Beware: police warn of pickpockets targeting winning festival punters on day one

Racegoers have been warned of pickpockets reportedly targeting winning punters on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Cheltenham is operating as a cashless venue for this year’s festival at bars and restaurants, but racegoers have been able to bet in cash with on-course bookmakers and the Tote.

Cheltenham patrons were warned to be on their guard against thieves operating on the course by Gloucestershire Police after reports of people having their wallets taken during the first afternoon of action.

A statement from the police said: “We’re asking racegoers at the Cheltenham Festival to be vigilant of their personal belongings and those around them following reports of pickpockets stealing money.

“Offenders have been targeting people by the betting areas on the main grandstand after they’ve collected winnings.”

Crowds returned to Cheltenham for the first time since 2020 on Tuesday, with a record day one attendance of 68,567.

Ian Renton: “Racegoers have been extremely generous in donating towards the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal'Credit: Harry Trump (Getty Images)

Last week, Ian Renton, regional head of racing for the Jockey Club, said that tickets had sold out for the final day of the festival faster than ever, while Thursday had also sold out for the first time.

He said: “It’s fantastic that more than 68,000 people joined us for day one of the festival and can now say ‘I was there’ for Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore’s incredible performance.

“Racegoers have been extremely generous in donating towards the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal and we look forward to being able to confirm how much money has been raised from our ongoing initiatives later in the week.

“We’re all now looking forward to three more days of world class racing with plenty of fascinating races and superstars of the track still to come.”

Read these next:

Bookies fear four Wednesday bankers as punters edge opening day at Cheltenham

'She didn't go for the safe option' – Ruby Walsh lauds Rachael Blackmore ride

Sign up to William Hill here and get 30-1 on Shishkin to win the Champion Chase on Wednesday of the festival. New customers using EPS30. Applies to bets placed from 12:00 9th March 2022 until 15:30 16th March 2022. Max £1 bet at 30-1. Returns paid as 2 x £15 free bets (30-day expiry). Player, currency restrictions and terms apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.