Cap on crowd numbers at next year's Cheltenham Festival
Capacity will be limited to 68,500 people per day.
Cheltenham Festival is to cap crowd numbers next year to improve the experience for racegoers.
Spectators will be capped at 68,500 people per day for the four days of the festival in 2023.
This year the festival attracted a record attendance of more than 280,600, including record individual attendances for both Thursday and Friday.
Ian Renton, The Jockey Club’s Managing Director for Cheltenham and the West Region, said: “With Covid-19 spectator restrictions lifted, The Festival made a spectacular return in 2022, welcoming record crowds to enjoy a tremendous atmosphere and the very best of Jump racing.
“It was fantastic to attract capacity crowds on both Thursday and Friday to witness some brilliant racing in glorious sunshine. However, we are well aware that our facilities, even after significant investment in recent years, are stretched at these attendance levels.
“Despite the financial implications of reducing attendance numbers, we will be capping daily capacity at 68,500 in the recognition of the importance of ensuring that The Festival remains an attractive and enjoyable experience for the long-term.
“Ticket sales for 2023 have been very brisk and I would advise those wishing to attend to book as soon as possible to avoid any possible disappointment.”