Venue accessibility at the Cheltenham Festival

Provided that you purchase a valid admission ticket for yourself, you are entitled to apply for one complimentary admission ticket for the same event for the person who is accompanying you to assist you as a personal assistant. The personal assistant must be able to provide you with appropriate assistance which might include:

1. Assisting you in moving around the racecourse

2. Helping you evacuate the racecourse in the event of an emergency

3. Accompanying and/or assist you in using the racecourse’s toilets

4. Assisting you in purchasing refreshments and food or using other services

Please note that the personal assistant admission policy does not apply to disabled persons 17 and under as it is racecourse policy that all persons under the age of 17 must be accompanied at all times in any event by a responsible adult who must purchase their own ticket.

The free admission ticket provided to your personal assistant will carry the same conditions as the admission ticket that you hold.

The eligibility criteria for complimentary personal assistant admission are regularly reviewed and the racecourse reserves the right to update them from time to time. Currently, those who receive one of the following benefits are eligible to apply for a free personal assistant ticket:

1. Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

2. Attendance Allowance (AA)

3. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

4. Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

Additionally, people who are Registered Blind are also eligible.

Please note that, in all cases, the racecourse reserves the right to nevertheless decline to accept an application or to request additional evidence if, in the racecourse's view and discretion, there is reasonable doubt that the applicant would be at a substantial disadvantage in attending without a personal assistant given the accessible facilities and services available at the racecourse.

To prove eligibility you will need to provide the following in respect of one of the benefits referred to above:

1. A copy of the awarding letter from DWP or statement confirming receipt of the allowance
2. Photo ID which matches the details of the recipient of the above.

Alternatively, if you are a Registered Blind Person then a photocopy of certification and matching photo ID is required.

Please note that a Blue Badge is not accepted as evidence of eligibility.

Applications (including all proofs) are to be made in writing to Cheltenham.accessibility@thejockeyclub.co.uk, at least two weeks for The Festival in March. Passes will not be available on the day.

Unfortunately given the demands on resources and staff on event days, assessment for complimentary personal assistant entry is not available on the day.

Tickets will be sent in advance in the post, to the address registered on the paperwork.

A number of accessible viewing areas are provided at Cheltenham.

Viewing areas in the Club Enclosure

A number of accessible viewing areas are provided at Cheltenham.

Viewing areas in the Club Enclosure:

• On the balcony of The Centaur with lowered rails
• Opposite the Weighing Room overlooking the Parade Ring
• On level 1 of The Princess Royal Stand outside the Big Buck's Champagne Bar
• On the Club Lawn overlooking the finishing straight and outside the Mandarin foyer

Viewing areas in Tattersalls Enclosure can be found:

• Overlooking the finishing straight opposite the Sales Arena
• Level 2 Terrace outside the Winged Ox Bar

The Best Mate Enclosure hosts one viewing area:

• Level 2 in the middle of the Best Mate grandstand

Within the main grandstand, there are Radar Key toilets located in The Panoramic Restaurant (5th Floor), near the 4008-4028 boxes (4th Floor), the Sovereign and Crest Rooms (3rd Floor), the Winged Ox Bar (2nd Floor) and the William Hill Betting Hall (1st Floor).

Within The Princess Royal Stand, there are Radar Key toilets on all floors, including the lower ground floor.

Other accessible toilet locations include inside The Centaur entrance, Istabraq bar, below the Hall of Fame, the Gold Cup & Festival Restaurants entrance foyer, by See You Then Terrace, See You Then Bar, First Aid Centre and on both levels of the Best Mate grandstand. Other toilets with enlarged cubicles include Best Mate Enclosure, Quevega's and Mandarin Bar.

All toilets can be accessed using a Radar Key. For ease, we recommend that you bring a radar key with you on your visit, these can be bought online. If you do not hold a Radar Key please ask the nearest steward who will be pleased to assist you.

Temporary disabled toilets for the Festival are located; Best Mate - at the back of the Pavilion Bar, Horseshoe Pavilion Restaurant (Unisex toilet), Champions Drive, The Guinness Village, Keith Prowse Facility, Needhams Boxes & Long Run Boxes.

The main parking area for Accessible Car Parking is Red 2, please follow directional signage on approach. This car park is situated near to the steam railway train station, and a wheelchair accessible buggy service operates on all racedays between there and the North Entrance.

There are car parking charges for all racegoers at The Festival, when Blue Badge holders will also be charged.

We strongly advise racegoers to arrive early to secure a place in this reserved parking area as once it is full, Blue Badge holders will be parked in alternative locations.

When wishing to return to your vehicle please call 07899 235 004 when the buggy driver will be able to arrange to collect you from the North or Hall of Fame entrances at which you are positioned until one hour after the last race when the service closes. Unfortunately, the buggy service cannot visit the coach parks to pick up guests in these areas.

The drop-off and pick up positions are a distance from the entrances and exits of the venue, so please do bear this in mind when planning your visit. We would always encourage those with mobility requirements to travel by car rather than coach, minibus, limo or taxi.

There is an induction loop facility around the auditorium of The Centaur and across all floors of The Princess Royal Stand (near the bars and the betting outlets).

Access to all five levels of the grandstand can be gained using the lifts in The Mandarin Foyer and the glass lifts at the end of the Hall of Fame. The Centaur has a lift in the Entrance Foyer taking you into the Istabraq bar with access to the balcony and the Hall of Fame.

The First Aid Centre is situated above the Pre-Parade Ring behind the Paddock Bar & Terrace. A member of staff will be able to direct you to the building.

Assistance dogs are welcome to attend with their owners without additional charge. We do suggest owners contact the racecourse in advance when booking your tickets so we can advise you on the expected attendance for your event date and the facilities available for yourself and your assistance dog.