On-train catering staff enjoy the moment as Hugh Doubtfire’s son Daniel poses in front of the coach temporarily named ‘Imperial Commander’ with the Ryanair Chase Cup; before returning to Toddington (Photo courtesy Tony Stockwell)


Driver’s-eye view: why the train is a better bet as car-borne race-goers endure the endless queues to get out of the racecourse (Photo courtesy Tony Stockwell)


The last BR steam-hauled race train standing at the now out-of-use Up platform at Cheltenham Racecourse station, on 14th March 1963. Note the wooden signalbox, with its window shutters open (Photo by the late Bill Potter, courtesy Bernie Holland / Kidderminster Railway Museum)

The GWR's Cheltenham Festival trains were packed out once again, as guests of Classic Hospitality (previously known as Racing Tours) enjoyed travelling by train - putting Cheltenham Racecourse station* to the use for which it was intended. Chief Executive of Classic Hospitality Hugh Doubtfire, managing the trains for the first time, said that he was 'ecstatic' about the service, which was in the charge of Modified Hall class 4-6-0 no. 7903 Foremarke Hall.  The trains are also sponsored by bookmakers Paddy Power, each coach being branded and named after one of the 'runners' at Cheltenham.

"The trains were filled to capacity and everyone seemed to enjoy the experience," he says. "A measure of the service is that we get a lot of repeat business. The majority of customers are corporate hospitality parties with one client bringing 50 guests.  But a lot of couples and small private groups help to fill the trains too.

"Given the current economic climate, and Cheltenham Racecourse reporting a fall in the number of attendees this year, I think we have done exceptionally well.  This is my first year of involvement and I'm very encouraged.  I feel sure that we can grow the business for the benefit of the GWR and for ourselves."

Hugh had even greater reason to be 'ecstatic'. As a lifelong racing enthusiast, he owns a part share in a horse called Imperial Commander, which aficionados will recognise as the winner of the Ryanair Chase under jockey Paddy Brennan on Thursday.  "It was a fantastic win," he says.  "Some commentators have said that Imperial Commander is the best two-and-a-half mile chaser in the UK and Ireland and if he keeps up his present form, them he's certainly a possibility for the Gold Cup next year!"  Imperial Commander, trained by Hugh Twiston-Davies of nearby Kineton, came in at 6-1.

Classic Hospitality is already promoting the GWR steam-hauled train service for the 2010 Cheltenham Festival, which runs 16th-19th March.

Cheltenham Racecourse station was opened in time for the 1912 Cheltenham Festival, five years after the line itself opened.  Attractively situated in a tree-fringed cutting just a five-minute walk from the racecourse itself, it was only ever open on race days.  The sloping ramps gave access to the platforms, facilitating both equestrian traffic and race-goers. In British Railways' days the down platform was extended to accommodate trains of up to 14 coaches. The station boasted basic platform facilities and a small timber signal box which stood almost exactly on the site of the modern building.  The signal box was normally locked-out and only opened on race days.  It had a six-lever frame for distant, home and starter signals in each direction. The windows were equipped with shutters to reduce the risk of the glass being broken by the local lads when the signal box was out of use. The last steam-hauled race train from Paddington was hauled by Castle class 4-6-0 no. 7029 Clun Castle on 14th March 1963 and the very last race train was on 14th March 1976, in the charge of a Brush Type 4 (class 47) diesel.  For more key dates in the GWR's history, click here.