What's everybody's plans for a Cheltenham Festival behind closed doors?

[ryanh97]

With the majority of us now accepting that there will be no crowd attending the Festival this year, what are people's plans for the Festival this year? Charlie alluded to a thread like this so I thought it'd be good idea to get one up. Vast numbers of us usually attend at least a day, however with us likely being home-bound and even the unlikelihood of pubs being open, how do people plan to spend the week?

Please can we all try not to discuss whether we believe there will be a small crowd, that can go in the other thread.

[Kevloaf]

The Tuesday and Wednesday mornings for me are still quite busy as the Thursday and Friday declarations will be made.

I'll make sure I have enough beer and rum for the week, although will try and pace myself.

I'll sort out a different take away for each night.

Update my spreadsheet on returns in 'real time' - although did this last year and it became quite a big task where I didn't fully immerse myself in the build up of everything and it didn't add to the experience..... however, it's really hard to not want to know exactly what you've won....

I think I'll be absolutely drained by the middle part of the week

[charlie]

With the majority of us now accepting that there will be no crowd attending the Festival this year, what are people's plans for the Festival this year? Charlie alluded to a thread like this so I thought it'd be good idea to get one up. Vast numbers of us usually attend at least a day, however with us likely being home-bound and even the unlikelihood of pubs being open, how do people plan to spend the week?

Please can we all try not to discuss whether we believe there will be a small crowd, that can go in the other thread.

Brilliant idea mate - nice last line

Have to make the best of it! I am going to enjoy:

The festival going ahead, and with Irish runners!
Some fantastic racing and hopefully lots of winners!
Betting in play - will start a separate thread for members only on this - strategies etc.
Being comfy and warm regardless of weather!
Not having to queue! So much time wasted queueing for drink, food, toilet etc.
Live coverage. I love watching racing on TV and the Cheltenham.
Being able to drink the beers I want (fuck off Carling, never again)
The money I will save! Can reinvest all that would have been spent on the day back into races.
The digital social side - our normal group are going to zoom between races etc, chat, celebrate, cry etc.
Being able to use the FJF whilst the racing is happening!

Tbf, when you cast aside what the week wont provide and focus in on what it will, it leaves you buzzing that in 51 days the festival will be here!!!

the will we wont we out your mind and think forward to what the will provide rather

[Garrison Savannah]

I plan to tell work I’m working from home. I plan to tell the other half I’m in the office.

I plan on watching by myself with a fridge full of beer and the group I go with to the festival all joining me on the iPad via Zoom

Not the ideal, but beats working

[TigerRolllllll]

Not missed a festival day in last 25ish years (apart from one year back went and was flat out)....so this is going to feel weird

Straight to newsagents for RP, I like a hard copy to scribble on, then Racing TV all day I think.....before numerous replays each eve and much beer

But it won’t be same

Not just the racing, but it’s a big social event shared with lots of friends normally

[ryanh97]

I plan to tell work I’m working from home. I plan to tell the other half I’m in the office.

I plan on watching by myself with a fridge full of beer and the group I go with to the festival all joining me on the iPad via Zoom

Not the ideal, but beats working

Is the Mrs gonna understand you getting bladdered 'in the office'?

[Garrison Savannah]

I have 50 days to think this through more fully...

[charlie]

Not missed a festival day in last 25ish years (apart from one year back went and was flat out)....so this is going to feel weird

Straight to newsagents for RP, I like a hard copy to scribble on, then Racing TV all day I think.....before numerous replays each eve and much beer

But it won’t be same

Not just the racing, but it’s a big social event shared with lots of friends normally

Way to be positive

[darlojim]

Half days put in at work tues - thurs means I'll be chatting to a couple of racing lads on each morning about that days racing and then skipping out of work at 10:45, straight to the shop for the racing post and a few beverages. Sit down at home, feet up on the couch, lots of pizzas and treats beside me with all the bookies open next to me on the laptop ready to put some retirement bets on each day and await to see how the ante post bets have all gone

[Hardy Eustace]

Win or lose, we're on the booooze!!!

[Istabraq]

If the pubs are open we'll still be heading down to Chipping Campden, if we're forced to watch the racing away from the course there's no reason to give up a lads week...

[ryanh97]

If the pubs are open we'll still be heading down to Chipping Campden, if we're forced to watch the racing away from the course there's no reason to give up a lads week...

Good point Ista, if the pubs are closed...?

[Istabraq]

Good point Ista, if the pubs are closed...?

Set up camp at the bottom of Cleeve Hill with a skip full of beer and list of Just Eat participants....

[TigerRolllllll]

Way to be positive

I still can’t wait and counting the days ....but like everyone so love to be there. Even used to fly back from US for it when lived there

[Geordieboy83]

Well this year is certainly going to be strange, but intend to make the best of it. Hopefully restrictions permitting will be going to make the trip to Aberdeen to meet up with a couple of the lads I go to festival with. The three of us will be round the house with lots of beverages and food.

Done something similar a few years ago, he kits his living room out, Big racing post on walls like the bookies. Betting slips as hills and paddies not too far. Although this year will be mainly phone I would imagine.

Whatever happens we will have a blast and hopefully plenty of winners.