Going abroad for the Festival...

[TimRiggins]

Hey guys, hope everyone is well, and has been lucky through the summer

With Mark Howard's book out soon, it's almost time to say goodbye to the flat, and hello to some proper racing again.

I'm disabled, and in turn have some mobility problems, so going to the Festival isn't really feasible. However, I fancied getting away for it, so that I can at least not just sit watching it in the house next year.

I've booked a villa in Tenerife with a few friends, and we're heading out for a week from the 14th.

Was just wondering if anyone else had gone abroad for the festival, and what their experiences had been like.

Hopefully it's not the daftest idea I've ever had, and thanks in advance.

[Morning Glory]

Morning Tim,

Probably not daft at all. I think we all have our own Cheltenham routines - the main thing is not to get stuck in work!

I have never gone away for it but have made it to course a few times. Friday's are getting a bit messy in my view even without mobility problems. With the cost of accommodation etc I can see merit in being parked in front of a decent flat screen with good wifi and a bit of sun

[Istabraq]

Hey guys, hope everyone is well, and has been lucky through the summer

With Mark Howard's book out soon, it's almost time to say goodbye to the flat, and hello to some proper racing again.

I'm disabled, and in turn have some mobility problems, so going to the Festival isn't really feasible. However, I fancied getting away for it, so that I can at least not just sit watching it in the house next year.

I've booked a villa in Tenerife with a few friends, and we're heading out for a week from the 14th.

Was just wondering if anyone else had gone abroad for the festival, and what their experiences had been like.

Hopefully it's not the daftest idea I've ever had, and thanks in advance.

I would make two suggestions:

1. Before dismissing attending the festival you need to be aware that racecourses, Cheltenham leading the way with this, are now more accessible than ever for the disabled/mobility impaired, speak to the racecourse they will be happy to help.
A friend of mine is now in a wheelchair and still does the festival, he's just altered him schedule and now gets to the course at 10.30am to avoid issues getting in.

2. If you really don't like the idea of attending consider staying at one of the big racing pubs near Cheltenham, The Plough is next to Jonjos yard and The Hollow Bottom is next to Twiston-Davies yard, both get crowded during the evenings but probably less busy during racing with everyone heading to the course.
I think either would be the next best thing to being on course, both have rooms and I'm sure have ground floor/disabled friendly rooms, I've eaten/drunk at both and they are run by very friendly people who I'm sure would do everything possible to help you.

Good luck !

[TimRiggins]

Morning Tim,

Probably not daft at all. I think we all have our own Cheltenham routines - the main thing is not to get stuck in work!

I have never gone away for it but have made it to course a few times. Friday's are getting a bit messy in my view even without mobility problems. With the cost of accommodation etc I can see merit in being parked in front of a decent flat screen with good wifi and a bit of sun

I work from home, so I'm always stuck in work, and getting away means no danger of being collared to do anything while Cheltenham is on

I've been once about 10 years ago, but wasn't really interested in racing then, and just went for the day because my pals had paid for a box. I do remember it being manic though, and definitely not the place for someone on crutches/wheelchair.

Just have to keep my fingers crossed that I don't manage to take our weather with me, lol.

I would make two suggestions:

1. Before dismissing attending the festival you need to be aware that racecourses, Cheltenham leading the way with this, are now more accessible than ever for the disabled/mobility impaired, speak to the racecourse they will be happy to help.
A friend of mine is now in a wheelchair and still does the festival, he's just altered him schedule and now gets to the course at 10.30am to avoid issues getting in.

2. If you really don't like the idea of attending consider staying at one of the big racing pubs near Cheltenham, The Plough is next to Jonjos yard and The Hollow Bottom is next to Twiston-Davies yard, both get crowded during the evenings but probably less busy during racing with everyone heading to the course.
I think either would be the next best thing to being on course, both have rooms and I'm sure have ground floor/disabled friendly rooms, I've eaten/drunk at both and they are run by very friendly people who I'm sure would do everything possible to help you.

Good luck !

Thanks for the heads up, and I'll definitely give it some thought for next year.

If I went down, I'd have to attend the course. I think it would be like going to Florida, but not doing the theme parks


Thanks again, chaps.