The April Meeting - Thursday

Together with the British Horseracing Authority, Cheltenham has been keen to promote opportunities for mares, and three Listed races were included along with £190,000 in prize money in 2018.

Champion Trainer Nicky Henderson gave his seal of approval, helped in no small part by his Dame De Compagnie taking Listed honours in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

“She’s still got a lot to learn, but she’s gorgeous and has a great future,” said Henderson. “The whole concept of National Hunt mares has been growing for quite a time now, and this is a new project but a very admirable one. It’s all about encouraging mares to come into the game, breed them, keep them and race them.”

There was breeding black type too for Midnight Target, who justified some of the faith her Shropshire-based trainer John Groucott has shown in her by winning the EBF/Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Chase. Quicker ground played to the favour of the sparely-raced Rejaah, who came to the fore in a competitive 17-runner field in the Listed Catesby Estates Plc Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.

family fun entertainment

Join us this Easter holidays for exciting action on, and off the track. The April Meeting Thursday will see the Tattersalls Sales Arena transform into a Family Fun Zone.

What better way to keep the children entertained than with free activities from Cheltenham favourite Showtime Shane, balloon art from Twistopher and Twistina and much more...

• Face painting
• Walking Pet Balloons
• Rosette Making
• Colouring In
• Ride the Equiciser

The first 1,000 Children to enter the turnstiles will receive a free Easter Egg, so arrive early and make the most of a fun-filled afternoon!

Don’t forget to sign your children up with their very own FREE membership – Junior Jumpers™. Register today to collect badges and stamps for every raceday that they attend.

Children aged 18 and under go racing for free at all Cheltenham racedays with a full paying adult.