A record number of racegoers descended on Cheltenham as their New Year's Day fixture sold out for the first time. There were 44,151 in attendance for the track's seven-race card, which was headlined by the Grade Two Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle. Cheltenham's chief executive Guy Lavender said: "We're delighted to have welcomed a record crowd of 44,151 for racing today, meaning the fixture has sold out for the first time. This is a truly special day, with a brilliant atmosphere that embodies everything that is great about jump racing. "This meeting caps off a brilliant Christmas period for racing and we hope sets the tone for a positive 2026."

Source: Irish Examiner January 01, 2026 17:43 UTC