The Cheltenham Festival commenced with notable flair on Tuesday, as darts sensation Luke 'The Nuke' Littler swapped his typical athletic wear for sophisticated formal attire. Accompanied by his stylish girlfriend, Faith Millar, the couple enjoyed the opening day of the prestigious four-day horse racing event from the stands at Prestbury Park.
Fashionable Couple Makes a Statement
Luke Littler, aged 19, appeared sharp in a beige blazer, paired with a crisp white shirt and a delicate baby pink tie. His partner, Faith Millar, also 19 and a beautician by profession, coordinated elegantly in a matching pink blazer, her blonde hair arranged in polished curls. The pair, who have been dating since last summer, displayed animated enthusiasm, raising their arms and beaming with broad smiles as the races began.
Rivals Join in the Festivities
They were not alone in their enjoyment; fellow darts competitors Luke Humphries and Nathan Aspinall also attended, sharing the stand on Day One of the festival. The atmosphere was electric ahead of the first race, which started just after 1:20 pm with the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, a contest renowned for unveiling future equestrian stars.
Organisers Address Attendance Concerns with Price Cuts
In a strategic move to attract more visitors, festival organisers significantly reduced drink prices. A pint of Guinness now costs £7.50, a decrease of 30p from last year's nearly £8 mark, while a half-pint is priced at £3.75, down by 15p. Additionally, single servings of gin, vodka, and rum have been reduced by 20p each.
This pricing adjustment follows a notable drop in attendance, with only 218,839 people attending in 2025, a decline of over 10,000 from the previous year. Notably, Ladies Day last year saw just 41,949 attendees, the lowest single-day figure in a quarter-century, with many attributing the downturn to rising costs.
Racing Highlights and Celebratory Scenes
The afternoon featured the Champion Hurdle, a premier event where top two-mile hurdlers compete for one of jump racing's most coveted titles. Off the track, guests were captured enjoying bottles of Moët champagne directly and engaging in lively street celebrations, singing and dancing.
By implementing these price reductions, organisers aim to rejuvenate interest and ensure the Cheltenham Festival remains a highlight of the sporting calendar, blending elite competition with accessible enjoyment for all attendees.
