In a thrilling start to 2026, Cheltenham Racecourse electrified horse racing fans by achieving an unprecedented milestone on New Year's Day, welcoming an extraordinary crowd of 44,151 enthusiastic spectators.

The record-breaking attendance significantly surpassed the previous year's mark of 38,374, marking a momentous achievement for the iconic racing venue. This remarkable turnout not only exceeded expectations but also demonstrated the growing popularity of horse racing as a beloved New Year's tradition.

Headlining the day's excitement was the Relkeel Hurdle, where favorite Kabral Du Mathan, skillfully ridden by Harry Skelton, delivered a commanding performance. The champion horse triumphed over Jingko Blue by an impressive margin of five-and-a-half lengths, thrilling the packed grandstands.

Cheltenham's chief executive, Guy Lavender, expressed profound excitement about the day's success. 'New Year's Day is a meeting that has seen huge growth in recent years,' he noted. 'While our capacity is significantly reduced compared to March, reaching that ceiling is a fantastic achievement.'

The event was particularly notable for its diverse audience, with over 5,000 children joining thousands of young people, local community members, and dedicated racing fans. Lavender emphasized the special nature of the gathering, calling it a wonderful way to start the year and expressing hope that the meeting would set a positive tone for 2026.

Remarkably, this attendance even eclipsed the 41,949 attendees from the Wednesday of the previous Cheltenham Festival, highlighting the venue's growing appeal. The track remains unique in its ability to reach maximum capacity during the Festival, thanks to temporary structures that expand its facilities.

As the racing world looks forward to an exciting year ahead, Cheltenham Racecourse has already demonstrated its ability to captivate and unite racing enthusiasts from all walks of life.