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Cheltenham Festival: 13th – 16th March 2012
Spring is officially here when the race day calendar kicks off again, and the much-loved Cheltenham Festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events, marking the start of the race season, and the culmination of months of training and preparation for an army of horses, jockeys, trainers and owners.
Four days of exhilarating jump racing commences on Tuesday 13th March, with Ladies Day taking place on Wednesday 14th March, St Patrick?s Day on Thursday 15th March and reaching its grand finale on Gold Cup Day, Friday 16th March. Crowds of up to 220,000 will flock to the beautiful English Cotswolds for this treasured event that manages to combine some truly top class sport with a fantastic atmosphere and great fun.
Last year?s winner Long Run is returning with jockey Sam Waley-Cohen to defend their crown, but face stiff opposition from challengers Kauto Star, ridden by Ruby Walsh, one of the finest festival jockeys of all time. With the English weather seeming to bathe us in gloriously warm temperatures and with tickets still available from £75, the festival looks set to be one of the most exciting yet and promises a much needed departure from the gloom of the English winter.
Visit Cheltenham website for further information.
