Cheltenham will host a major snooker tournament for the first time in February 2019 when the World Grand Prix comes to the town. 

The world ranking event will run from February 4th to 10th in The Centaur, part of the famous Cheltenham Racecourse. Fans in the Gloucestershire area will have the perfect chance to see the best snooker players on the planet competing for a prestigious title.

The World Grand Prix will feature the leading 32 players on the 2018/19 season one year ranking list, starting with July’s Riga Masters and ending with the final counting event, the German Masters which finishes on February 3rd.

With extensive live television coverage from ITV4, the tournament offers a top prize of £100,000 from a total prize fund of £375,000.

Last season the World Grand Prix was staged in Preston, with Ronnie O’Sullivan beating Ding Junhui in the final. 

The top 16 on the one year ranking list will go on to compete in the Players Championship in Preston (March 4th to 10th) and then the top eight will progress to the new Tour Championship in Llandudno (March 19th to 24th). 

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are thrilled to bring the World Grand Prix to a new location at the fantastic Cheltenham Racecourse. As well as being world famous for horse racing, this is a superb venue which hosts a wide range of major events and we have no doubt it will prove a top class facility for one of our leading tournaments.

“The popularity of snooker has grown dramatically in recent years, both in terms of its television and live audience, so we are always looking for new locations where we can give fans the opportunity to see the players in the flesh. Tickets will go on sale soon and they will sell rapidly so fans are strongly urged to book fast.

“From the moment the very first ball is struck at the beginning of the new season, players will be striving for every pound to get themselves up the one year ranking list and earn a place at the three highly lucrative events which will take place early in 2019 in Cheltenham, Preston and Llandudno. There will be star-studded fields at all three venues.”

Lee Moulson, Regional Head of Sales at Cheltenham Racecourse, added: “We couldn’t be more excited to be hosting the 2019 World Grand Prix here at Cheltenham Racecourse. The Centaur is a fantastic venue for an event of this type and we are delighted to be hosting snooker at the Home of Jump Racing for the first time. We look forward to working on the event over the coming months, next Spring will be a busy time for us with the snooker in February and the world famous Cheltenham Festival the following month.”

Details of how to buy tickets will be released soon.

ENDS

CAPTION: Cheltenham Racecourse will host a major snooker tournament for the first time in February 2019 when the World Grand Prix comes to the town.

Notes to Editors

About Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham Racecourse is situated in Prestbury on the outskirts of the historic spa town of Cheltenham. The Home of Jump Racing, Cheltenham Racecourse is the venue for the world's pre-eminent Jump Racing meeting, The Festival, which takes place in March every year.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham Racecourse is a stunning natural amphitheatre and offers the highest-quality action throughout the Jump season.

In addition to 16 days racing, Cheltenham is also a renowned Conference and Events venue and is ideally situated within a short distance of major cities and transport links. From a national conference, product launch or business meeting, a grand ball, music concerts or romantic wedding Cheltenham offers a fantastic set up.

Our versatile event spaces, both indoors and out, offer completely bespoke customisation from drinks to dance floors, conferencing to canapés and everything in between.

Please find more details at www.cheltenham.co.uk, through Twitter (@CheltenhamRaceEvents), Facebook www.facebook.com/thehomeofjumpfacing and Instagram (@CheltenhamRaces).

About The Jockey Club

Cheltenham is part of The Jockey Club which stages thrilling sporting occasions including The Randox Health Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival and The Investec Derby.

Millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences The Jockey Club offers through racing, music, food and entertainment. Governed by Royal Charter, every penny made goes back into British Racing to help the sport thrive.

The Jockey Club was founded in 1750 and today is the largest commercial group in Britain's second-biggest spectator sport, operating 15 racecourses nationwide, The National Stud, Jockey Club Estates, Jockey Club Catering, Jockey Club Live and the charity, Racing Welfare. For more information, visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk.