the november meeting
The November meeting, Saturday November 17 The November Meeting featuring the BetVictor Gold Cup on Saturday November 17, is a real autumnal treat and invariably provides one of the most exciting racedays in the calendar. A mix of experts, enthusiasts and novice race-goers makes for a compelling atmosphere, perfect for groups and celebrations. The bookmakers are tough to beat and give little away, but it’s a thrill to see them play their part in the feverish betting ring. For those who enjoy a side of party with their racing, head to the Final Flight Bar for all-day facilities and after-race party (see box below). Advanced booking is encouraged, but for those who miss out on tickets, there’s The Centaur, which normally hosts a local live band to keep your feet tappin’ long after the last horses have crossed the line. Last year’s November Meeting saw the ever-popular Splash Of Ginge battle to success in challenging conditions to triumph in the BetVictor Gold Cup, despite his 25-1 starting price. The first of the season’s major races attracted another high-quality field, headed by the well-fancied Kylemore Lough. But the soft ground played to the now-10-year-old Splash of Ginge’s final flight bar This year, The Final Flight Bar will once again be livening things up with the popular band Tommy and the Fuse, performing live after racing has concluded on the Friday and Saturday. Tickets can be purchased via cheltenham.co.uk (Club/Tattersalls ticket holders only).
top again in the mallardjewellers.com Novices’ Chase and Nicky Henderson’s Thomas Campbell graduating at Listed level in the Regulatory Finance Solutions Handicap Hurdle with a very competent ride by James Bowen, who was to become the season’s Champion Conditional jockey. Highclere Thoroughbred Racing’s light blue silks, usually more familiar in Flat racing circles, were carried to a Listed victory in the Experience The Theatre@ The Festival Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race by the Paul Nicholls-trained Posh Trish.
strengths, and he was in the mood for a battle under emerging jockey Tom Bellamy, holding Starchitect off by a neck in a grandstand finish. Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies’ local pub was in for a bumper evening, as the victory was celebrated by the horse’s charismatic Liverpudlian owner, John Nield. He dedicated the moment to Ryan Hatch, the horse’s usual jockey, who was injured at the time and has subsequently retired. “I’m pinching myself. I can’t believe it,” said Bellamy, who is also Hatch’s housemate. “The owners are football fans – they love a good chant and a sing-song. I’m sure the Hollow Bottom will be rocking tonight!” There was also a cracking finish to the chief supporting race, the BetVictor.com Handicap Chase, when Fergal O’Brien’s Perfect Candidate narrowly held off the dual Scottish Grand National winner Vicente. And success for Michael Blake’s bargain buy Coole Cody in the Martin & Co Jewellers Intermediate Handicap Hurdle. “I’ve only had four runners at Cheltenham, but to have a winner here is fantastic,” Blake beamed. Several names from The Showcase were back for more spoils, with Bryony Frost and Black Corton coming out on
There is a Club price increase for The November Meeting Saturday
at 10.59 on October 29.
The November meeting, Sunday November 18 This year The November Meeting on Sunday November 18 will see Gloucestershire and the racing community mark the end of World War One centenary with a number of special activities, including military parades, demonstrations and tributes, honouring those who fought, died and survived the Great War. Far from a sombre affair, the day will also include the Family Fun Zone and the shopping village as racing stars of the past, present and future take on the Cheltenham hill. There have not been many ordinary winners of the Shloer Chase since it was introduced in 2009, with the mighty Well Chief and Sprinter Sacre both on the role of honour. The renewal featured not only defending title-holder Fox Norton, but the winner of the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase, Special Tiara. Whilst Fox Norton had been beaten by just a head the
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