Cheltenham Festival
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19 Jan 11
10:36
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16 Dec 03
Been to Cheltenham before but not when they separate these enclosures at the GC.
Any thoughts on whether Club is worth the extra (£75 versus £50) - is it just better viewing spots?
Thanks
Any thoughts on whether Club is worth the extra (£75 versus £50) - is it just better viewing spots?
Thanks
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Replies: 24
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Can only speak as someone who splashes out on Club badges for all four days, but it gets heaving in there on Gold Cup Day.
Plenty of folks herein and on the racing grapevine complain about this and I've always thought / suggested they take some Man Up pills, but last year was definitely the most unpleasant viewing experience I've had at Cheltenham. On the plus side, it tends to thin out after the GC. |
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I did Gold Cup day for the first time last year, and went in Club when I normally go in Tatts for the Tuesday which is always fine.
Sadly, they seemed to just cram in as many people as possible at the expense of everyone's enjoyment. It was completely heaving and just not pleasureable, it was almost gridlock trying to get back through to the winner's enclosure after the Gold Cup. Simply too many people. On top of this, with the exception of the Gold Cup the racing is not as good as the first two days. I love Cheltenham to pieces but simply could not reccommend going on Gold Cup day. I'll still be there for the Tuesday though which I wouldn't miss for the world, absolutely love it.  |
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rogerbutler. Im in the exact same boat as you, last year was ridiculous I couldnt get a to toilet anywhere because of the ques and ended up missing part of a race.
Ive not booked Gold Cup day this year and I doubt I will. |
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agree with the sentiments above, GC day has become increasingly uncomfortable in the last few years, to the point of being unpleasant at times.
One solution I'd suggest is getting a seat in the ****$$ Grandstand for the day - a few of us have done this for GC day only of late and it works well - reasonably close to the paddock / pre-parade and at least you know you'll be able to watch the races with a decent view and a bit of comfort. about GBP 30 from memory. |
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FFS - the ***$$ is a well known stout, brewed in Dublin, estd 1759, first name Arthur.
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Defies the logic of buying a Club badge but this year I may wander down to the final fence in the centre of the course for the Gold Cup.
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I have also gone for a seat in the Guin ness grandstand just for the Friday. Did all 4 days last year in Tatts but trying to move about on the Friday and get any kind of decent viewing was nigh on impossible
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Thanks for the feedback on this. Like the idea of the grandstand seats - that sounds a good plan.
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I hadnt missed a day at the festival since I started going in 1986 until last year when I thought to myself enough is enough as the club enclosure had been getting more and more uncomfortable year on year, I eventually said sod it and didnt go so now I only get club tickets for the first 3 days which is excellent viewing and easy access to all facilities
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Club, would not go anywhere else,fantastic atmosphere, busy but absolutely fine.
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well it like most things in life, you only pay for what you get and there is a reason the Club is dearer than tatts
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Club is quite a bit dearer than tatts. What are the main reasons or extra benefits to Club over Tatts?
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My Main reason is view of finishing line
if it is a tight finish you wont be able to tell who won or who is in front unless you are watching on the screens which are about 2 secs slower. Also Club has more room except on gold cup day which i avoid like a plaque |
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I am an annual member so do club; but when friends come along I always recommend tatts as much better value for money imo. I stand with with my friend in tatts on at least one day every year and dont miss anything about club apart from the extra walking between parade ring and bookies.
It all depends what you are after. My day at the races involves viewing horses in parade ring (or pre-parade), getting a bet, watching the race, and not much else! I sometimes have a beer or coffee but never use the restaurants and rarely the bars. Viewing from the tatts stands is very good. I always look at the big screen for close finishes wherever I stand and dispute any time delay at all! |
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The only advantage i can see for club is you can get a reasonable view from lawn in front of stands - to get a similar position in tatts either have to go right up to the top end were the horses pull up or down the course after walkway to course - neither spots are as good. Having said that i've foud it virtually impossible to get a drink in club on gold cup day so all a question of priorites
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Just going Gold Cup day this year, viewing wise would it be better to purchase a Tatts ticket plus a Guiness Grandstand seat or just a club ticket? Never been in club before so don't know what the viewings like
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I went in 05 Thurs and Fri bought a club for the Fri and for me i did not get the extra benefit. Depends what youre after.
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Id advise club for the first 3 day because theres that bit more room, but gold cup day club just gets as bad as tatts, feels like your playing a game of rugby. If you want to watch the gold cup in the grand stand then make your way to the winners enclosure afterwards good luck :)
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Can't be done!
By the end of the previous race (what is it this year? The County Hurdle? I forget) you've got to have plumped for one of: Seeing the horses in the parade ring Getting a bet on with the tote / Bookies Having a 'hit and miss' Having a drink Getting a good vantage point for the Gold Cup. Afterwards, be prepared to be stationery until at least the 'horses away' notice. |
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If it is the county I'd suggest watching the county on the big screen near the parade ring once the race has been run go to the pre parade ring to have a look at the horses, once they start going out to the parade ring id make a run for the grand stand because It would be getting on for full by that time.
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both overpriced
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I've been going for many years - always do Tatts. Worst thing they ever did though was get rid of the head-on stand past the winning post! Superb view, great atmosphere.
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ttt for gsus
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You can do most things if you want to.
Last 3 Gold Cups i've managed to go to the paddock before hand, get a nice position on the lawn and get back to paddock after the race before the winner gets in. I'd definitely advise club. |