Cheltenham Festival heralds a stylish start to the British Social Season 2025
The British Social Season is underway. Cheltenham Festival 2025 heralds the start of the major outdoor social and sporting fixtures. It is known as the pinnacle of the jump racing season, attracting famous faces from the world of racing, members of the Royal family and plenty of celebrity faces.
The Sloaney has been reporting live from Cheltenham this week. The racing, fashion, hospitality and dining have all been fantastic. Prestbury Park has been bathed in beautiful sunshine but – in true Cheltenham tradition – the racecourse has also experienced chillier weather too, with early morning snowfall present on Wednesday.
Queen Camilla’s arrival during the week was a nod to Style Wednesday, which saw the crowds embrace the fashion element of the festival.
As showcased in our guide for What to Wear to Cheltenham Festival 2025, tailored tweed jackets and elegant long coats dominated the crowds. There were a few hats on show; however, headbands were also a popular choice, with various feather designs.
One of the highlights on Thursday was Rachel Blackmore’s win in the Stayers’ Hurdle when riding Bob Olinger. It was the pairs third win at Cheltenham after their success in the novice hurdle in 2021 and novice chase in 2022.
Meanwhile, in terms of the social scene, the Green Room was packed with celebrity faces and this has become one of the places to be seen during the week. Mike Tindall was joined by his wife Zara Tindall and a host of sporting faces. AP McCoy, James Haskell and Jeremy Guscott were among those interviewed in front of guests by the excellent Mark Durden-Smith.
The atmosphere in the Guinness Village was as vibrant as ever. The pop-up Gaucho restaurant proved a sophisticated place to dine for those visiting the racecourse for the annual festivities. Tips were given by top jockey Barry Geraghty, before guests were served an outstanding menu that included excellent fillet steak.
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