It is a rare thing in racing when Saturday comes as something of a rest day for most of those in the industry. For the horses, jockeys and trainers, not to mention the record crowd at Uttoxeter's Midlands Grand National fixture, there was little time for reflection upon the highs and lows of the Cheltenham Festival that finished less than 24 hours earlier.But it was not just bookmakers who spent the day counting cash – Cheltenham's managing director, Edward Gillespie, had considerable grounds for satisfaction on that score. Indeed, politicians trying to convince the public that Britain is out of recession need look no further than the track's cash tills.
An astonishing and unexpected growth in on-course Tote betting turnover, up 22 per cent year-on-year on Gold Cup day, took the four-day total past £10m for the first time, a cause for celebration for racing itself, as both the Tote and Cheltenham's owners, Jockey Club Racecourses, are committed to re-investing their profits into the sport rather than filling the pockets of shareholders.
Cheltenham have already submitted a planning document which proposes the construction of new buildings to replace the portable structures in the Guinness Village area, currently used by 8,000 Tattersalls racegoers and as many more hospitality guests.
While corporate sales have been hit hard, the changing face of the Cheltenham racegoer has produced unexpected rewards in other areas.
"The catering spend was up 14 per cent, which is remarkable against a five per cent crowd increase, and increased profits means that we can invest in better facilities and in the prize money, to make sure that we maintain the quality of the racing," said Gillespie.
