Cheltenham Festival News and Tips

Cheltenham Festival 2012 is set to take place from Tuesday 13th to Friday the 16th of March, with seven thrilling races taking place on each of these days. Different jumps, various running lengths and a range of special categories mean there is plenty of variety, with hundreds of horses and jockeys coming to compete. The event also boasts four feature races, which are some of the highlights of the jump racing calendar. These are:

• The Stan James Champion Hurdle on Champion Day
• The Queen Mother Champion Chase on Ladies Day
• The Ladbrokes World Hurdle on St Patrick’s Thursday
• The Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup on Gold Cup Day, the climax of the Festival.

Almost a quarter of a million people go to Prestbury Park to see the races. They will experience the almighty Cheltenham Roar as the first race of the week starts, the extravagant fashion statements on Ladies Day, the abundance of Guinness on St Patrick’s, and the absolute thrill of the Betfred Gold Cup where all the best chasers go head-to-head. With such an electric and fun atmosphere, it’s no wonder Cheltenham Festival has become one of the UK’s best-loved sporting events.

To help horse racing fans get in the mood, we’ll be discussing our favourite moments from the history of Cheltenham Festival, from the most stunning victories to the sport’s heroes, whether they’ve got two legs or four. As the event approaches, this will also be the go-to place for announcements of runners, riders and schedules, as well as any developments that may affect the outcome, from bans or injuries to the softness of the racecourse. Finally, we’ll be offering some prime betting tips for Cheltenham Festival 2012, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.