How much does a pint cost at the Cheltenham Festival? Drinks prices analysed as viral tweet prompts statement

Spectators returned to the stands for the first time in two years and they witnessed a dramatic day on Tuesday with the likes of Honeysuckle and Constitution Hill romping to impressive wins.

Over 270,000 people are expected to flock through the gates over the four-day festival and many have expressed their dismay over the price placed upon drinks around the course.

A pint of Guinness was sold for £7, the same price as the same measure of Aspalls Suffolk Cider, with Carling coming in at 10p cheaper.

Opting for a bottle was just as expensive with a 500ml Doom Bar Bitter costing £7. 50p more than a 330ml bottle of premium lager.

A 25ml measure of spiced run, vodka, gin or pink gin will set racegoers back £6, and Irish whiskey was priced at 10p more.

One spectator went viral after posting a photo on Twitter showing an Irish coffee that cost £14.10.

In response to the criticism, a racecourse spokesperson told The Sun: “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.”

Racegoers were battered by heavy rain on day two of the festival but they will be pleased to know brighter days are forecast for Thursday and Gold Cup day on Friday.