Safety & Security

Racegoers are encouraged to leave their luggage and any other large items at home or in their hotel and not to bring such items into the racecourse. All bags will be searched upon entry which may delay your entry into the racecourse. Please allow time for your bag to be searched.

Bag of an appropriate size for a day out will be allowed into the enclosures. Large bags such as suitcases, holdalls, and rucksacks will not be granted entry and racegoers will be invited to use the Left Luggage facilities which are located external to the enclosures before the bag search locations.

An exception will be made for essential medical items by contacting us prior to the raceday via email at Cheltenham.Reception@thejockeyclub.co.uk. You will require a letter issued by our team to show proof of correspondence before such items are granted entry into the racecourse.

Why did Cheltenham Racecourse adopt this policy?
Cheltenham Racecourse reviews public safety and racecourse security policies every year looking for ways to improve them. The Racecourse strongly believed that it made sense to adjust the policy to enhance public safety and make racecourse access more efficient by limiting the style of bags carried into the racecourse. This proactive measure will both enhance safety inside and outside the course.

How many bags can each person bring into the racecourse?
One small bag per person that adheres to the above bag policy.

What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
Racegoers carrying bags that do not meet the criteria WILL NOT BE PERMITTED ENTRY. If for any reason (medical or other) you require a bag that does not adhere to the Cheltenham Racecourse bag policy, the entry will be permitted subject to contacting us prior to raceday at Cheltenham.Reception@thejockeyclub.co.uk. You will be issued with a letter representing your right to take those items into the racecourse. You will need to produce this certificate at the entrance.

If I have certain items or equipment that I need to bring into the racecourse for medical reason and they won’t fit in the small bag, what do I do?
An exception will be made for medically necessary items after inspection by security personnel and contacting us prior to raceday at Cheltenham.Reception@thejockeyclub.co.uk. As per above, you will require a letter issued by our team.

Are all handbags prohibited?
No. Unlike some event venues, we are not banning all bags. Bags that adhere to the above bag policy will be granted access into the racecourse. 

The Jockey Club are pleased to support Flare.

Flare is a safe space to share the everyday experiences of women and girls.

The app helps local agencies understand how and where you feel unsafe and take action

It’s anonymous, quick, free to use and can connect you to support advice in Gloucestershire

Limited left luggage service is provided within temporary facilities external to the enclosures (North entrance and Main entrance)

There is also a left luggage facility external to the Best Mate entrance at The Festival. However, we do recommend that you leave luggage and other items at home, if at all possible.

Any items wishing to be left may be subject to rummage searches.

Search dogs will be used at all entrances and within enclosures during The Festival.

Dogs, other than assistance dogs are not permitted within the racecourse enclosures.

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 the day you are attending and the facilities available for yourself and your assistance dog.

Any racegoer who has lost contact with their party should make themselves known to the nearest steward, who will help them re connect in line with our lost person policy.

Prohibited items list;

• Food
• All alcohol (unless agreed with the racecourse and catering team)
• Banners/ posters
• Offensive material/clothing
• Whistles/ air horns/flares
• Large flags
• Weapons/ knives/ sharp objects/ pen knife
• Rope
• Unidentifiable canisters
• Hip flasks
• Professional level photographic equipment without accreditation 
• Dogs (accept assistance dogs)
• Illegal substances
• Team Sports Shirts (Jockey Club Dress Code)