The flat season has come to an end, as we move back over to the jumps scene within the winter period. It means wrapping up warm when traveling to the racing with the likely cold temperatures about. There is set to be some fantastic national hunt action in the coming months, so here we cover the main fixtures to watch out for.
Grand National festival
The one that really grabs the public’s attention is the Grand national. Punters look for the best grand national betting offers, as people gamble in their numbers on the big event. The 2019 edition of the race will be taking place on Saturday 6th April, with expected viewing figures of over 500 million worldwide. The race really captions the imagination of the public and is a must watch sporting occasion.
The national is the most valuable jump race on the racing calendar with the winner receiving over £560,000. It is the true test of a horse, which is why the winners are celebrated as champions for years to come. It sets up for yet another fantastic spectacle for the viewing public in 2019.
Source: https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/racing/new-safety-measures-in-place-for-2013-grand-national-316430
Cheltenham festival
The marquee event for many racing fans across the calendar year is the Cheltenham festival. It comprises of four days of stunning action with the top horses contesting for championship honours. Irish fans travel over in their numbers and their horses also continue to dominate, resulting in Prestbury cup honours. St Patrick’s Thursday is usually the popular day of choice for the Irish fans, which provides a fantastic atmosphere around the course and in the Guinness village.
The festival takes place annually in the second week of March at Cheltenham racecourse in Gloucestershire. Over the four days hundreds of millions of pounds changes hands through betting on the event. The crowds at the festival generate a stunning atmosphere, and it is an event worth attending if you have not done so before.
Source: https://www.cheltenhamfestival.net/category/cheltenham-festival-tickets-and-travel/a-beginners-guide-to-purchasing-tickets-to-the-cheltenham-festival-20170928-0002/
Christmas festival at Kempton
The Christmas period is when the national hunt season really gets into full swing. Boxing day provides a fantastic day for racing and sport in general. Kempton hosts the King George, which is one of the key races across the national hunt season. It gives a first real look at the top staying chasers ahead and could host the 2019 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in waiting. The two day meeting comprises of one of the top fixtures across the season with a list of champions competing over the years including Desert Orchid, Best Mate and Kauto Star.
