The 2025 Cheltenham Festival was far from predictable, starting with Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle,
which drew the biggest gasp of the week when Constitution Hill departed at the fifth. State Man’s fall at the last with a second successive title in sight prompted the biggest groan, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the event.

The Champion Hurdle was just the beginning of a series of unexpected outcomes. Hot favorites like Jonbon and Ballyburn were among those who failed to justify their short odds, leading to compelling tales of the unexpected. The 100-1 success of Poniros in the Triumph, on his hurdling debut, was the biggest shock of the festival, marking the third winner at a three-figure price since 1954, and proving the most exhilarating race of all.

Despite going into the week with strong fancies for several championship events, the home team’s eight winners was the second-lowest in the four-day era, earning a C-.
The home team secured three Grade One wins, including a victory by The New Lion, who looks promising for championship honours next season, and Nicky Henderson’s Jango Baie took the Arkle in the absence of Sir Gino.

Ireland continued to outperform the British with 55% of the runners (249) compared to 200 from British stables, achieving 71% of the wins. Willie Mullins matched his record total of 10 winners

for the Irish but faced challenges with three odds-on defeats. The British aspirations for the Prestbury Cup remain a distant dream compared to Ireland’s impressive performance.

Willie Mullins (left) once more dominated the festival with Fact To File one of his 10 winners.

Unfortunately, the starts were a significant issue, marked with a U. The difficulty in getting the races away cleanly was pronounced, with Maughreen and Jonbon being notable sufferers. Jonbon, the odds-on favorite for Wednesday’s feature, struggled from the start, highlighting the frustration for many punters.

Automatic standing starts didn’t resolve the issue, and the problem was less pronounced on the final afternoon. If similar issues persist at Aintree in three weeks, sterner measures from the officials may be necessary.

Golden Cup Day brought the crowds, but the overall attendance from Tuesday to Thursday was down by 25% in three years, earning a D. People still turned out for Gold Cup Day, but the track’s discount scheme failed to drive upturn over the first three days.

Many National Hunt fans now view the festival as a one-day experience, focusing primarily on the Gold Cup Day. Extending the discount offer to November or December ticket purchases could potentially boost early-season attendance.

The crowd size for the Gold Cup Day made the experience challenging, earning a C+ or B-. Long queues for food, drinks, and transportation were common, but the first three days offered a more premium experience. Relaxing alcohol consumption rules in enclosures was welcomed, and business was brisk in the betting ring. Accommodation costs, however, remained a significant drawback.

The excessive expenditures of the game were evident. Whether in travel or in cost to view.

The festival retains many strengths, with notable excitement and significance surrounding its biggest day. However, weaknesses in areas like performance, value, and attendance need urgent improvement.
Guy Lavender, the new head of Cheltenham, faces a promising challenge in turning around the festival’s fortunes, which could see real results next year. For now, even next year may be more predictable as far as the win’s are concerned.
That’s where the excitement lies.