Sandown Park
Royal Artillery Gold Cup Day
14 February 2020
Racing with a military twist
A wonderful day of racing with a special military twist. All are welcome to a celebrate two fantastic traditions stepped in rich history.
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Sandown Park
A wonderful day of racing with a special military twist. All are welcome to a celebrate two fantastic traditions stepped in rich history.
The feature race is the Royal Artillery Gold Cup. This is one of Sandown Park’s oldest races having been first run here in 1878, and since run every season since 1921.
The race is restricted to horses that are owned or have been leased by those who are serving or have served in the Royal Artillery or one of its recognised Establishments or Units.
The jockeys must be amateurs and either past or existing members of any of the Armed Forces, making the race unique in every sense. Last years winner was Guy Disney on Rathlin Rose, who were also victorious in 2017.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, often referred to simply as ‘The Troop’ duties include the firing of Royal Salutes on Royal Anniversaries and State Occasions. It was His Majesty King George VI’s wish that after the Second World War a troop of Royal Horse Artillery, mounted and dressed in the traditional manner, should take part in the great ceremonies of State.
In 1947, His Majesty inspected the newly formed Riding Troop and said that he wished it to be known as The King’s Troop, a wish that Her Majesty the Queen has graciously supported during her reign, in recognition of her father’s special interest in The Troop.