Cheltenham Racecourse is celebrating the life of the late Jilly Cooper at its 2026 November Meeting, unveiling a lasting memorial to the Cotswolds author, in a prime spot overlooking the Parade Ring.
Known for her racy novels, including Rivals which was turned into a hit Disney+ series in recent years, Jilly, who sadly passed away last October aged 88, was a regular visitor to Cheltenham and a passionate follower of horseracing.
The racecourse is now set to create a lasting tribute to one of its most recognisable supporters, unveiling a memorial bench on the Crescent Walkway on Countryside Day of The November Meeting.
The team says the bench's location overlooking the Parade Ring will provide a fitting place for racegoers to remember Jilly and reflect on her love of Cheltenham, the countryside and the sport.
For the weekend of The November Meeting, popular bar The Retreat will be renamed as 'The Rutshire Arms' as a tribute to Jilly’s work.
The author once described the Cheltenham Festival as 'so joyful, I love it. There are all the heavenly Irish, and the course is so beautiful, with that wonderful panoramic view.'
Her love of horses and racing also featured heavily in her writing, including her 2010 novel Jump! which was set in the jump racing world, and included scenes at Cheltenham.
Guy Lavender, CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse, said: 'Dame Jilly Cooper was a wonderful lady with a huge zest for life. Her passion for the sport was undeniable, and in particular her love of the racecourse and the Cotswolds.
'We are delighted that her family will be able to join us on Countryside Day and, along with the rest of the racing community, help us to celebrate in a way that Jilly would have wanted.'
Felix Cooper and Emily Tarrant, Jilly’s son and daughter, added: 'Mum adored everything about Cheltenham – the fabulous racing, the wonderful horses, the glamorous people and of course the champagne. She would be both utterly delighted and thrilled that Countryside Day this year is being held in her honour. Thank you to everyone involved.'
The memorial bench will be unveiled before the racing starts on Countryside Day on Friday 13 November 2026, with further celebrations of Jilly's life set to be announced ahead of the event.
