Cheltenham coaching

19/03/2024 Ashleigh Sinclair Event, Features

Large sporting events form a considerable revenue stream for coach and bus operators. One such event is the Cheltenham Festival, but it has seen some drastic changes in visitor numbers over the past few years. Richard Sharman takes a look at the event and some of this year’s transport operations

The regency town of Cheltenham Spa is the host of the yearly Gold Cup Day, the climax of four days of horse racing called the Cheltenham Festival.

It is one of those events that benefits the whole industry, from small minibus operators to corporate coach and bus operators, and the independent operators in between.

One of only two Alexander ALX400-bodied Dennis Tridents to appear on the races shuttle service was native Stagecoach 18437, stuck at the head of the mid-morning gridlock through the town towards the racecourse. RICHARD SHARMAN

Another Bristol VRT that made an early appearance was Troopers Lodge Motor Services’ ECW-bodied example VR260, RAH 260W. Painted in National Bus Company era Eastern Counties livery, it is one of a number of vintage buses and coaches that the Gloucestershire-based firm offers for hire. KARL OAKLEY

Celebrating its 100th year

Although a race known as the Cheltenham Gold Cup had existed in the past as a three-mile flat race in the 19th century, its present status is very much down to the foresight of one Frederick Cathcart, Clerk of the Course and Chairman of Cheltenham Racecourse from 1908 to 1934. The Cheltenham Gold Cup was born in 1924, followed by the Champion Hurdle in 1927, laying the modern foundations of ‘The Festival’ as horse racing fans know it today.

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