Well, it started well enough. Instead of the one day at the festival, usually on the Champions day, I'm set for two (the Thursday) £68 for Grandstand, car park and racecard, a fair deal I thought.
No not enough, I say to myself, overtaken by the buzz of Cheltenham when I arrive on the opening day I fancy a trip into members, so an upgrade is purchased, £30 mmmmmm. A deal or no deal????
So to the races, seven on the card,a new Champion hurdler to crown.
Yes this is yours truly before the Festival begins, and still not sure what to do.
I know, lets write a small Blog on what is Cheltenham like from the visitors side of the rail.
Big cameras left in the bag, armed with only a camera phone and a racecard I set about the task.
Okay, lets have a look at the new stand and members enclosure, well first thoughts, again questioning my upgrade purchase. Is there a dress code????? Maybe not seeing some who swim in the Club tank with me.
And how on earth can the security really check who has badges or not?? Not tested by yours truly but i could see a few getting through the massive crowd that ascended on the hollowed ground.
It becomes very much apparent timing is essential to get from paddock to stand to watch the race with a good view, must admit I'm feeling a little negative at the moment, where can i see the racing, do i really want to watch the sports on the massive and impressive paddock big screen?
But not a bad call really not only do you see the horses in or out, positive pre racing work can get you a pole position for the day to see the action and it's participants up close and personal.
But can't stay here too long, have to investigate a little more of what Cheltenham has to offer.
Let's see.........
Well if not scared of heights, going up high with a panoramic view of yes that screen, but the full paddock.
A good position you get on a sunny day, perfect views of Cleeve Hill, all the winners coming in and yes, again that big screen. Perfect, what a day. I'm starting to feel a little more confident, the day might not be that much of a whitewash.
Not as busy ( you can even hear the spring song of the nesting birds about) A very nice deli to get a bite to eat and a drink, you can see the winners, also rans and the about to runs all in the same place. and in view of, yes you guessed it that screen........
Well worth a visit in my book, yes my Cheltenham mojo has been restored
looking over the walkway, what a place to stand, you can see it all, and at an angle no one else can get to view......... HAVE A LOOK.
Well, if you want to shop, Cheltenham has increased this area year on year, no bargain bucket offers in place but quality. So if you want a hat, jacket, book bracelet or table???? and i see coffee and cake on offer this year, well this is the place.
OH YES,
Don't forget the horses
And yes we did mention earlier the also rans well past the newly unveiled statue, (one a many of the Cheltenham good and the greats) of Mr AP McCoy
go see the horse get washed off and the jockeys deal out more stories than a series of Jackanory. A great insight to racing.
Well, Mojo restored, day one over and another day to come.
What can i do on Thursday?? St Patricks day so it is billed, could be fun.
