Horses, trainers and jockeys are currently undergoing fierce competition at the Cheltenham festival, and while the races and results are gaining much of the attention some punters are unable to get over the price of drinks at the event.
Fascinators, dresses, suits and ties are in abundance at what is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the racing season, and bearing in mind it takes place at one of the world's most famous racecourses, attendees should probably expect to pay a little more than average for their drinks.
It's often the case at events where a handful of bars have a monopoly on the customers, but attendees at this year's event have still been left gobsmacked by the prices they're faced with.
Images shared online indicate that anyone looking to enjoy a refreshing Guinness, 500ml of Doom Bar bitter or Aspalls cider will have to fork out £7, while those opting for a fizzy gin and tonic have to hand over a whopping £14 – practically three times the price it would cost in cheaper establishments, and definitely enough to buy an entire bottle for yourself.
Prices get even more shocking for anyone hoping to match their fancy outfits with a glass of sophisticated champagne, with a bottle of the house champagne priced at £65.
Needless to say, this has caused some outrage from those at the event.
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One Twitter user commented: "£7 for a pint of the black stuff at Cheltenham but betting the Guinness Village still sees record sales."
Another tweet included a picture of a gin and tonic, alongside the simple caption: "Gin and Tonic at Cheltenham Festival £14 (yes, £14)."
Commenting on the high prices, per the Mail Online, a Cheltenham Racecourse spokesperson said: "We work hard to absorb inflationary costs wherever we can. However, current inflation rises in relation to goods and labour have led to an increase in prices for some of the items we serve. Despite this our prices are comparable to other major events, with all our profits reinvested back into British Horseracing."
Though the costs haven't been welcomed by everyone, some Twitter users pointed out that attendees at the prestigious festival shouldn't be surprised at the expensive drinks. Some appear to have taken it in their stride, with one person admitting that despite spending a staggering £150 on drinks, they still managed to walk away with a good profit.
Emily Brown