Major Events of the National Hunt Racing Season
One type of horse racing that is popular in the United Kingdom is National Hunt Racing which may be referred to as jump racing by some. Of all the horse racing events in Britain, National Hunt Races are probably the most exciting to watch. The events can vary between hurdles and steeple chases. Hurdles involve having the horse jump over one type of obstacle. However, steeple chases are races that are comprised of a series of grueling jumps over different kinds of fences. During the British Jump Racing or National Hunt Racing Season, there are some major events that occur.
The season officially commences in the middle of November with the opening race help at Cheltenham race course. Known simply as “The Open” this race was established in 1960. Other events that occur in November are the Betfair Chase, The Winter Festival and the Fighting Fifth Meeting.
The month of December is the Christmas leg of the racing season. The first race during this month is the Tingle Creek Meeting which is the first Saturday in December. The BGC Family Raceday Meeting is another December event presented by Ascot. The month the capped off by the William Hill Winter Festival and Coral Welsh National. The Winter Festival occurs on the Boxing Day Holiday.
January only sees one important racing event which is the Victor Chandler Chase Meeting. This is the kick off for the New Year and features a course two miles in length. Expect this race to be scheduled for the middle of January. February’s big event is the Betfair Ascot Chase Meeting. This is the last Grade 1 race that is run before the Cheltenham Festival. This festival is the starring event for the month of March. This festival lasts for four days and features some of the best National Hunt races. It is held at the Cheltenham racecourse. The season concludes in April after three events occur: John Smith’s Grand National Festival, the Scottish Grand National Festival and the Bet 365 Gold Cup.
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