ROYAL ARTILLERY GOLD CUP DAY SUPPORTING HELP FOR HEROES - 17 FEB 2012

The Royal Artillery Gold Cup is one of the oldest events in the Racing Calendar, having existed for nearly 150 years. The inaugural event was held in 1862 at Eltham, although it was not until twelve months later that the now familiar race title came into existence. Sandown Park first hosted the meeting in 1878 which was notable for the success of Swift, who provided Lieutenant Henry Dalbiac with the second of four consecutive winning rides in the race.

A unique event in the Racing Calendar,it is a credit to the Committee that the Royal Artillery Meeting is even more popular than ever. Without their foresight and fortitude, the annual gathering would surely be but a distant memory. It remains one of the Royal Artillery’s flagship days, hugely popular with the Regiment and the racing public alike.

This year, we are honoured to announce that HRH The Duchess of Cornwall will be in attendance on Royal Artillery Gold Cup Day in support of Help for Heroes. This will be HRH's first official visit to the racecourse. Upon arrival Her Royal Highness will be greeted by the Master Gunner and introduced to many of the military personnel. The Duchess will also make presentations to the winner and runners up in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup.

Before events commence there will be a military parade in Esher High Street at 10.30am starting from the car park near the Police Station. The parade will comprise of The King’s Troop RHA, marching troops from 7TH Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, The Royal Artillery Band, Royal Artillery Equipments (Light Gun and Rapier FSC), ACF, RAA and the Royal Artillery Pipes and Drums.  The Master Gunner St James’s Park (General Sir Timothy Granville-Chapman) will take the Salute.  He will be accompanied by the Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey (Brigadier Bartlett) and the Mayor of Elmbridge (Councillor Sheldon).  The parade is part of the build up to the Royal Artillery Gold Cup race meeting.  The parade will finish at Sandown Park Racecourse in time for gates to open at midday. 

This half term fixture will feature live performances by the legendary War Horse puppet Topthorn and a guest appearance from author Michael Morpurgo, celebrating the launch of the Spielberg War Horse movie here in the UK.  The Military Wives Choir who secured the 2011 Christmas Number 1 will be here on the day performing a selection of live songs between the racing. A perfect day to help raise funds for the Help for Heroes charity.

To see Joey from War Horse at his previous visit to Sandown Park, play the video below.

There'll also be the opportunity to raise funds to support deserving individuals in our armed forces with Help for Heroes.

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