A GRAND DAY AT THE RACES
07/01/2010
One of the most traditional days at Sandown Park Racecourse is the Grand Military Gold Cup Day on Friday 12th March. The day features a strong military flavour throughout, including a military band performing during the afternoon, a parachute jump and a parade by the Royal Artillery Hunt.
Look out for the Royal Armoured Corps (Cavalry) skydiving team who will be attempting a parachute jump onto the racecourse carrying the Grand Military Gold Cup prior to the first race of the day at approx 1.45pm. Racegoers will have the chance to purchase a beer mat on entry, with all proceeds going to Help for Heroes, and place it on the course where they think the parachutist will land – the nearest beer mat winner will win a complimentary bottle of champagne and tickets to the bet365 Gold Cup Day on Saturday 24th April.
The Grand Military Gold Cup is a race that dates back to 1841 and has featured many of the country’s finest amateur riders. The Queen Mother was an avid supporter of the event, her horses winning on no less than five occasions, most memorably Special Cargo in 1984, 1985 and 1986. A statue in bronze of this magnificent horse stands overlooking the Weighing Room near the Winners Enclosure.
The Paddy Power Imperial Cup Day on Saturday 13th March is definitely a day of hilarious entertainment so be prepared for lunacy as Paddy Power stages some new, madcap stunts to raise money for charity, following the huge success of the Parade Ring Spacehopper race in 2009. This year it’s Sport Relief and some wild and whacky ideas are already being discussed to raise money for this very worthwhile cause. There is also the chance to view the Cheltenham Preview Panel after racing where a panel of professionals from the racing world will discuss the upcoming Festival races in details and provide some insider tips. Don’t miss the parade of retrained racehorses, showcasing some household names who have gone on to new careers in other equine sports.
As a special offer for the Grand Military raceday, adults can enjoy a reduced entrance price for only £10 when booked in advance.
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Contact: Sarah-Jane Muirie
Tel No: 020 7385 8819
