'You can't sit still or tinker around the edges' - Cheltenham changes will make it more appealing to punters says bookmaker

Runners make their way around the course during the Coral Cup during day two of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham Festival: a raft of changes were announced to the meeting last weekCredit: Michael Steele

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 turned into handicaps, with the last-named also opened up to professional riders instead of being amateur only.

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Matt RennieReporter

Published on 1 October 2024inBritain

Last updated 18:43, 1 October 2024

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