CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL is famous for being the pinnacle of racing – and occasionally scene of some of the most shocking celebrity incidents.
This year, 68,500 punters will pour through the gates – in what is sure to be the mother of all parties.
ReutersCheltenham Festival is a celebration of great Jump racing but it has also seen some shocking fan incidents down the years[/caption]
And while the vast majority of racegoers behave themselves during race week, there have been occasions when some have crossed the line.
Here, SunSport looks back at some of the more raucous moments caught on camera at Cheltenham.
Love Island star bares chest
Cheltenham Festival 2016 turned into a particularly wild affair.
And perhaps no one reflected that more than Katie Salmon.
Paul Edwards – The SunKatie Salmon, right, made headlines with her antics at Cheltenham 2016[/caption]
Paul Edwards – The SunKatie Salmon was banned from racecourses after revealing her breasts[/caption]
Paul Edwards – The SunFormer Love Island star Katie Salmon was in a VIP box at the time[/caption]
Salmon flashed her boob while watching the racing from a VIP box overlooking the course.
The reality TV star appeared in Love Island the same year.
Cheltenham bosses took a dim view of her antics and banned her from all racecourses, only for Katie to return in 2019.
Commenting on the events in 2016, Katie said: “I love how people are making out a nipple is the end of the world. We were drunk, being young girls having fun.
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“I apologise if I offended anybody, but really, have you guys not seen a nipple before?”
Lee Westwood’s big win
Golf legend Westwood has made over £50million career – and he’s also a dab hand at betting.
In 2019, he made headlines when he won £48,000 off a £240 bet.
He put seven selections in a Super Heinz [consisting of 120 bets] – and amazingly only one of them failed to win.
City Island won the first at odds of 8-1 on the second day of the festival two years ago.
Topofthegame came in at 7-1, with Killultagh Vic the only let down in the third race.
Westy then saw Altior at 4-9, 11-8 shot Tiger Roll, 11-2 Band Of Outlaws and 9-2 shot Envoi Allen storm home.
The golfer posted his slip to Instagram and wrote: “Boom. I love Betfair.”
Incredibly, that giant win came just a year after he pocketed £22,000 from another winning bet at Cheltenham.
Westy scooped the top prize from the Tote jackpot after picking the first six winners on the first day.
@BetfredLee Westwood has got form when it comes to Cheltenham[/caption]
Instagram / @westwood_leeWestwood won a massive £48k from a £240 bet[/caption]
Footballers banned for urinating on balcony
Samir Carruthers and James Collins were barred from all racecourses after this unsavoury scene in 2016.
Carruthers, who was playing for MK Dons at the time, and Collins, the current Luton striker who was then with Northampton Town, were snapped urinating into a glass and pouring it over the balcony.
Paul Edwards – The SunJames Collins, left, and Samir Carruthers, right, apologised for their wee shame[/caption]
Paul Edwards – The SunSamir Carruthers and James Collins relieved themselves on a racecourse balcony[/caption]
The duo’s actions occurred on the same balcony where Salmon flashed her chest.
The pair, previously on the books of Aston Villa, later publicly apologised for what happened.
Both were fined two weeks’ wages by their clubs and Gloucester police described the incident as a ‘disgusting and thoughtless act’.
Carruthers said at the time: “I’ve let down the whole team, my team-mates, everyone. And I’m really sorry to Cheltenham as well because they let me in and stuff and I obviously embarrassed everyone.”
Collins, who was on loan at Shrewsbury Town from Northampton at the time, said: “I have completely let myself, my family, the fans and the two clubs that I represent down, and I am sorry to everyone involved.”
New meaning to ‘and they’re off!’
This streaker stole the show in 2016.
Groundsmen had their work cut out to try to capture the nudist as he galloped in front of stunned spectators on Gold Cup day.
He was eventually caught, arrested and subsequently charged with the offence of outraging public decency.
Getty Images – GettyThis streaker caused havoc on Gold Cup day in 2016[/caption]
Crispin Rodwell – The Sun DublinThe streaker ran out in the middle of a race[/caption]
A spokesman for Gloucestershire police said: “He was near the final hurdle while a race was ongoing, however the horses were on a different part of the racecourse. He was not injured or in danger.”
And those who maybe had one too many
Everyone knows part of the fun of going to the races is letting your hair down and having a couple drinks.
But sometimes that couple can lead to a couple more, and a couple more…
Splash NewsThis punter looks like he needs a place to put his weary head[/caption]
Splash NewsCheltenham in March is hardly tropical but this racegoer didn’t mind taking off his top[/caption]
Splash NewsOne racegoer pinches a policeman’s hat[/caption]
Action Images – ReutersThe Festival is all about putting on your finest gear and watching the best racehorses[/caption]
EPAA punter manages to carry three pints of Guinness and a glass of white wine in his mouth[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationSt Patrick’s Day is always a big hit with Cheltenham Festival punters[/caption]
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