Celebrities who love Cheltenham festival, including Hollywood actor Jamie Dornan and I’m a Celeb winner Georgia Toffolo
CELEBRITIES love to have a good time – and the Cheltenham Festival promises just that.
Every year, famous faces flock to Prestbury Park for a flutter, a few drinks and to soak up the spirit of the ‘Olympics of Jump racing’.
Some take it too far, and get themselves in all sorts of bother.
But these stars enjoyed the festivities – and may have even backed a winner.
From a Hollywood actor to I’m a Celeb... winner – here’s who to look out for at Cheltenham.
Jamie Dornan
50 Shades of Grey actor Dornan, 40, was spotted enjoying Cheltenham with horse rider Zara Phillips in a posh box.
The Northern Irish star is certainly used to red carpet events and dressing up to the nines.
And for the festival he looked dapper in a smart blazer and tie.
Emilia Fox
Elegant Fox, 48, is a permanent fixture at horse racing event – and was once the lead ambassador for the Investec Epsom Derby.
Growing up, the Silent Witness actress was a keen horse rider.
Now, she’s happy to don a hat and a pretty dress for Cheltenham, recently spotted in 2020 soaking up the atmosphere.
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Carol Vorderman
As a number’s whizz, you’d expect Carol, 62, to love checking the odds and form guide.
The ex-Countdown star is a regular at Cheltenham, and used to attend with best pal Richard Whitely before he passed away.
Vorderman told Sun Racing: “I love Cheltenham, it’s my absolute favourite.
“Whiters and I were always there. We used to go racing all the time, and let me tell you, Whiters was the biggest party animal you have ever come across.
“Mind you, I wasn’t far behind him!”
Lily Allen
Pop star Allen, 37, attended the controversial 2020 Cheltenham Festival, as the coronavirus pandemic was spreading across the UK.
She watched all the action from Jade Holland Cooper’s private box.
And the Smile singer was seen enjoying the highs and the lows of the festival, as the races went on.
Georgia Toffolo
Last year, I’m a Celeb… winner Toffolo, 28, won a mega bet.
The Made in Chelsea star called it ‘beginners luck’ when she took home £37,500 after putting down £5,000 on the first race last year.
Toff took to Twitter to share her betting slip and sheer delight, while promising a charity donation.
She wrote: “OH MY GOD beginners luck,” followed by a laughing emoji.
She then added: “Bloody hell can’t believe it. Generous donation incoming to both the @BritishRedCross and @decappeal.”
Kirsty Gallacher
TV presenter Kirsty, 47, is another who can’t get enough of the races.
If she’s not at Cheltenham, you will find her at Royal Ascot and Epsom.
Again, she is pals with Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips, who she’s often spotted hanging out with.
Andy Murray
In 2021, Andy Murray was spotted enjoying Cheltenham.
It prompted his mum Judy, a keen horse riding fan, to suggest the 35-year-old might consider following pal Sir Alex Ferguson’s lead by investing in horses.
“I wonder whether it’s something the boys [Andy and his brother Jamie] might enjoy doing as a joint venture in years to come,” she told Horse & Hound.
“I know that Andy and Jamie are both great friends with Sir Alex Ferguson and it’s something that he’s really big into. Andy went to Cheltenham a couple of years ago and he thoroughly enjoyed that, and while they’re both far too busy while they’re still playing, you never know.”
Chris Hughes
The Love Island alumni is immersed in horses, and is part of ITV Racing’s coverage of Cheltenham.
Since the age of 11, he has been obsessed with the sport and has trained as a jockey.
Recently, Hughes, 30, said he was against the idea of Cheltenham becoming a five-day festival.
He tweeted: “Id rather a 3 day Cheltenham festival, over a 5 day. It’s like going out for dinner. You order a lovely starter and main, comfortably full, & then over do it on the desert and enter a food coma and you don’t appreciate/remember how good the food actually was.”
Chris Evans
Virgin Radio presenter Evans, 56, is a famous Cheltenham Festival attendee.
In 2018, he auctioned off packages for listeners to bid on – raising nearly £150,000 for Children in Need.
That same year, he was spotted at Prestbury Park with wife Natasha Shishmanian wearing a countryfied green chequered blazer and a matching flat cap.
Sir Alex Ferguson
The Man Utd legend, 81, co-owns several horses, so whenever there’s a big meet- you can always expect Fergie to be in tow.
Last year, his horse Protektorat ran in the Gold Cup – finishing third behind winner A Plus Tard and Minella Indo.
This year, the racing fanatic’s three top tier equine talents will tackle racing’s most iconic meeting.
Protektorat returns, while Hitman and Hermes Allen will look to give the football icon a week to remember.