CHELTENHAM Festival could see its schedule ripped up as bosses seek to reverse falling attendances.
Guy Lavender, who took over as Cheltenham’s chief exec earlier this year, has admitted the final day of the greatest show on turf could be moved back a day.
The event typically runs from Tuesday to Friday, but this could be moved back – instead running from Wednesday to Saturday.
Lavender told the Racing Post: “There is a willingness to explore a range of ideas and concepts, and this is one I feel is worthy of more consideration, but we’re a long way from building a consensus around a course of action and a long way from getting to the point of reaching a decision.”
The idea was first mooted in 2022, but was quickly ditched following industry-wide discussions.
Attendances at the flagship meeting have dropped just over 60,000 in three years – and Lavender recently confirmed a host of changes to the Festival.
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He continued: “We have just announced a series of changes for 2026 and we haven’t at the moment agreed anything else for future years.
“We’re at the start point of considering a range of options and I don’t think this is anything more than a concept at this particular stage.
“There are obvious pros and cons but I think it is definitely worthy of consideration and exploring further.”
Cheltenham was extended from three to four days in 2005, and moving the calendar back a day could help bolster attendances.
Lavender added: “I do think we can grow and develop the festival over the coming years.
“I think [moving Cheltenham back a day] certainly has some merit for investigating, but we are a long way from getting to a firmer view or decision point.
“There are different partners we would need to speak to and we would need to do modelling work on the financial implications to give us a view on the risk and opportunities.”
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