Cheltenham in Benidorm LIVE: We watch high horse race from Brits’ fav vacation hotspot

Brits are binning off buying Cheltenham Festival tickets to watch the racing in Benidorm – and if you can’t beat them, join them.

Horse racing fans say flight prices to sunny Spain are actually cheaper than a day ticket to the race festival so are opting to jet abroad to enjoy the racing. So with that in mind we sent our man Harry Thompson to Benidorm to experience Cheltenham in the holiday hotspot’s own imitable way.

He’ll be sampling the delights of the Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle race as Cheltenham celebrates St Patrick’s Day – all while sitting in a bar in Benidorm.

Droves of fans are now flooding bars on the Spanish city to enjoy a pint watching the races in the sunshine instead. Top blog Benidorm and Beyond added it was fast becoming one of the biggest weeks in the Spanish calendar.

They say: “If Cheltenham is not part of your holiday planning this year, then head for Benidorm. It’s the next best thing. You have bars and big screens, outdoor terraces and an electric atmosphere.

One punter Scott McDermott, said: “Basically, it’s Cheltenham in the sun. Those early bird prices for Cheltenham 2025 are trying to entice you in at £86 per day. That’s JUST for your race ticket. Times that by four days and you’re at £344 before you’ve got transport or a place to stay. Then you’ve got your spending money – for food, drink and gambling. Suddenly, you’re over a grand.”

Here’s how Harry is enjoying Cheltenham, in Benidorm minute by minute…