Cheltenham - Your first time

Smitty

Smitty

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Not news, but when did you first go and who was running?

My sister and I had never been to the races. Watched a lot on TV but decided to after I heard an Irish man in Bristol bus station ask one of his mates if he was going up to Cheltenham to see Night Nurse win the CH.

If we went that year I'm not sure but our first ever trip to the races was Gold Cup day. We parked her MG Midget in the car park field, drank a bottle of Lambrusco, watched loads of stretch limos arriving and made our way to the Courage Enclosure? £5.00 entry. It was very foggy, no idea who was running as we didn't know about racecards, didn't have a bet as we didn't know how to, but standing in front of us during what could have been the Gold Cup were four or five owners!! Obviously on reflection they were not, but they kept referring to "Their horse", which we took to mean they owned it 🙄😂

We have both been many times since to Chelt and probably all the West Country courses up to the Midlands, but I believe that day is engraved on our minds 😁
 
First time was probably late 80’s early 90’s when I was in primary school, to see a friend’s dad’s horse run, it’s local to us so not really a big day out.
 
I have a vague recollection that my friend's grandfather bred a horse that was either placed there or won. Latin Furze 🤔. Hurdler I think...
 
Not sure but I think the first time I went gold cup week was when I worked there, I think Cool Dawn won. Last time I went was 2 years ago when a friend's husband couldn't go 'cause he was ill. it's not something I'd ever be willing to pay to go to, it said on the news tonight that the number of tickets sold have gone down again this year and I'm not surprised - £6 for a small can of cider and £12 for sausage & chips! I'll stay at home with a decent cup of tea and a better view on the TV, ta.
 
About four years ago I think, big group of us although we drove ourselves, too sensible these days to booze and needed to get back for the dogs! It was an experience and we enjoyed it but no huge desire to go again.
 
marmalade76 said:
Not sure but I think the first time I went gold cup week was when I worked there, I think Cool Dawn won. Last time I went was 2 years ago when a friend's husband couldn't go 'cause he was ill. it's not something I'd ever be willing to pay to go to, it said on the news tonight that the number of tickets sold have gone down again this year and I'm not surprised - £6 for a small can of cider and £12 for sausage & chips! I'll stay at home with a decent cup of tea and a better view on the TV, ta.
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Should have taken Lambrusco 😉
 
I can’t remember probably about 20 years ago. Until Covid was generally going once or possibly twice each time. Outside of the amazing horses, one of the highlights was winning enough to buy the print of Denman which I had had my eyes on for about five years. I don’t bet much at all but there were two horses I just really fancied including one of a very long price and my very small bets netted me £120 which justified my purchase. A few years ago, I went early just to watch the horses being unloaded for some quiet close ups. I also like standing by the cool down area.
 
I went with a runner in the Thursday hunter chase. It was a sweltering hot day, we and the horses were sweating.

Sally Furlong won the Gold Cup, whenever that was, although I didn't see a thing of the race. I remember being quite shocked at how steep the final hill is, on TV there is absolutely no impression of the gradient.

I would like to go again, but it would have to be with someone, and although I know people who go, I don't seem to get an invitation.
 
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