The Cheltenham Festival 2026 kicked off in spectacular fashion this week, drawing thousands of racing fans, top athletes, media personalities and high‑profile celebrities to Prestbury Park — and BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones emerged as one of the standout figures of Day One.
The four‑day event — one of horse racing’s most prestigious fixtures — blends elite sporting competition with social flair, attracting A‑listers and fashion‑minded spectators from across the UK and beyond.
With more than 28 Grade 1 races and prize pools surpassing £4 million, the festival remains a pinnacle of the National Hunt season.
Jones, known for her work on BBC sport and entertainment programming, turned heads in a chic layered ensemble that perfectly matched the event’s blend of traditional country flair and contemporary style.
She paired a red‑style tartan long jacket with a coordinating tartan shirt and a classic black top, complemented by a fashionable warm hat that received widespread acclaim from fans on social media.
The photo, shared by influencer Frankie Foster on Instagram, garnered enthusiasm online — with many commenting specifically on Jones’s attire:
“Loving the headband Em,” and “Nice hat!” Appearing alongside Foster, Jones responded to his post with a handshake emoji and simple affirmation: “Team.”
Her outfit fits seamlessly into the evolving Cheltenham style scene, where guests increasingly embrace heritage patterns like tweed and tartan, but with a trendy and less formal twist compared with other UK race meetings such as Royal Ascot.
Jones wasn’t the only headline name spotted at Cheltenham on Tuesday. The festival also played host to a number of prominent sports stars and public figures:
Luke Littler — the darts phenom who recently clinched the UK Open title — made a stylish appearance with his girlfriend, marking his presence just days after pocketing a six‑figure prize following a dominant performance.
Luke Humphries, another star from the darts world, enjoyed a profitable start to the day with a winning bet on Old Park Star in the opening race.
His £1,000 wager returned £3,250, and he later revealed plans to donate the winnings to charity.
Football fans also had reason to celebrate: Jordan Pickford, Everton’s and England’s first‑choice goalkeeper, was seen soaking up the Cheltenham atmosphere during Day One.
Notably, Zara Tindall, former Olympic equestrian and longstanding festival favorite, arrived with husband Mike Tindall in classic race day attire, showcasing sartorial elegance and further highlighting the event’s social appeal.
What Makes Cheltenham Festival So Special?
At its core, the Cheltenham Festival is far more than just a series of races; it is a cultural institution. Its origins date back over a century and it has grown into a must‑attend event on the British sporting calendar.
The festival draws global interest not only because of the quality of competition — featuring top jockeys and trainers like Willie Mullins and Paul Townend — but also because of its unique blend of high‑stakes sport, fashion, entertainment and social prestige.
The four days of racing include standout contests such as the Champion Hurdle, the Ryanair Chase and the iconic Cheltenham Gold Cup — the most lucrative of the week’s prize offerings.
Attendance caps introduced for 2026 aim to enhance visitor comfort and experience, reflecting the event’s evolving approach to sustainability and audience engagement.
These measures also underline the festival’s commitment to maintaining its status as a world‑class sporting spectacle.
Cheltenham’s appeal doesn’t end at the finish line.
Style Wednesday (formerly Ladies Day) and other fashion‑oriented contests ensure that racegoers bring their most eye‑catching ensembles to the fore, while the betting markets and live racing coverage — broadcast widely on ITV and streaming platforms like ITVX — give fans multiple ways to engage with the action.
From traditional tweed and flat caps to modern twists on classic British fashion, festival outfits continue to trend on social media, influencing heritage fashion sales across the high street.