Gold Cup Centenary to focus on the community and fundraising

The most coveted trophy in National Hunt racing, the Cheltenham Gold Cup comes of age in 2024, as the ultimate test of stamina, speed and jumping celebrates its centenary.

The Gold Cup 100 was launched at the racecourse yesterday amid the key updates for this year’s Festival runners, who will be in action in less than a fortnight.

Cheltenham Racecourse has mapped out a range of events to mark this significant 100-year milestone for the sport and the race.

“Our aim is to engage with new and existing fans in love with the sport,” said Andre Klein, Assistant General Manager at Cheltenham.

“We plan to fundraise alongside local groups, such as the Rotary Club and will be supporting Racing Welfare. A team of fundraisers will take the Gold Cup to the highest peaks in Ireland, Wales and England, before reaching the summit of Arkle in Scotland, which we think is a fitting tribute to the great horse.”

Among next year’s plans, will be a One Hundred Day Countdown, involving activity each day on the run up to the Boodles Gold Cup on March 15, 2024. The trophy will go on tour to schools, hospitals, care homes and other locations.

More immediately, the racecourse is launching a new initiative: Festival Monday on March 13th, which this year will engage four local schools who will enjoy being part of the build-up to the Festival by taking part in activities with the team from Racing to School and other partners for a very special event.