Home / Sports / Festival Train Delays: Trespasser Halts Cheltenham Races Journey
Festival Train Delays: Trespasser Halts Cheltenham Races Journey
10 Mar
Summary
- Train services to Cheltenham Festival were disrupted by a trespass incident.
- The incident caused delays of up to 25 minutes on all lines near Gloucester.
- Disruption was expected to continue until 12:30 PM on the opening day.
Hundreds of attendees traveling to the Cheltenham Festival faced significant travel disruptions on the opening day due to a trespass incident near Gloucester. This incident caused all train lines in the area to be blocked, impacting Great Western Railway services from Bristol, which were reported to be packed with racegoers.
National Rail announced that trains running through Gloucester could be cancelled or delayed by up to 25 minutes. The disruption was anticipated to continue until 12:30 PM. The trespasser was apprehended by Bristol Transport Police shortly before 11 AM, though a queue of services still awaited arrival at Cheltenham Spa.
Racegoers arriving at Cheltenham Spa station had the option of a 45-minute walk to Prestbury Park or taking special bus services, with return tickets priced at £10. The first race, the Supreme Novice race, was scheduled for 1:20 PM. Organizers are introducing changes, including reduced Guinness prices and more outdoor drinking areas, to boost attendance.
