Cheltenham Festival 2012

Cheltenham Festival 2012 will take place at Prestbury Park in Cheltenham, Gloucester, as it has every year since 1911. The Festival has changed a great deal over the years, with the introduction of new races and categories, modern grandstands and even the addition of a fourth day in 2005. In fact, many of these changes were made in order to cope with the growing number of people and competitors interested in coming to the Festival.

Cheltenham Festival 2012 will see around 28 races taking place over four days, with an estimated 220,000 spectators joining in the fun. The Cheltenham races are an important event for horse racing fans across the UK and Ireland, mainly thanks to the four feature races that are the highlights of the programme. Crucially, the Novices, Juveniles and handicaps race categories at Cheltenham Festival are very popular with trainers as they’re the perfect opportunity for inexperienced horses and jockeys to shine. Meanwhile, plenty of visitors come to Cheltenham Festival to marvel at the Ladies Day fashions, or have a grand day out with top notch hospitality and entertainment.

Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup 2012

One of the main highlights of the Festival will be the Betfred Gold Cup 2012. With some of jump racing’s biggest names competing each year, and with a prize fund of around £500,000, there’s a lot riding on this gruelling chase. Since 1924, the Cheltenham Gold Cup has been the jewel in the crown of the Festival, with such legends as Arkle, Best Mate, Golden Miller and Desert Orchid numbering among past victors.

Last year, of course, there was something of a surprise victory; Long Run beat previous winners Denman and Kauto Star to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, making Sam Waley-Cohen the first amateur jockey in 30 years to win the race. At Cheltenham Festival 2012, all eyes will surely be on Long Run and his odds for the Betfred Gold Cup, to see if it’s likely he’ll make it a second year running.

Other Cheltenham 2012 highlights

Meanwhile, the World Hurdle event on St Patrick’s Thursday promises to be another high point of Cheltenham Festival 2012. Reigning champions Big Buck’s and Ruby Walsh will be attempting to win a fourth consecutive title, with Walsh surely aiming to beat his personal best of seven wins in one Festival.

Whether you’re planning on visiting Cheltenham Festival 2012 in person, or will be glued to the TV placing bets via online or mobile bookies, this special event promises to be one of the most thrilling weeks in the horse racing world.