As if a day at Cheltenham Racecourse wasn’t exciting enough, there’s no end of celebrities to spot during Cheltenham Race Week – with famous faces returning year-after-year to enjoy a day of thrilling, world-class horseracing.
From reality stars to Hollywood legends and even members of the British royal family, SoGlos has rounded up just some of the celebrities you’re likely to see at Cheltenham Festival in March 2023. And a few we are keeping our fingers crossed for…
Style ambassadors Rosie Tapner and Frankie Foster
Having been named style ambassadors for this year's Cheltenham Festival, model and TV presenter Rosie Tapner and former Love Island contestant-turned-racing presenter Frankie Foster are sure-fire celebrity spots for 2023. The stylish pair have also been dishing out fashion advice on what to wear in anticipation of the big Race Week.
Members of the British royal family
Cheltenham Festival is a regular fixture in the British royal family's calendar, with pro-equestrian Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall often spotted at Cheltenham Racecourse. Her mum Anne, the Princess Royal, is another regular Cheltenham attendee, with Camilla, the Queen Consort also spotted cheering from the stands and meeting some legendary horses in previous years.
Fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper and Superdry boss Julian Dunkerton
Giving Jade Holland Cooper ample opportunity to showcase her race-worthy fashion range, the designer and her husband, Superdry founder Julian Dunkerton, are regularly seen entertaining celebrity friends at Cheltenham Racecourse – with Luke Evans and Lily Allen among them. Holland Cooper is also this year's official Cheltenham Festival fashion partner, making it even more likely that racegoers will encounter the Gloucestershire power couple.
TV presenters Chris Hughes, Clare Balding and Kirsty Gallagher
If you’ve ever watched Cheltenham Festival from home on TV, you’ll likely have seen former Love Island star Chris Hughes or Clare Balding providing punditry. You’re likely to spot model and former Sky Sports presenter, Kirsty Gallacher, too.
Actors Emilia Fox, Ben Miller and Jamie Dornan
The likes of Emilia Fox, Ben Miller, Alexander Armstrong and Stroud-based Hollywood star Jamie Dornan have all been spotted at Cheltenham Festival in previous years. With their experience of walking red carpets, they’re some of the snappiest dressers, too.
Local residents Dom Joly and Nick Knowles
It’s not unusual to see Dom Joly and Nick Knowles in and around Cheltenham, with both regulars at Cheltenham Festival, too. Other celebs with Cotswold homes are still yet to be snapped putting in an appearance, though – here’s hoping for Victoria Beckham or Kate Moss in 2023…
Countdown legend Carol Vorderman
Living just over the Gloucestershire border in Bristol, Carol Vorderman is a frequent visitor to Cheltenham Racecourse and has nailed every look over the years, from felt fedoras and feathered fascinators to the classic camel coat.
Sporting stars Victoria Pendleton and Andy Murray
Turning out to show support for their fellow sporting stars, Cheltenham Racecourse has also been visited by Olympians – including former track cyclist turned horse rider, Victoria Pendleton; Amy Williams; and Sam Quek, as well as Andy Murray, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Redknapp and Sir Alex Fergusson.
Reality stars Ollie Locke, Olivia Bentley and Georgia Toffolo
Ollie Locke, Olivia Bentley and Georgia Toffolo all rose to fame on Channel 4’s reality show Made in Chelsea and all clearly still get along, with the trio seen socialising at Cheltenham Racecourse before.
Top Gear's Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson
Richard Hammond has been spotted enjoying more than one day at the races in Cheltenham in the past – and it's not far to travel for his former Top Gear co-star Jeremy Clarkson, who's famous Cotswold farm is just over the border in Oxfordshire. Clarkson was spotted arriving for Gold Cup day with his girlfriend and Clarkson's Farm co-star, Lisa Hogan, in 2022.
Radio presenters Jo Whiley, Scott Mills and Greg James
With DJs like Jo Whiley, Scott Mills and Greg James all having headlined racing after parties and events in the past, it’s likely that you’ll spot famous disc jockeys amongst the horseracing jockeys at Cheltenham Festival.
Media mogul Chris Evans
Talking of DJs, Chris Evans is another famous Cheltenham Festival attendee, having auctioned off Cheltenham Gold Cup packages on his radio breakfast show in 2018, raising almost £150,000 for Children in Need.
National treasure Mary Berry
Last spotted at Cheltenham Festival on Ladies Day in 2019, keep your fingers crossed for the chance to spot the queen of cakes, Mary Berry, in 2023 – pictured here with presenter Nicki Chapman between races.
