, bringing lots of euros spent on food and drinks.
Many Irish businesses benefit from the influx of visitors and the increased activity around the event, especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Feeding off the excitement, many venues offer special promotions and deals to encourage customers through the doors on the big day. Thus, creating a further sense of excitement and festivities.
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