Inaugural RoR Racing to Hunting Challenge to be held at Cheltenham

The inaugural Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Meriel Tufnell Racing to Hunting Challenge will take place at Cheltenham racecourse on Wednesday 13 April.

The Challenge for former racehorses will be held before racing, with the top 10 placed horses taking part in a final challenge after racing followed by an awards presentation.

Mike Tucker will build the course, which will include cross-country fences already on the track, not exceeding 1.10m. There will also be additional obstacles such as a bridge, a gate to open and shut and competitors will also be asked to take a glass of port from a tray.

A section of the course will be timed and there will also be a style mark.

“The event was created for horses that are hunting but not competing at a high level and we are thrilled that it is taking place at Cheltenham — the heart of jump racing,” said RoR’s Di Arbuthnot.

The prizes will be two, three or five days’ hunting with a pack of the winner’s choice, a trophy and RoR jackets. To take part in this challenge, horses must have raced and be registered with RoR.

The challenge is in memory of Meriel Tufnell — the first female jockey to ride a winner under Rules, aboard Scorched Earth in 1972.

For more information and to enter visit: www.ror.org.uk.

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