RACE N I GHT 29 APRIL 2022
Cheltenham offers amateur riders and trainers the chance to take centre stage on Race Night. Scheduled for Friday 29 April 2022, it promises the most competitive and exciting racing of the year, says Nick Seddon THE THR I L L OF RACE N I GHT
O nly a select few experience the thrill of riding at Cheltenham, the Home of Jump Racing. But while the four-day showpiece of the sport – The Festival™ in March – celebrates the best professional horses, jockeys and trainers, the annual finale of the racecourse’s season shines a spotlight on the amateur point-to-point scene. Race Night features seven hunter chases and gives amateur jockeys the chance to fulfil their dream of winning on the most sacred of turf. Point-to-point has for decades been the starting point for many a future star, both human and equine. It has launched the careers of Faugheen, Denman and Rachael Blackmore, this year’s Cheltenham Festival leading rider and Randox Grand National-winning jockey. Although strictly an amateur circuit, no racing is more competitive, and it is through the hunter chase scene that pointers are able to race under Rules at professional racecourses.
previously managed by Harry Skelton, Jack Kennedy and Rachael Blackmore, when guiding Captain McGinley and Highway Jewel to a double on the card. The latter took the Junior Jumpers Mares’ Open Hunters’ Chase in dramatic fashion, when the 2-7 favourite recovered after jumping on to the top of a fence at the top of the iconic hill and then rallied up the hill for an unlikely success. Gibbs said: “It’s unbelievable. Those were my first two runners as a trainer and I’m just blessed to have these two nice horses – I’m lucky I get to ride them as well!” While this might not be the Cheltenham
Covid-19 restrictions for horseracing prevented amateur riders participating last season, including at The Festival. And the point-to-point scene’s tight-knit community, and racing as a sport, was devastated by the tragic death of jockey Lorna Brooke aged just 37. In the Race Night that followed her death, the penultimate contest on the seven-race card was named the Lorna Brooke Open Hunters’ Chase in her honour. It produced a memorable finish, with the Fergal O’Brien-trained Captain Cattistock prevailing in a pulsating finish under young rider Albi Tuffnell. O’Brien’s assistant, Sally Randell, knew Brooke well and was quick to pay tribute to Albi. She said: “We’ve all had a lot of upset and Albi has done us proud. It was a lovely race to win in memory of Lorna.” Hunter chases produce thrilling finishes and it is not unusual to see horses ridden by their own trainers. Last season, trainer- rider, Bradley Gibbs, matched feats only
Festival, it does provide a thrilling spectacle and is just as special to those taking part.
GREG JAMES RETURNS BBC Radio 1’s Greg James returns once again to The Centaur to perform a live set. Join us to end the season in style!
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