Cheltenham begin formal talks over extending Festival to FIFTH day in huge revamp despite calls for it to stay at four

CHELTENHAM Racecourse has begun talks with owners and trainers to extend their Festival to five days.

The Racing Post reports initial discussions over adding another day to the annual meeting in March are being made by the Jockey Club from 2024,

In 2005, the festival was expanded from three days to four, and it's been mooted for several years that a fifth day could be an epic money-spinner.

Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood are currently the only two five-day festivals on the racing calendar.

It is believed two more races will be added to the event, and instead of seven races on the cards there would be six.

The Racing Post continues that any decision made won't be taken lightly, and organisers will "get people’s opinions so we can take a much more rational view on how people feel”.

After owners and trainers have been consulted, the track's annual members could be consulted too.

However, there will be practical issues to overcome and consider.

On the Saturday, the Festival would face competition from sporting events including Premier League football and Six Nations rugby.

There is also a theory that competitiveness of the Cheltenham Festival could be taken away if another day is added.

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The lack of corporate hospitality business on a Saturdays will also need to be factored into any calculations.

Over the past 30 years, the Cheltenham Festival has been the Jockey Club's biggest earner.

Many fans might see the addition of another day as a money-grabbing exercise.

While others might just welcome another day.