CHELTENHAM racecourse bosses have revealed a plan to let punters have their ashes kept at the home of jumps.
The Racing Post report that the site of March’s famous Festival have applied for planning permission for a columbarium.
The proposed columbarium would be near Cheltenham’s pre-parade ring – giving late loved ones a final resting place at the home of jumps
A columbarium, or ‘house of peace’, is a space where urns containing cremated remains are kept.
The paper reports the planning application as saying: “Fans will be able to pre-arrange their final resting place in advance of their passing, knowing that they will secure their personal space in their chosen location at the racecourse.”
It is reportedly ‘very likely’ planning permission will be granted.
But discussions over just how feasible the new structure will be are still ongoing.
It is believed the columbarium will be built at the main entrace to the racecourse.
Anyone hoping to have a loved one’s remains stored inside the racecourse will be disappointed.
The structure must be outside the track as often the course itself is closed to visitors due to maintenance or building work.
The proposed site for the building will be by the Centaur building.
Racegoers will walk past on one side, while the other sits next to where the horses are led to the pre-parade ring.
Given the size and scope of the columbarium it is thought there will be room for up to 700 ‘niches’.
While finer details are yet to be confirmed, examples elsewhere show how columbariums are generally used.
Three such sites in Lambeth, London, allow people to lease a niche for up to ten years.
The council website says the resting places are ‘perfect for those who wish to have a dedicated area in which people can pay their respects to their friends and families’.
There is no word yet on how much a space in the Cheltenham racecourse columbarium, if indeed it goes ahead, could cost.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/im-gutted-100000-was-mine-until-it-got-cruelly-ripped-away-by-just-inches-in-unbelievable-finish-to-horse-race/
