‘Genuine concern’ over Guinness shortage at Cheltenham Festival – but chances of running dry a longshot

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THERE is ‘genuine concern’ over a Guinness shortage at Cheltenham Festival – but the chances of actually running dry look a non-runner.

More than 265,000 pints – enough to fill three Olympic swimming pools – were guzzled down by punters over four days last year.

Man in leprechaun hat toasting with a pint of Guinness at a festival.
Cheltenham Festival and Guinness go hand in hand – but fears have been raised about supply amid reports of pubs rationing amounts or even running out completely

But amid reports of rationing in pubs and some running out completely, fears have been building that racing’s greatest festival could be severely impacted too.

Luckily, Sun Racing understands certain key events, such as Cheltenham, are ring-fenced by suppliers to ensure there is always enough available.

So it doesn’t look like the Guinness Village will be running out of Guinness this year.

Still, punters can expect a pint to set them back £7.80 – a 30p increase on 2024 prices – amid an explosion in popularity for the Irish stout, driven by influencers on social media.

A spokesperson for the Licensed Vintners Association told the Racing Post: “The surge in Guinness’ popularity has been phenomenal, but it’s placing immense pressure on breweries, distributors, and pubs.

“With the Cheltenham Festival just weeks after the January race meet, there’s genuine concern that availability could be severely impacted, especially if consumption trends continue.”

Cheltenham Festival, which represents the pinnacle of the jumps racing season, kicks off on Tuesday, March 11.

Bosses have brought in a number of changes sought to benefit punters this year, including allowing racegoers carrying a pint to roam the grounds more freely.

A new ‘meal deal’ has been introduced and the car parks will be improved after there was ‘absolute bedlam’ when a load of motors got stuck in the mud last year.