How the Cheltenham Festival race programme has evolved this century
This century the Cheltenham Festival has undergone several changes, leading to it becoming the four-day 28-race spectacular that each jumps season is centred around.
2005
When three became four. Formerly a three-day festival, in 2005 an additional day was added to the meeting, and with it came five new races, including the Fred Winter.
2008
The late, great David Nicholson was recognised with the addition of the Grade 2 Mares' Hurdle. Now run as the OLBG Mares' Hurdle it is a race Willie Mullins has farmed with nine wins.
2015
The Mares' Hurdle became Quevega's to lose as the wondermare took the race six years in a row between 2009 and 2014. A year later the race was upgraded to Grade 1 status. Of the 28 races at the meeting, 14 are Grade 1s.
2016
More good news for mares, and Willie Mullins, as the Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle was introduced. Since its inception Mullins has won every running. The charity race made way, meaning each day of the festival now had seven top-class races apiece.
2020
National Hunt Chase to be cut from 3m7½f to 3m6f in response to welfare concerns, with horses and jockeys needing to meet tighter conditions to take part.
2021
A new mares' chase to be introduced. A decision has yet to be made on which race will make way.
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Published on 12 August 2019inBritain
Last updated 11:17, 12 August 2019
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- Fall in betting turnover and impact of affordability checks could spark demise of British racing warns punters' body
- Derek Fox free to ride National favourite Corach Rambler after decision on potential whip ban delayed
- Gambling Commission 'working really hard' - but racing still waits for results of affordability checks consultation
- Ryan Mania cleared to ride at Aintree after two-week whip ban is halved following appeal
- Middleham set to fly the open day flag for racing fans on Good Friday