Where Can You Watch Cheltenham 2017?

Can’t attend Cheltenham Racecourse on March 14^th-17^th for Cheltenham Festival 2017?  While cheering in the stands among the crowds is an experience you will never forget, you do not have to be left out completely if you are stuck at home.  Actually, in some ways, watching the races at home is more convenient, at least if you are going to be wagering on them.  You can bet online with a few quick clicks of your mouse.  That is a lot easier and faster than waiting in line at the teller window at the racecourse.

But where can you actually watch the races?  Online, the answer is much the same as it is every year.  Most of the major UK betting sites will let you stream the races for free if you are even placing the minimum bets. 

But if you want to watch the races on TV this year (which can be helpful, since you can use a separate screen), things are going to be quite a bit different than they have been in years past.

If you follow horse racing in the UK on television, you are used to tuning into Channel 4, which broadcasted the sport for 32 years. But as of January 1^st this year, ITV took over horse racing broadcasting in the UK.  This marks the end of one era and the start of another.

If you have already watched some of ITV’s horse racing coverage, you probably have noticed that their format and approach are a bit different from what we saw on Channel 4.  ITV’s goal is to make horse racing more accessible to a wider audience.  Ironically, if you are a hardcore horse racing enthusiast, you may actually find yourself a little outside of that target market. 

ITV is directing a lot of their commentary directly at punters.  But much of what they have to say is again very general, aimed more at the casual bettor than the serious gambler.

So ITV is an option if you want to watch coverage on television, but I would urge you to do plenty of additional research to make betting decisions.  Of course, this is the same advice that I give every year.  But ITV has been known to make betting (and winning) on horse racing sound a lot easier than it is.

Looking for more information on Cheltenham Festival?  Start out by reading our introduction to the Cheltenham Festival 2017!