Swirling rain and strong 50mph winds did not deter the festive atmosphere of St. Patrick’s Day at Cheltenham today. Despite the challenging weather conditions, racecourse officials welcomed early visitors as crowds flocked to the venue.
Many attendees struggled to keep their umbrellas intact in the blustery winds. Kate and Rich Grant, local business owners from Stroud, Gloucs, remained unfazed by the inclement weather. Kate, aged 60, confidently stated, “The rain won’t spoil our day. I’ve got my trusty Guinness hat to shield me from the downpour.” Rich, aged 62, shared her optimism, saying, “It’s going to be a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day.”
Fiona Cormack, aged 42, hailing from Exeter, Devon, along with her friend Lauren Palij, aged 39, from Market Harborough, Leics sought refuge under their umbrellas during the event. Fiona expressed her excitement, affirming, “We attend St. Patrick’s Day celebrations every year. The weather won’t dampen our spirits.”
Jenna Bate, aged 32, from Wigan expressed her disbelief at the harsh weather conditions, hoping it would not impact the day’s races.
As a precautionary measure, Cheltenham organizers dismantled some temporary structures due to safety concerns. The indoor bars were bustling with activity from early morning. Notable figures like Peter Crouch and Harry Redknapp were present at the event, with Redknapp expressing anticipation for the upcoming Gold Cup race.
When asked about potential celebrations if The Jukebox Man emerges victorious in the Gold Cup, Redknapp humorously remarked, “We are quite tame, really. We might just head to Chez Fred, a fish and chip spot in Bournemouth, for a simple meal.” Despite his hopes for success, Redknapp remained cautious about the outcome, cherishing the opportunity to compete in such a prestigious race.
Additionally, a horse named DoddietheGreat participated in memory of rugby icon Doddie Weir, with any winnings pledged to his Foundation, showcasing the charitable spirit of the event.