Overview
- Chief executive Guy Lavender says no decision has been taken and any change would follow partner consultation and financial modelling.
- Festival attendances have fallen from 280,627 in 2022 to 218,839 this year, and the meeting is the Jockey Club’s single biggest revenue source.
- Cheltenham has already confirmed 2026 customer measures, including moving the Mares’ Hurdle to Thursday, cutting daily capacity to 66,000 and trimming the price of a pint by 30p.
- Supporters of a Wednesday–Saturday format argue a Saturday card could lift overall crowd numbers and bring in new audiences.
- Critics warn of clashes with the Six Nations and Premier League and possible ITV4 rather than ITV1 coverage, with industry figures split and many fans voicing opposition.