More female racegoers are anticipated at Cheltenham tomorrow than ever before, coinciding with the historic victory of the first female Grand National winner who is embracing a new challenge.
The Festival organizers are thrilled with the remarkable increase in female attendance, especially as Ladies Day makes a comeback after a seven-year hiatus. Recent data reveals a significant rise in ticket sales to women, with 33% of Ladies Day tickets being purchased by females, up from 25% in 2025.
This surge in female participation is a testament to the success of a campaign spearheaded by renowned jockey Rachael Blackmore to introduce more women to the Festival experience. Blackmore, serving as the “Head of Ladies Day,” engaged with female racegoers during Cheltenham’s November Meeting to gain insights from their perspective beyond the racetrack rails.
Expressing her delight at the increasing female presence, Blackmore expressed her excitement at the evolving landscape. As she transitions from being an active jockey to a spectator at her first Cheltenham Festival, Blackmore emphasized the importance of women’s growing interest in the event.
Acknowledging the positive trend, Cheltenham Racecourse’s Chief Executive, Guy Lavender, emphasized the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere created around Ladies Day. Lavender commended Blackmore’s pivotal role in engaging with the community and promoting The Festival to diverse audiences.
The campaign’s focus on reintroducing Ladies Day to the Cheltenham Festival has been well-received, with hopes that the rising number of female attendees will contribute to maintaining the event’s status as a vibrant and inclusive highlight in the sporting calendar.
