Cheltenham Racecourse is known across the world as the home of National Hunt racing, offering 16 days of racing in the season.

In November, top class fields are attracted and features the race for the Paddy Power Gold Cup. The four-day meeting attracts thousands of visitors from Ireland, with a strong line-up of Irish horses challenging for honours. The highlight of the racing calendar is the National Hunt Festival in March, featuring the world famous Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Over the race week in March, over 250,000 people will be present to witness the action and experience the atmosphere. £500 million will be wagered on the outcome of the 26 races. With an astonishing average of just over £140,000 for each race in the Festival, the total prize money on offer in 2009 totals £3.67million.

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the highlight of Wednesday, as the two best mile chasers produce a furious contest over the high Cheltenham fences. For many of the spectators, and those involved in Horse Racing, this is the most anticipated races of the year. The most entertaining in the modern era was the 2008 race was won by Master Minded, who gave one of the greatest performances ever seen over the Cheltenham fences.

On Thursday, also known as Ladies Day, the long distance hurdlers contest, The Ladbrokes World Hurdle takes place. Only the brave and the strong prevail in this three mile contest. The Ryanair Chase is another highlight on Thursday.

Every owner, trainer and jockey dreams of winning The Cheltenham Gold Cup. In 2008, trainer Paul Nicholls recorded a 1-2-3 as Denman led home Kauto Star and Neptune Colognes. Powerful Denman will once again, be looking to add his name in 2009 to those of legends Golden Miller and Best Mate as multiple winners of this prestigious event.

Despite being such a coveted event, generous discounts are available on tickets purchased in advance, along with booking accommodation in Cheltenham for the Gold Cup week in advance of the event. Cheltenham really comes alive during race week, be certain not to miss out!

The Cheltenham Regency Hotel is the ideal Cotswold hotel for enjoying the Cheltenham festival.

Not only is its location near the center of Regency Cheltenham but also offers more than the most Cheltenham hotels. The Cheltenham Regency Hotel team up with Rise Helicopters to provide an executive arrival for the Cheltenham Festival. This is one of the many facilities that the come with choosing this Cheltenham accommodation.