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RacingBetter News |
| Wednesday 26th February 2025 | |
Famous Faces at Cheltenham: Who Might Be Spotted at the 2025 Festival?
Thousands of racegoers descend upon the Cotswolds every March, but among them are some of the most recognisable names in entertainment, sport, and even royalty. From those high-profile actors and TV stars to sporting legends and aristocrats, Cheltenham has become just as famous for its celebrity attendees as it has for its thrilling races.
As anticipation builds for the 2025 festival, here's a look at the celebrity faces who might be spotted at Prestbury Park this year.
The Glamorous Crowd: Entertainment Stars
Jamie Dornan
One of Cheltenham's most recognisable celebrity attendees, Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan, is no stranger to the festival. The Northern Irish actor has been a regular over the years, often seen enjoying the action in the VIP enclosures. Dornan's effortlessly cool style epitomises the modern Cheltenham look - sharp tailoring, a well-fitted coat, and the occasional flat cap to embrace the traditional racing aesthetic. Given his long-standing association with the festival, another appearance in 2025 seems highly likely.
Georgia Toffolo
Better known as "Toff," the former Made in Chelsea star and I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Winner has become a staple at Cheltenham. A genuine horse racing enthusiast, Georgia Toffolo is regularly spotted enjoying the festival's social scene, often in stylish and elegant outfits that make her a go-to name in the best-dressed discussions. Whether she's cheering on her favourite horses or mingling with fellow celebrities, Toffolo is almost certain to return for another year.
Katya Jones
The Strictly Come Dancing professional has become a popular figure at Cheltenham, bringing a touch of ballroom glamour to the racecourse. Known for her bold and fashion-forward looks, Katya Jones often stands out when embracing the classic tweed aesthetic or opting for something more eye-catching at Prestbury Park.
Carol Vorderman
A long-time Cheltenham regular, Carol Vorderman is known for her love of the festival and her sophisticated race-day fashion. The former Countdown presenter has been spotted in the exclusive enclosures year after year, often donning elegant coats, striking hats, and perfectly coordinated accessories. Given her enduring passion for horse racing, it’d be unusual not to see her once again in 2025.
Royalty & Sporting Icons
Queen Camilla & Princess Beatrice
Horse racing and the royal family have always gone hand in hand, and Cheltenham has long been a favourite event for royalty. Queen Camilla, a keen follower of the sport, was most recently at Cheltenham Festival in 2024, and with her continued interest in racing, she may return in 2025.
Princess Beatrice is another royal who has become a familiar face at Cheltenham. Known for her elegant and sophisticated race-day looks, she frequently appears in the best-dressed lists. Her mother, Anne, the Princess Royal, is also a long-time supporter of horse racing and has been a regular at the festival, reinforcing the strong royal presence at the event.
Zara & Mike Tindall
If there's one couple who perfectly embodies the spirit of Cheltenham, it's Zara and Mike Tindall. Zara, a former Olympic equestrienne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, is not only a passionate horsewoman but also a committee member of Cheltenham Racecourse. Her deep involvement in the sport makes her a fixture at the festival, and she is often seen chatting with trainers and jockeys.
Her husband, former England rugby star Mike Tindall, is equally enthusiastic about the event. Known for his down-to-earth personality, he's often spotted sharing laughs with fellow racegoers and enjoying the atmosphere. Together, the Tindalls bring a unique blend of sporting excellence and royal prestige to Cheltenham.
Delving Further into the Sporting World
Andy Murray
Tennis legend Andy Murray has attended Cheltenham before, and with his career as a world-class player in his respective sport now officially over, he may have more time to enjoy events outside of the circuit. His mother, Judy Murray, hinted in the past that her sons might one day invest in racehorses, following in the footsteps of their friend Sir Alex Ferguson. A return to Cheltenham in 2025 could mark the beginning of a deeper involvement in the sport, sparking anticipation and potential growth in the industry.
Chris Hughes
Reality TV star-turned-racing expert Chris Hughes has become a major figure at Cheltenham. A lifelong racing fan, he now works as part of the ITV Racing team, bringing his enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the sport to viewers at home. With bookmakers often offering horse racing free bets around the festival, Hughes has been known to share his insights on the best opportunities, making him a key figure for fans following the action both on and off the track.
Sir Alex Ferguson
Few figures have combined success in football and horse racing quite like Sir Alex Ferguson. The former Manchester United manager has owned multiple Cheltenham winners and is a frequent attendee. With his horses such as L’Eau Du Sud and Hitman to compete again, Ferguson is likely to be there, keeping a close eye on the action and celebrating any victories in the winners' enclosure.
Fashion, Social Scene & YouTubers
Alexa Chung
As one of Britain's most influential fashion figures, Alexa Chung would bring an extra touch of style to Cheltenham. Her collaborations with heritage brands like Barbour are often seen dotted around the racecourse and would make her a natural fit for the festival's country-chic aesthetic. Whether opting for a classic tweed ensemble or a contemporary take on race-day fashion, her presence would certainly turn heads.
The Beckhams
David and Victoria Beckham have often been spotted at horse racing events, and their potential appearance at Cheltenham would generate headlines. With Victoria's expertise in fashion and David's love of elite sporting occasions, they would be a welcome addition to the celebrity crowd.
KSI
Best known for his music, boxing, and YouTube career, KSI isn't an obvious name associated with horse racing. However, his involvement in major UK sporting events means he could be a surprise guest at Cheltenham. He attended Royal Ascot last year, where he made his debut in witnessing horse racing live in the flesh, bringing a new level of attention to the festival.
Famous Racing Enthusiasts
Rod Stewart
Music legend Rod Stewart has long been a horse racing fan, attending events like Royal Ascot and Cheltenham over the years. A 2025 appearance alongside his wife, Penny, wouldn't be unexpected, as he continues to enjoy the sport he loves.
Richard Hammond
Living in the Cotswolds, former Top Gear co-host and Grand Tour presenter Richard Hammond has a natural affinity for Cheltenham. Having attended in previous years, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him again among the race-day crowds.
Ant & Dec
The beloved TV duo have previously invested in racehorses and are well-known for their love of the sport. Ant & Dec could be spotted soaking up the atmosphere at this year's festival if their schedules permit.
A Star-Studded Spectacle
Cheltenham Festival has always been more than just a sporting event - it's a high-profile social occasion that attracts some of the biggest names from entertainment, sport, and royalty. With 2025 shaping up to be another unforgettable year, racegoers can expect to see plenty of famous faces enjoying the action.
