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Asparagus Man
19 Jan 11 10:36
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Date Joined: 16 Dec 03
| Topic/replies: 3,011 | Blogger: Asparagus Man's blog
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
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Report rogerthebutler January 19, 2011 11:01 AM GMT
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.
Report Joist January 19, 2011 11:13 AM GMT
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. Happy
Report abbott January 19, 2011 11:16 AM GMT
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.
Report Just So January 19, 2011 11:25 AM GMT
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 ****$$ Grandstand for the day - a few of us have done this for GC day only of late and it works well - reasonably close to the paddock / pre-parade and at least you know you'll be able to watch the races with a decent view and a bit of comfort. about GBP 30 from memory.
Report Just So January 19, 2011 11:26 AM GMT
FFS - the ***$$ is a well known stout, brewed in Dublin, estd 1759, first name Arthur.
Report rogerthebutler January 19, 2011 11:41 AM GMT
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.
Report resner not lesnar January 19, 2011 12:22 PM GMT
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
Report Asparagus Man January 19, 2011 1:37 PM GMT
Thanks for the feedback on this. Like the idea of the grandstand seats - that sounds a good plan.
Report seaserpent January 19, 2011 5:48 PM GMT
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
Report R Carver January 19, 2011 7:15 PM GMT
Club, would not go anywhere else,fantastic atmosphere, busy but absolutely fine.
Report McK30wn January 19, 2011 7:45 PM GMT
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
Report resner not lesnar January 19, 2011 7:53 PM GMT
Club is quite a bit dearer than tatts. What are the main reasons or extra benefits to Club over Tatts?
Report McK30wn January 19, 2011 7:56 PM GMT
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
Report woodworm January 19, 2011 8:07 PM GMT
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!
Report mr_mulligan January 20, 2011 12:27 AM GMT
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 Laugh
Report bluebirdfan January 20, 2011 10:42 AM GMT
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
Report Steamship January 20, 2011 2:43 PM GMT
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.
Report Brooksielad January 20, 2011 6:55 PM GMT
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 :)
Report rogerthebutler January 20, 2011 10:02 PM GMT
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.
Report Brooksielad January 20, 2011 10:35 PM GMT
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.
Report jimnast January 21, 2011 8:57 AM GMT
both overpriced
Report Roytheboy January 23, 2011 2:51 PM GMT
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.
Report Asparagus Man February 24, 2011 12:39 PM GMT
ttt for gsus
Report Extreme Conviction February 24, 2011 1:13 PM GMT
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.
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