The Gold Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 2 miles 3 Ascot and 210 yards (4,014 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.
Is the Cheltenham Gold Cup a flat race?
It was a flat race, and it was contested over 3 miles on Cleeve Hill, which overlooks the present venue. The inaugural winner, Spectre, won a prize of 100 guineas for his owner Mr Bodenham. The Cheltenham Gold Cup was first run as a jumps race on 12 March 1924.
Does Cheltenham have flat races?
Racing’s popularity soared over the next decade with crowds of 30,000 visiting the racecourse for its annual two day July meeting featuring the Gold Cup, a 3m flat race.
What is a flat horse race called?
Flat races over a shorter distance are called sprints. Those over a longer distance are called stayers, and those in between are called middle distance.
Is Cheltenham Gold Cup a steeplechase?
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious steeplechase found anywhere in the world. The cream of British and Irish staying chasers will be lining up for what is known as the Blue Riband of steeple chasing, and the small matter a total of £625,000 in first prize.
Is Cheltenham Racecourse hilly?
During the Festival, most of the racing takes place on the Old Course, on the Tuesday and Wednesday, and the New Course, on the Thursday and Friday. Both courses are left-handed, undulating and feature a stiff, uphill finish, known colloquially as the ‘Cheltenham hill’.
Can you wear jeans to Cheltenham Gold Cup?
A skirt is a great way to smarten up your outfit and show off your country boots. A tweed skirt, or the new Anna Lascata suede skirt are great options. Otherwise, the relaxed dress code at Cheltenham means it is acceptable to wear a smart pair of jeans and many do.
What are the 5 major flat races UK?
English Classics, in horse racing, five of the oldest and most important English horse races. They are the Derby, the Oaks, the One Thousand Guineas, the Saint Leger, and the Two Thousand Guineas (qq. v.).
What is the biggest flat race in the UK?
The Derby
The Derby (Epsom) — June
The Epsom Derby is perhaps the most famous Flat race in the world and the most prestigious of the five British Classics. It is run on Epsom’s unique undulating track and is considered to be a huge test of horse and jockey thanks to the famous camber.
Is Royal Ascot a flat race?
Royal Ascot is a five-day meeting of high-quality Flat racing at Ascot racecourse in Berkshire. It is the highlight of the Flat racing calendar in Britain and a major social occasion. It is attended each year by the Queen and other members of the royal family.
What are the 5 classic flat races?
The five Classics form the bedrock of the British Flat racing season and are the benchmark on which careers and legends are based. The Derby (pictured), the Oaks, the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas and the St. Leger identify the best thoroughbred three-year-old colts and fillies of their generation.
Is flat racing cruel?
Research in Victoria into the risk of death in flat horse racing found approximately one fatality per 1,000 horse starts. Racing involves striking the horse with of a whip, which inflicts pain, and can result in injury, to enhance performance.
What are the 3 horse races called?
What is the Triple Crown? The Kentucky Derby (first run in 1875), the Preakness Stakes (1873) and the Belmont Stakes (1867) make up the Triple Crown series for 3-year-old thoroughbreds.
Is Cheltenham flat or hurdles?
Of the 28 races staged during the Cheltenham Festival, 13 are hurdles and 13 are chases. In addition, there is a flat race – known as a bumper – and the cross-country race, held on specialist obstacles in the centre of the course.
How many horses died at Cheltenham Gold Cup?
In all, eleven horses died there over the four-day meeting that year. Animal Aid has compiled a list of all the names and details of all horses who have died at the Cheltenham Festival since 2000.
Is the Cheltenham Gold Cup made of real gold?
It weighs 644 grams of nine carat gold and is plated in 18 carat gold to give it a rich colour.
Is Cheltenham a stiff track?
To the naked eye, or to the layman, Cheltenham looks very stiff, but the two courses are actually totally different and I rate the Old Course much the quicker. So, especially on that, you need a horse that can travel easily within itself.
Can you wear ripped jeans to Cheltenham?
Tattersalls Enclosure In this part of the race course, smart casual dress is recommended for both men and women. Smart jeans, trousers and chinos are allowed but ripped jeans are not permitted. There are other rules to follow too as shorts, sportswear, t-shirts and fancy dress will lead to refused entry.
Where is the posh part of Cheltenham?
Pittville, Cheltenham
Pittville is one of the most affluent areas to live in Cheltenham with Regency-style housing. It is easy to see why as the area is dominated by Pittville Park, a grade 2 listed historic park, gardens, and lakes.
What is the dress code for the Gold Cup?
What should I wear to the Gold Cup Day? Gentlemen are advised to wear suits and other formal clothes as a part of the dress code at Cheltenham Gold Cup and during their visit to the enclosures. Ladies should wear a cocktail dress.
What should you not wear to the races?
Although far from compulsory in all enclosures, smart dress is the accepted dress code for racegoers. Trainers and shorts are widely regarded as unacceptable, although not forbidden in some enclosures or at some meetings. The classic Flat racing attire for men is a collared shirt with trousers and smart shoes.