With only 16 days until racing returns to Cheltenham Racecourse, we caught up with Head Groundstaff Ben Hastie about what’s been going on around the course.

It’s been over six months since The Home of Jump Racing was in action, and we can’t wait to see the stars of our sport back again.  

“In the last few weeks we have been prepping the site for racing. This has included installing 2 miles of running rail, putting nine flights of hurdles in place ready for our opening meeting, The Showcase.

The track has had a herbicide application and as well as an application of fertiliser, this will keep the turf at its optimum health. This produces the presentation and ground condition that we pride ourselves on.  

All of the hedges around the site have been trimmed and made more presentable. The gallops have had fresh surface in places, as it’s surprising how much material gets lost and moved around on horse’s hooves and tractor tyres.”

We’re looking forward to racing returning even though we are racing behind closed doors, you can still enjoy all the action from home.

Racing behind closed doors means we only allow Owners, Trainers, Jockeys and officials on course.

Read our racing from home hub, with exclusive competitions, news, articles and much more.

Thank you for supporting The Jockey Club and our racecourses.

We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we can.