Train operator First Great Western is helping fans planning to attend the Cheltenham Festival, which runs from 11 – 14 March, by providing extra trains and increasing capacity on regular services.

The event is expected to attract 50,000 racing fans each day and 65,000 on Gold Cup day, Saturday, 14 March, so train services will be extremely busy.

Phil West, First Great Western Special Events Manager says:“ This event is hugely popular. Long before gates at Cheltenham Racecourse open at 1030, and long after the last race at 1720, Cheltenham Spa station will be experiencing a huge surge in customer numbers. So we have organised extra services and more seats during the five days of the Festival.

“Customers planning to use train services need to be aware that strict queueing arrangements will be in place at London Paddington station for the outward journey and at Cheltenham Spa for return journeys. This means passengers board trains on a first come, first served basis, which we’ve found to be the fairest way to allocate seats.

“Seats can be reserved on trains to Cheltenham Spa, but not for return services after 1700. Passengers with seat reservations at London Paddington station will be offered priority boarding.”

Bus travel between Cheltenham Spa station and Cheltenham Racecourse can also be included in the price of the train ticket. To purchase tickets and make reservations, ring 08457 000125.

Those intending to use train services but not wishing to visit Cheltenham Festival should be aware that train services on all routes to Cheltenham Spa throughout the morning and from early evening will be extremely busy.