Record ticket sales add fuel to calls for a five-day Cheltenham Festival

Racegoers desperate to get back to Cheltenham have turned this year’s festival into the fastest-selling of all time and have contributed to the track’s decision to consider adding a controversial fifth day.

Spectators return to the festival after a two-year absence and Cheltenham's managing director, Ian Renton, said tickets for the final day of the four-day festival next Friday, featuring the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, had been snapped up quicker than ever, with Thursday sold out for the first time and only limited availability for the opening two days.

That popularity has fuelled the debate around whether the four days could be extended to five at future festivals, with trainers Kim Bailey and Nicky Henderson speaking in favour of introducing an extra day.