RACING enthusiasts have the chance to take part in a Cheltenham Festival preview night at the King's Head Hotel in Cirencester on Wednesday, March 7.

Guests will be able to gain a unique insight into the thoughts and opinions of some of the leading names in National Hunt, with all proceeds from the night going to the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Following the success of its 2017 preview night, the Kings Head has lined up a star-studded panel of racing experts, including top National Hunt jockey Aidan Coleman, Grade 1 winning trainer Fergal O’Brien, Luke Tarr from Star Sports, Cheltenham Festival winning jockey David Bass and weighing room legend Mattie Batchelor.

Ben Hastie, head of groundstaff at Cheltenham, will also be providing an exclusive update on the ground conditions on the course ahead of the Festival’s opening.

All proceeds from the night, which is sponsored by Strutt & Parker, are set to go to the Injured Jockeys Fund, which provides support for jockeys past and present who are injured, unable to ride or just in general need.

The event is curated by Camilla Henderson, daughter of legendary racehorse trainer Nicky Henderson.

She said: “It will be a fantastic opportunity for racing enthusiasts to glean a unique insight into the opinions of those who are most in the know.

“This is a non-profit event, in which all proceeds will be going to the Injured Jockey’s Fund, primarily it’s all about them. Last year’s event was a spectacular success with 160 guests. We’re hoping to build on that for 2018 and raise even more money for such a great cause."

  •  Tickets to the event include drinks and canapés at The Kings Head, and discussion and insight into all of the top races from Cheltenham week. Guests will also receive a comprehensive Cheltenham preview pocket guide, which provides an in-depth analysis of the key races at the 2018 Festival.
  • The event starts at 6.30pm.