Cheltenham Festival Home to 4 of the Top Jump Races in Europe

1/30/13 - While flat racing is great, there is really nothing like the excitement of "jump racing". On courses like Cheltenham Racecourse in March, the best jump horses and jockeys will risk life and limb to win.

The Cheltenham Festival is the place for these races and the action held there is nothing short of jaw dropping. Those of us who Bet on the Cheltenham Festival know that the racing is superb and that the payouts can be huge.

There are 4 Grand races held at the Cheltenham Festival and many of the winners of these races have been crowned as former champions. These 4 races include:

The Stan James Champion Hurdle stakes, a race that is always hotly contested. Champion horses like Istabraq won this race 3 years in a row, from 1998 - 2000. Istabraq a grand champion was trained by the great Aidan O'Brien and was ridden in all 3 wins by jockey Charlie Swan.

The Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase is another feature race held at the Festival. Master Minded won this race in 2008 and 2009. Master Minded another former hero of the Festival was trained by Paul Nichols and ridden by Ruby Walsh.

The Ladbrokes World Hurdle is sure to be another treat for fans again this year. The unbelievable achievement of Big Buck's allowed him to win this race for the last 4 straight years. Big Buck's proved that he is in a class of his own with last years performance. Inglis Drever another great winner of this event won this race 3 different times, in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

The biggest race of the Cheltenham Festival is no doubt, the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup. This race offers large fields that are highly competitive. The champion horse Best Mate won this race 3 straight years from 2002-2004. Best Mate was trained by Henrietta Knight and ridden by Jim Culloty in all 3 wins. Champion jockey A.P. McCoy won this race in 2012 with Synchronised.

Make plans to enjoy the action in person or follow the races online if you cannot attend. 2013 promises to be another great Cheltenham Festival, with large crowds expected and top notch horse racing.