Feature image: Sir Alex Ferguson | Credit: Getty
As the four-day spectacle unfolds at the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse, the event draws not only passionate racing fans but also a dazzling array of celebrities. From football legends and pop icons to royalty and Hollywood actors, Cheltenham Festival continues to attract high-profile figures each year.
While many attend for the electric atmosphere, several celebrities have a personal stake in the results, with horses competing under their ownership or part-ownership throughout the week.
Celebrity Owners and VIP Attendees
Racing TV has highlighted some of the most notable celebrity owners and VIPs expected to turn heads at this year’s Festival.
Football Legends in the Parade Ring
Former England striker Michael Owen, now a well-known figure in horse racing, established the Michael Owen Racing Club in 2007 and operates a training base at his Cheshire home. Owen is among the top sporting names with runners this week.
Another football icon, Harry Redknapp, is aiming for Gold Cup glory with his eight-year-old gelding, The Jukebox Man. Redknapp is optimistic, remarking, “It’s a dream to have a horse to run in the Gold Cup and go there with a chance. I’m not saying we’re going to win it, but we’ve got a serious horse. It’s an open race, and I think we’ve got as good a chance as anything.” The Jukebox Man comes to Cheltenham following a commanding win in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day 2025.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Festival Hopes
Sir Alex Ferguson, legendary former Manchester United manager, is another heavyweight with a strong interest at Cheltenham. With over 30 horses in training, Ferguson’s leading hope for 2026, Live Conti, was withdrawn due to injury, but he remains represented with Caldwell Potter in the Novices’ Handicap Chase and Protektorat in the Ryanair Chase.
Pop Stars and Syndicates
Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) and her husband Christian Horner own Lift Me Up, a 10-year-old gelding entered for the St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase. After finishing 13th last year, connections are hoping for an improved performance this time.
For those seeking a taste of ownership without the full commitment, syndicates like Highclere Thoroughbred Racing remain popular. Highclere counts Elizabeth Hurley, Hugh Bonneville, and Heston Blumenthal among its celebrity members, with Hurley’s horse Memory even sold to Queen Elizabeth II for breeding.
A-List Spectators at Cheltenham
Cheltenham is a magnet for A-list attendees. Regulars include Zara and Mike Tindall, Anne, Princess Royal, and Camilla, Queen Consort. Fashion, film, and TV personalities such as Jade Holland Cooper, Julian Dunkerton, Idris Elba, Jamie Dornan, and Emilia Fox are often seen mingling with the crowd. Singers like Lily Allen and actors including Luke Evans have also been spotted enjoying the action.
TV personalities Nick Knowles and Kirsty Gallacher, as well as sporting stars Amy Williams, Sam Quek, and Victoria Pendleton, are frequent guests. Previous years have also seen tennis champion Andy Murray and England cricketer Jonny Bairstow among the VIPs.
With such a stellar line-up of celebrity owners and guests, all eyes will be on both the finishing line and the exclusive enclosures at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
