Hospitality at the Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup
13 March 2026
VIP Packages from £569 pp
Are you looking for a Cheltenham Gold Cup Hospitality in 2026?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the highlight of the Cheltenham Festival and the race everyone wants to win. It is held on the Friday, the last day of the festival, and brings together the world’s best jump horses, jockeys and trainers.
We have a range of fantastic Cheltenham Gold Cup packages for you. These include grandstand boxes overlooking the winning post, private and shared boxes for up to forty people overlooking the final two fences, a hospitality suite within the main grandstand and our Cheltenham Platinum Suite marquees.
We also run a luxury travel package from London on Gold Cup Day which drops you off at the course.
Gold Cup Hospitality Options
Cheltenham Box Hospitality
Experience unparalleled luxury at Cheltenham with our glass-fronted boxes, perfectly positioned overlooking the final two fences. For the ultimate Cheltenham hospitality experience, secure one of our prestigious Main Grandstand boxes with Winning Post views — the most coveted vantage point at the Festival.
Your experience includes:
- Club Enclosure admission badge
- Morning coffee and biscuits
- Champagne reception
- Four-course luncheon
- Complimentary bar (excluding Champagne)
- Full afternoon tea
- Car park labels (1 per 2 guests)
- Souvenir race card
- Racing newspapers
- Live coverage on flat-screen TVs
- Tote betting facilities
- Celebrity tipster
- Individual guest documentation
- VIP hostess service
Platinum Suite Hospitality
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Cheltenham Festival with our Platinum Suite marquee packages, located in the lively Tented Village near the Main Grandstand and Parade Ring. Enjoy full hospitality while horse-racing legend John Francome shares exclusive tips each day. Renowned for its carnival spirit and exceptional service, this package offers a truly unforgettable raceday and is a great option for a Cheltenham Gold Cup hospitality experience.
Your experience includes:
- Club Enclosure admission badge
- Morning coffee and biscuits
- Champagne reception
- Four-course luncheon
- Complimentary bar (excluding Champagne)
- Full afternoon tea
- Car park labels (1 per 2 guests)
- Souvenir race card
- Racing newspapers
- Live coverage on flat-screen TVs
- Tote betting facilities
- Celebrity tipster – John Francome
- Individual guest documentation
Grandstand Suite with Premium View
Introducing our brand-new 60-seater suite in the Main Grandstand, complete with reserved Members’ seats directly overlooking the Winning Post. Enjoy breathtaking views of the entire course and thrilling race finishes. Indulge in gourmet cuisine and savour unlimited drinks from our complimentary bar throughout the day.
Your experience includes:
- Shared 60/64-seater suite located within the Main Grandstand
- Reserved Members’ seating overlooking the Winning Post
- Private tables of 10/12 (smaller numbers on shared tables)
- Club Enclosure tickets & hospitality swing badges
- Morning coffee & biscuits
- Full complimentary bar throughout the day (excluding Champagne)
- Four-course luncheon (choice of starter/main)
- Full afternoon tea
- Racing guest speaker Mick Fitzgerald (ex-jockey and ITV Racing presenter)
- Colour TV monitor & floral decorations
- Tote betting facility nearby
- Car parking on request
- Dedicated waiting staff
Luxury Train Package from London
Travel in style to the Cheltenham Festival with our bespoke luxury train package, featuring travel from London aboard the Northern Belle. Indulge in exquisite dining and impeccable service as you journey to Gold Cup Day, then enjoy Club Enclosure admission at Cheltenham Racecourse. This is the pinnacle of Cheltenham Gold Cup race-day luxury.
Your experience includes:
- Round-trip travel aboard the Northern Belle luxury train to Gold Cup Day (from London Paddington)
- Red carpet welcome at London Paddington and a sparkling Bellini cocktail
- Bellini three-course brunch on the outward journey plus morning tea and coffee
- On-board tipster on the outward journey
- Coach transfers between Evesham Station and Broadway Steam Railway Station
- Return steam train transfer to/from Broadway to the back of the Main Grandstand at Cheltenham Racecourse (cash bar on board)
- Club Enclosure admission badge to Cheltenham Racecourse
- Champagne reception on the Northern Belle in the evening
- Five-course seasonal dinner including Great British cheese board, biscuits and chutneys, followed by coffee, tea and petit fours
- A bottle of wine per couple
- Cash bar service throughout the journey
- Strolling musicians on the return journey
For prices, availability and further information on our 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup hospitality and VIP packages please email us on info@rockethospitality.com
What is The Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup, a Grade 1 race held on the Friday of the Cheltenham Festival, is indeed one of the most esteemed events in the National Hunt racing calendar.
· Distance and Course: The race spans 3 miles and 2 ½ furlongs, featuring 22 jumps. It’s known for its demanding course and challenging obstacles.
· Participant Criteria: The race is open to horses aged five years and above.
· Purse: The winner typically receives a substantial prize, around £350,000
· Historical Background: The inaugural Cheltenham Gold Cup took place in 1819 as a flat race. However, it transitioned to a steeplechase with fences in 1924, marking a significant evolution in its format and style.
· Legendary Winners: Over the years, the Cheltenham Gold Cup has seen some illustrious victors, including iconic horses like Desert Orchid, Kauto Star, and Best Mate. Among them, Best Mate stands out as one of only four horses to have won the race more than three times.
· Record Holders: Golden Miller holds the record for the most wins in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with an impressive tally of five victories. Meanwhile, Pat Taaffe and Paul Townsend recognized as the leading jockey in the race’s history with four victories, and Tom Dreaper holds the title of the most successful trainer, having trained five Cheltenham Gold Cup winners.
· Sponsorship: Throughout its history, the Cheltenham Gold Cup has been supported by several prominent brands, including Totesport, Betfred, Timico, Magners, and Boodles. Sponsorship deals have helped elevate the prestige and financial rewards associated with the event.
Overall, the Cheltenham Gold Cup stands as a pinnacle of National Hunt racing, blending tradition, athleticism, and excitement, attracting both seasoned enthusiasts and casual spectators alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
This race will be run on Friday 13th March which is the last day of the festival. The race takes place around 1530.
What is the price money for the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a premier event in British racing, offering a £625,000 prize fund with the winner receiving £351,688. Owners claim 75% of the prize money, while the remaining 25% is split among the trainer, jockey, and stable staff. This distribution underscores the owner’s role in racing success, acknowledging contributions from the trainer, jockey, and stable staff.
What hospitality options do you offer for Cheltenham Gold Cup Day?
We offer four premium Cheltenham hospitality experiences — our private glass-fronted Cheltenham Boxes, the Platinum Suite marquee in the Tented Village, the brand-new Grandstand Suite with premium views, and our luxury Northern Belle train package from London.
How many guests can each package accommodate?
- Cheltenham Boxes: 10–40 guests per private box (smaller parties in shared boxes).
- Platinum Suite: Flexible group sizes in a vibrant marquee setting.
- Grandstand Suite: 60/64-seater shared suite with private tables for 10/12 (smaller groups accommodated on shared tables).
- Luxury Train Package: Ideal for individuals, couples or groups travelling together.
What’s included in the Cheltenham Gold Cup packages?
All packages include Club Enclosure admission, morning coffee and biscuits, a Champagne reception, a four-course luncheon, complimentary bar (excluding Champagne in some options), full afternoon tea, souvenir race card, live TV coverage, tote betting facilities, and access to celebrity tipsters. Each package then adds its own unique extras such as premium seating, John Francome’s tips, Mick Fitzgerald guest speaking, or luxury train travel.
Where are the hospitality areas located?
- Cheltenham Boxes and Grandstand Suite are in the Main Grandstand.
- Platinum Suite is in the lively Tented Village near the Parade Ring.
- Luxury Train Package travels from London to Cheltenham Racecourse with steam-train transfers to the back of the Main Grandstand.
Is there a dress code?
Smart raceday attire is encouraged. Many guests opt for jackets, ties, dresses or smart separates. Weather can be variable in March, so consider bringing a coat.
How do I book a hospitality package?
Simply contact our hospitality team to check availability and secure your preferred package. We recommend booking early for Gold Cup Day as demand is extremely high.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes — please let us know your requirements when booking, and our hospitality team will ensure all guests are catered for.
Is parking available?
Parking is included or available on request depending on the package (usually one label per two guests). The Luxury Train Package includes seamless transfers, so no parking is required