'You can't sit still or tinker around the edges' - Cheltenham changes will make it more appealing to punters says bookmaker
One of Britain's bookmaking giants has welcomed the changes to the Cheltenham Festival and believes they will lead to more attractive betting contests for punters and have a positive impact on turnover.
The Jockey Club announced a raft of changes to the festival last week aimed at improving race competitiveness and customer experience after concerns regarding small field sizes and failing attendances.
The changes include the Turners' Novices' Chase, Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase and the National Hunt Chase all being switched to handicaps, with the latter also opened up to professional riders instead of being amateur only.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inBritain
Last updated
- 'I don’t want to do too much too early' - Harry Cobden to return to the saddle for one ride at Warwick on Thursday
- In-person Lesters awards ceremony to return in December
- High-profile Saturday TV fixture at Newmarket sold to York by the Jockey Club
- BHA seeks government engagement on range of topics - including levy review
- 'She's the complete package' - Jeremy Scott plots route back to Cheltenham with festival winner Golden Ace
- 'I don’t want to do too much too early' - Harry Cobden to return to the saddle for one ride at Warwick on Thursday
- In-person Lesters awards ceremony to return in December
- High-profile Saturday TV fixture at Newmarket sold to York by the Jockey Club
- BHA seeks government engagement on range of topics - including levy review
- 'She's the complete package' - Jeremy Scott plots route back to Cheltenham with festival winner Golden Ace