For many racing fans, the second week in March is the most eagerly-awaited four days of the year as the very best jumpers converge on the Cotswolds.
Here’s a look at March’s Premier Racing fixtures and Family Days.
Premier Racedays
Cheltenham Festival
Day One, Tuesday 10 March
The opening day is all about the speediest jumpers.
It all kicks off with the Grade 1 Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. The tapes going up for the first race of the Festival is the cue for the traditional ‘Cheltenham roar’ from the packed stands as the best young hurdlers battle it out.
The Grade 1 Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy tests the cream of the two-mile novice chasers before day one’s feature contest.
The Grade 1 Unibet Champion Hurdle is the most treasured prize in hurdling. It’s been won by some of the greats of the sport from the golden era of Night Nurse, Monksfield and Sea Pigeon, through to Istabraq, Hurricane Fly and star mare Honeysuckle.
Last year, Golden Ace won a dramatic race. She will be back to defend her crown, with the likes of The New Lion and Irish Champion Hurdler Brighterdaysahead in opposition.
The day’s supporting races include the Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase and the National Hunt Challenge Cup.
Cheltenham Festival
Day Two, Wednesday 11 March
The Bet MGM Queen Mother Champion Chase tops the bill on the second day of the Festival.
The very best two-mile chasers will line-up to take each other on in one of the meeting’s most thrilling contests.
Last year’s winner Marine Nationale will attempt to join Sprinter Sacre, Altior and Energumene – all recent dual winners – when he lines up in the Grade 1 championship contest.
If he is to write his name on to the roll of honour for a second time he will have to exact revenge on Majborough. Marine Nationale was brushed aside by the JP McManus-owned chaser at the Dublin Racing Festival but it could be a different story at Cheltenham.
The day begins with the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle and the best young staying chasers will go head-to-head in the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.
The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase and the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase feature among the supporting races.
Cheltenham Festival
Day Three, Thursday 12 March
There’s three Grade 1 prizes on up for grabs on Thursday.
The Ryanair Chase and the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle make for a championship double header of top-class jump racing action.
The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle is the other Grade 1 contest as the best females battle it out for top honours.
The amateur jockeys get their chance to shine in the Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup and the Pertemps Network Final is one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the season.
Cheltenham Festival
Day Four, Friday 13 March
The Festivals reaches its glittering climax on the fourth and final day with the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup taking centre stage.
This year’s contest is shaping up to be an epic race for what is the greatest prize in jump racing.
It has everything. Defending champion Inothewayyurthinkin, dual winner Galopin Des Champs, King George hero The Jukebox Man and Welsh National victor Haiti Couleurs all feature in a stellar line-up for the famous race.
The day kicks off with the four-year-old hurdlers fighting it out for the Grade 1 JCB Triumph Hurdle.
The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle is the third Grade 1 contest on the card. It often contains some of the chasing stars of the future and it was won by subsequent Gold Cup hero Minella Indo seven years ago.
The William Hill County Hurdle and the Princess Royal Challenge Cup – often known as the amateurs’ Gold Cup – are among the supporting races.
The meeting closes with the conditional jockeys battling it out for the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle.
Family Racedays
Exeter
Sunday 22 March
There’s a jam-packed schedule of children’s games and family entertainment at the Guildhall Shopping Exeter Family Raceday to compliment the action on the track.
It’s going to be a fun-filled day and one that certainly won’t break the bank.
Under 18s get in for free and pre-booked tickets for a family of two adults with unlimited children costs a bargain £28.
For full details and to book your tickets go to www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/exeter
Ascot
Sunday 29 March
There’s a whole lot going on at Ascot’s Spring Family Raceday.
There will be friendly animals to meet, captivating entertainers, face painting and hands-on craft activities during the Magic Faraway Tree-themed afternoon.
The fourth leg of the Stayers’ Veterans’ Chase Series heads the racing action on what is sure to be a superb afternoon for all the family.
Under 18s go free and tickets start at £28.
For full details head to www.ascot.com
Doncaster
Sunday 29 March
The Lincoln Family Fun Day promises to be the perfect mix of wholesome family fun and superb sporting action.
There will be arts & crafts, treasure hunts and fairground rides to keep everyone entertained, while the K-Pop Superstars will have all ages singing, dancing and cheering.
The meeting celebrates the opening weekend of the turf Flat racing season and there is a competitive line-up of races.
Under 18s get in for free and a ticket bundle for two adults and up to six children costs just £30.
Go to www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk for full details.
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