Cheltenham Set to Revamp Race Starts

Big changes are happening at Cheltenham Racecourse, both to the track layout and the starting procedures. These alterations will address the widespread criticism of a number of false starts over the past couple of years. The changes will be in place in time for the 2027 Festival.

The changes come after a detailed review led by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), with almost 40% of races at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival affected by aborted starts. The issue became one of the biggest talking points of the meeting, drawing frustration from trainers, jockeys and punters alike.

For anyone already counting down to next March, our guide to the 2027 Cheltenham Festival has everything you need to know, including race schedules, betting offers and festival previews.

Why Cheltenham Is Making Changes

The biggest concern highlighted by the review was the layout of the two-mile and two-and-a-half-mile starting areas on both the Old and New Courses.

According to the BHA, these sections of the track naturally funnel horses together before the tapes, creating congestion and increasing the likelihood of horses becoming unsettled. Starting on a bend only adds to the problem, particularly in the high-pressure environment of the Cheltenham Festival.

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival was the site of numerous messy starts. Multiple attempts were necessary to begin certain races. Perhaps the most high-profile incident occurred in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle. Prominent trainer Paul Nicholls strongly criticised the two false starts, which he felt ruined the chances of the favourite No Drama This End.

Five Key Recommendations

The review produced five main recommendations, some aimed specifically at Cheltenham and others set to be introduced across British jump racing.

The most noticeable change will be alterations to the physical layout of Cheltenham’s most troublesome starting points. Officials hope widening and reshaping these areas will reduce bunching before the tapes and create a straighter approach.

Another recommendation is to simplify the rules around how horses approach the start. Instead of allowing a “walk or jig-jog”, the wording will change to simply “walking pace”, giving both jockeys and starters a much clearer instruction.

Another measure that the BHA plans to introduce will involve having clear markings for the start zones at jump racecourses. This would make it more obvious for riders as to where they’re expected to safely start from in a race.

Accompanying the changes will be tougher penalties for Class 1 and Class 2 races for any infractions. The proposal would be similar to the current whip penalty structure. Having stiffer penalties is intended to discourage repeated offences in major races.

Finally, live audio recording systems are set to be introduced around the start area. This would allow every instruction from the starter to be recorded and sent directly to the stewards, providing much greater transparency when reviewing incidents.

Cheltenham Already Working On Improvements

Although the recommendations have not yet been formally implemented across the sport, Cheltenham has already begun work on reshaping the affected starting areas.

Clerk of the course Jon Pullin said the racecourse has worked closely with both participants and the BHA since this year’s Festival and that the revised layouts will be monitored closely once racing returns.

The changes have been designed within the limits of Cheltenham’s existing landscape, meaning officials have had to work around the natural topography rather than completely redesigning the course.

Standing Starts Will Stay

One area that divided opinion will remain unchanged.

After two unsuccessful attempts at a walking start, races will still revert to a standing start if required. Some within racing had called for a rethink following the events at this year’s Festival, but the review concluded that the current system should remain in place.

Better for Punters Too

While safety and fairness for horses and jockeys remain the priority, the review also recognised the impact poor starts have on betting.

False starts can leave punters frustrated, particularly when horses become worked up before the race has even begun. Cleaner, more consistent starts should help improve confidence in the biggest races of the season while creating a smoother experience for everyone involved.

The Professional Jockeys Association welcomed the findings of the review. It noted that senior riders and safety representatives had suggested many of the recommendations during the consultation process.

Will It Solve The Problem?

The BHA has been careful not to promise an instant fix.

Officials believe the proposed measures should improve starts both at Cheltenham and across British jump racing, but they also stressed that success depends on everyone following the correct procedures on raceday.

With work already underway at Prestbury Park, racing fans will get their first look at the revised starts during the 2026-27 season before attention turns to what many hope will be a much smoother 2027 Cheltenham Festival.

bet365

New Customer Offer

Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

bet365 Sign Up Offer

Claim Offer

Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org #ad