The Grand National On Its Best Behaviour

This weekend sees the return of one of the biggest races in the world and definitely the biggest horse race. Horse Racing was dragged through the mud last month at the Cheltenham Festival and organisers will be hoping that they can put the focus back on the horses.

Last month at the Cheltenham Festival lower league professional footballers were caught in a disgusting act. James Collins and Samir Carruthers, both formerly of Aston Villa FC, were inebriated and photographed urinating into glasses and pouring it away. This behaviour is the sort that Horse Racing aficionados want to lose from the papers. Posters surround London leading up to these races promoting an almost party like atmosphere.

Festival of Four Legs

This week is The Cheltenham Festival 2016 and while if you don’t know anything about Horse Racing you will be oblivious, it is the pinnacle of the British racing season. Yes, there is more prize money elsewhere, and more prestigious, but nothing comes close to the pure party atmosphere that the festival produces.

The Cheltenham Festival lasts for three days and has a plethora of races on offer including nine Grade 1 races. Of these nine the Gold Cup is the biggest race. Its prize money is only second to The Grand National with the prize money on offer at £550,000 for the winning horse. Other big races are the World Hurdles and Champions Hurdles.