The Cheltenham Festival has kicked off in style as glamorous racegoers clad in tweed and fur arrived in Gloucestershire for the four-day racing event.
Signalling the start of the British social season and, with spring around the corner, revellers at the annual occasion quickly got into the party spirit on day one of the festival.
As big a draw for its fashion as the horse racing, Cheltenham attendees paraded down the racecourse in statement suits, tweed jackets and knee-high boots.
British fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper was a vision in a navy-and-green tartan-print peplum jacket and matching tweed skirt from her own brand.
The founder of Holland Cooper – a favourite of the Princess of Wales’ – paired her outfit with a delicate fascinator and burgundy leather accessories, including boots and a bag.
She was joined by perfectly coiffed women – clad in thigh-skimming dresses, fur-lined jackets, tailored suits and trenches – drinking champagne while enjoying a sunny day in the countryside.
Spirits were high as revellers gathered around large screens to watch the action unfold as drinks flowed freely.
Here come the girls! A group of glamorous ladies pose for the camera as they attend the first day of the Cheltenham festival
Check them out! British fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper (pictured left) was a vision in a navy-and-green tartan-print peplum jacket and matching tweed skirt from her own brand. Other racegoers wore similar tartan styles, pictured right
Zara Tindall might’ve wore a navy outfit for the event but she was anything but blue as she smiled alongside her former rugby ace husband Mike
Whilst there were plenty of glamorous women at today’s event, the men certainly held their own, with some opting for brightly coloured statement suits, wacky windcheaters and overcoats.
Zara Tindall, a regular fixture at Cheltenham, also made a stylish appearance in a navy wool skirt suit by The Fold.
The King’s niece’s striking teal hat added a bold touch to her look and complemented the emerald pussybow blouse visible beneath her jacket.
Elsewhere, after making a red-hot entrance, Georgia Toffolo was seen sipping on a pint of Guinness while posing for photographs before the races got underway.
The Made in Chelsea star, 31, revealed her outfit in a post on Instagram, as she admitted her red suit ‘may be completely mad and slightly controversial for Cheltenham’.
She quipped that ‘you certainly won’t miss me on the course’ as the reality TV star modelled a two-piece Chanel suit that she bought in New York last September.
‘I’ve waited all these months to unveil her,’ Georgia wrote on her Instagram.
She finished the look with a black turtleneck from Intimissimi, tights from Calzedonia, and Massimo Dutti shoes.
Hat’s the spirit! A glamorous group of racegoers showcase their sensational headwear at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival
Cheers to that! Excited racegoers dressed in matching coats punch the air in delight
Dance like no one is watching! Delighted racegoers share a spin as they attend the races
There’s no chance of them blending into the crowd! Two racegoers wear equally bright suits as they arrive at the festival
Colourful country chic! One woman opted for a vibrant coat teamed with tan boots and a mathing handbag
Fur-tastic! An elegant racegoer dons a statement hat with a golden emblished check and striped jacket
Having a fun-filled time! Two fashionable racegoers share a laugh at the four-day event
All having a laugh: A duo of racegoers share a giggle as they watch one of the races today
Working it! A woman showcases her statement headgear as she attends the festival
Neutral but nice! One couple brings fashion to the festival as they enjoy the first day of the event
It’s all about the headwear: One woman sports a stylish fur hat as she arrives at the occasion
Georgia also showed off her thrifted bag charm – a leather horse – and declared she was ‘buzzing’ that Cheltenham had finally arrived.
In another photo posted on her Instagram Stories, Georgia revealed she was so excited for the festival that she arrived early enough to sunbathe for a few hours.
The excitement was palpable ahead of the first race which began just after 1pm.
Snaps showed guests drinking bottles of Moët straight from the bottle while others were dancing and singing on the streets.
Guests were also delighted to discover that the festival organisers had stayed true to their word by slashing the price of a pint of Guinness to £7.50 for this year’s edition.
As detailed by Daily Mail Sport in September, the decision to lower the prices came as a means to entice racegoers to return to the four-day event after a reduction in attendance.
In 2025, 218,839 people flocked to Prestbury Park – a decrease of more than 10,000 on the previous year when just south of 230,000 attended.
Last year’s Ladies Day, which is on a Wednesday, saw just 41,949 come through the gates – the lowest crowd figure for a single day in a quarter of a century.
A woman poses for the cameras while enjoying her day out at the Cheltenham festival
Raising a glass! Two glamorous women cheers while enjoying a day out at the races today
Taking it all in: Racegoers react as they watch one of the races at the first day of Cheltenham
Picture perfect! Three friends posed and smiled for the cameras as they showed off their stylish outfits
Making the most of it: A group of fashionable racegoers share a dance while at the event
Think pink! A woman wears a striking, vibrant matching jacket and trousers for the occasion
It’s never too early for Champagne! A woman enjoys a small bottle of fizz at the races today
Multitasking: A woman enjoys a drink while carrying another as she enjoys a day at the races
Many punters blamed the increasing costs of attending and enjoying Cheltenham as the main factor for no-shows, with a pint of Guinness in 2025 almost at the £8-mark at £7.80.
And in response to all of the above, the price of a pint of Guinness at this year’s Festival has been slashed by 30p to £7.50. Meanwhile a half-pint is £3.75 – 15p less than last year.
Drinks were cheaper all around; the price of single pours of gin, vodka and rum were all reduced by 20p.
The races today began at 1:20pm with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – traditionally one of the most eagerly anticipated novice contests of the season and a race that often showcases future stars of the sport.
Later on the card came the highlight of the afternoon – the Champion Hurdle – where the very best two-mile hurdlers go head-to-head for one of the most prestigious prizes in the jumps calendar.
