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Cheltenham and Aintree stand as two of the most iconic names in jump racing, each hosting festivals that capture the imagination of racing fans worldwide.
Cheltenham’s Festival is renowned for its prestige and intense competition, while Aintree’s Grand National Festival boasts one of the most famous and challenging races on the calendar.
But when it comes to choosing a favourite, which event truly holds the crown? We’ve dived into the details, consulted experts, and examined every angle across five key categories to see which festival takes the lead. The rivalry is fierce—so who will cross the winning post first?
Here’s our breakdown of the Cheltenham vs Aintree festivals.
1. History
Cheltenham and Aintree both made their debut at the start of the 19th century. The first organised flat race meeting in Cheltenham took place in 1815. The first official recorded Grand National was in February 1839; known then as the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase. Horses had to jump a stone wall, cross a ploughed field, and finish over two hurdles.
Meanwhile in Cheltenham… violent protestors, encouraged by anti-racing priest, the Reverend Francis Close, burnt the racecourse grandstand to the ground. The attack in 1830, prompted the move to the Cheltenham Festival’s current location – Prestbury Park – in 1831.
The Grand National’s current course was established in 1839 and the race was flipped from a weight-for-age race to a handicap in 1843. Basically: the race has not changed for nearly 200 years. The Cheltenham Gold Cup, however, was not created until 1924. The aim was to create a race that would encourage farmers to breed high-class horses: a true steeplechase.
Both meetings began life in the earlier 19th century but the Grand National is the race with the true heritage and the global reputation.
Winner: AINTREE.
2. Runners and Races
One swallow doesn’t make a summer and one race doesn’t make a meeting. The hype around the Grand National makes it easy to forget that it is just one race in a three-day National Hunt meeting.
The Grand National Festival kicks off on April 2, with Liverpool’s Day: a tribute to the people of the city with seven races, including four Grade 1. Friday is Ladies Day, where style and fashion share the spotlight with four more Grade 1 races.
Saturday is Grand National Day. Eight minutes of National Hunt racing, watched by millions. In fact: it is a Grade 3 handicap race. This is the Blue Riband event: the race everyone wants to bet and watch.
In Cheltenham, the equivalent is the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Although very well known among sports fans and horse racing enthusiasts, the Gold Cup is nowhere near as reputable as the Grand National.
Cheltenham, however, has four days of racing and 15 Grade 1 races; a chance for visitors to see the best horses in the world compete. Every day at Cheltenham has an important race. Day one is the Champion Hurdle; day two, the two-mile Queen Mother Champion Chase; Day three: the Stayers’ Hurdle; with the Cheltenham Gold Cup on day four.
Although the Grand National is one of the best known races in the world, when it comes to racing and value for money, Cheltenham is a three-course dinner of equine entertainment. The Grand National is a stunning entrée but not enough to beat its southern competition.
Winner: CHELTENHAM.
3. Legends
The Cheltenham Festival has been home to some of racing’s greatest legends. The 1930s belonged to Golden Miller, who achieved an incredible five consecutive Gold Cup victories from 1932 to 1936 — only a heavy snowfall prevented a sixth. Remarkably, Golden Miller also claimed the 1934 Grand National, the only horse ever to win both in the same year.
While Cheltenham has delivered unforgettable races, when it comes to sheer drama, Aintree takes the crown.
The legacy of three-time Grand National winner Red Rum still looms large, alongside the inspiring tale of cancer survivor Bob Champion and his mount Aldaniti in 1981. With iconic figures like Peter O’Sullevan, Jenny Pitman, and Richard Dunwoody adding to the lore, Aintree emerges as the more dramatic theatre.
Winner: AINTREE.
4. Alt Entertainment
When the racing action winds down or the crowds become overwhelming, both Aintree and Cheltenham offer plenty to keep visitors entertained. On Liverpool Day at Aintree, the Mersey Beatles pay tribute to the Fab Four with a full set of classics, followed by a George Michael tribute on Friday. Saturday is dedicated solely to racing.
For those at Aintree, the vibrant city of Liverpool beckons, with its rich musical heritage, while nearby Manchester offers another exciting day trip. Nature lovers can also explore the stunning landscapes of the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, or Lake District.
Cheltenham, nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, offers beautiful countryside views right from Prestbury Park. Visitors can easily venture to Gloucester, Bristol, or Bath for more sightseeing. The festival itself boasts top-notch entertainment, featuring daily live bands and DJ sets from stars like Nick Grimshaw and Roman Kemp. With free rides on the Ferris wheel and carousel, Cheltenham’s lively atmosphere gives it the edge.
Winner: CHELTENHAM.
5. Betting
The deciding category is betting. Where is the action? For many people, the Grand National is their one bet of the year; a chance to log on to their favourite online sportsbook and make a real money wager. There are forty runners and long shots to play and pray for. Sometimes they come in. Mon Mome won in 2009 with odds of 100 – 1. Just think: a £10 bet would have netted you a £1,000 win.
But Cheltenham is the festival for the betting aficionado. With less influence from handicappers, and more Grade 1 races than any other National Hunt meeting, Prestbury Park is where the serious players make a punt.
Winner: CHELTENHAM.
Overall Winner: Cheltenham
We give the Cheltenham Festival the slightest of edges over the Aintree Grand National Festival, based on Cheltenham’s superior runners and races, general entertainment, and betting options.
