Channel 4 Racing: Showcase meetings/races

13 November 2014

The Open, Cheltenham Racecourse: Friday 14 – Sunday 16 November

The Open is the first major highlight of the British Jump Racing Calendar, with three days of racing magic live on Channel 4. Friday is Countryside Day with Channel 4 taking in four races that include the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase over the twists and turns of Cheltenham’s unique course. Taking centre stage alongside the newly named David Johnson Memorial Intermediate Handicap Hurdle which is sure to attract a plethora of David Pipe trained entries in honour of the former and much respected racehorse owner.

Saturday’s showcase is the thrilling Paddy Power Gold Cup won last year’s contest proved to be as exciting as ever, with the local team of Jonjo O’Neill and Ritchie McLernon triumphing with Johns Spirit, providing Jonjo with his second Paddy Power Gold Cup winner.

The stanjames.com Greatwood Hurdle Handicap dominating Sunday’s card with the competitive Punchestown contest included with Channel 4’s weekend schedule. Coverage of The Open will also take in races from Wetherby and Fontwell Park to compliment the sporting weekend.

Hennessy Gold Cup, Racecourse Newbury: Saturday, November 29

The prestigious Hennessy Gold Cup is run over three miles and two and a half furlongs with twenty-one fences to be jumped. The event, initially staged at Cheltenham in 1957, was won by Mandarin, owned by Peggy Hennessy, a member of the family which founded Hennessy, the race's sponsoring company. In 1960 the race transferred to Newbury and won for the second time by Mandarin in 1961. In 1962 the race was won by Taxidermist ridden by the amateur rider John Lawrence, later Lord Oaksey and former member of the Channel 4 Racing team, who was the breeder and part-owner of the 2011 winner, Carruthers

The race's association with Hennessy has continued throughout its history, and this now represents British racing's longest commercial sponsorship. The Hennessy Gold Cup has been won by eight horses which have also achieved victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup which is broadcast live on Channel 4 in March. The most recent of these is the 2013 winner Bobs Worth trained by Nicky Henderson

The Hennessy Gold Cup is one of racing’s most prestigious and anticipated races. Champion jockey, AP McCoy, is hoping to claim victory in this year’s contest. However, 2012 and 2013 title holders – Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty – are aiming for a hat trick!

William Hill King George Winter Festival, Kempton Park: Friday, December 26

Quite simply the pinnacle day in the Kempton Park calendar and one of Channel 4’s festive highlights – the Boxing Day raceday features three Group 1 races including the flagship contest - William Hill King George VI Chase. The race is a seasonal target for many outstanding chasers and with unrivalled coverage that includes a special edition The Morning Line, Channel 4 viewers enjoy the finest racing action.

 

Coral Welsh Grand National, Chepstow Racecourse: Saturday, December 27

The Coral Welsh Grand National is the most prestigious regional horse race in Wales and another highlight within the festive season.

The race, with a £100,000 purse, attracts some of the best jump horses in training. Previous winners include Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised and Aintree Grand National winners Earth Summit, Silver Birch and Bindaree. Last year’s winner Mountainous, owned by his patriotic Welsh owners Dai Walters and James Potter, is again being targeted at the race.

Cheltenham Festival, Cheltenham: Tuesday 10 – Friday13 March

Four days of championships races – the Olympics of horseracing – enough said!

Crabbie’s Grand National Festival, Aintree: Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 April

The three-day Crabbie’s Grand National Festival. The nation’s favourite race, run over four miles three and half furlong has a £1 million bounty targeted by forty horses and jockeys. Once again, Channel 4 will support the event with season programming, a strong marketing campaign and extensive event coverage.

Coral Scottish Grand National, Ayr: Saturday, April 18

Off the back to the Grand National, Channel 4 heads to Scotland for another seasonal highlight….

The Coral Scottish Grand National is truly a magnificent occasion and one that attracts a huge crowd of up to 18,000 to enjoy a spectacular sporting event. Channel 4 broadcast four live races with the undoubtable showcase being the £200,000 Coral Scottish Grand National.

This jewel in the crown of the jump season in Scotland has been raced at Ayr Racecourse since 1966 and previous winners include legends like Red Rum. The Coral Scottish Grand National is run over four miles and half a furlong and up to 30 horses will face 27 fences with the winner landing the coveted trophy and the glory that goes with it.

Bet365 Jump Finale, Sandown Park: Saturday, April 25

The closing ceremony of the Jump season will be celebrated at Sandown Park as the racecourse hosts the bet365 Jump Finale on Saturday 25th April. This is a day when champions will be crowned, the season’s leading horses will be paraded and sporting celebrities will be in attendance.

The parade of the season’s stars is one of the most popular events at Sandown Park, with thousands turning up to see their equine heroes. The line-up will be announced at a later date but winners of the top races across the season, including the Crabbies Grand National Festival at Aintree and the Cheltenham Festival victors, should all be in attendance.

Industry champions are also honoured prior to racing with an awards ceremony for the Champion Jockey, Conditional Jockey, Trainer, Horse, and Owner who will be presented with their prizes by a top sporting celebrity.

The feature race, the Bet365 Gold Cup is the course’s richest jump race (£150,000) alongside the December 6th highlight – the 888sport Tingle Creek Chase.