'It affects all the Irish' - Willie Mullins on the biggest problem with the Cheltenham Festival despite recent changes

Willie Mullins, the leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival, said he is pleased to see some changes for jump racing's marquee meeting but feels the biggest issue impacting crowds is the cost of accommodation for racegoers coming from Ireland.

Cheltenham has taken steps this week to enhance the customer experience in response to slumping attendances, with last season's aggregate crowd of 218,839 the smallest in the last decade. These include reducing the cost of drinks, capping attendances at 66,000 per day, lifting drinking restrictions, improving the PA system, the return of ladies' day and additional ticket discounts.

Mullins has welcomed all of the above, but there is an even bigger problem according to the man who has trained 113 winners at the festival. He said: "It's good to see the Cheltenham executive addressing what they feel are the problems to get more bums on seats but, for Irish people, Cheltenham remains very expensive.