Racing to Hunting challenge at Cheltenham for ex-racehorses

A “Racing to Hunting” challenge for ex-racehorses is to run for the second time.

After the success of the inaugural Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Meriel Tuffnell Racing to Hunting Challenge last year, the competition has been moved from the April meeting to The Open meeting, and will run on Sunday 18 November at Cheltenham racecourse.

The Challenge for former racehorses will be held before racing.

Mike Tucker will build the course, which will include cross-country fences already on the track, as well as some additional obstacles – 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,” said RoR’s Di Arbuthnot. “It was a great success last year and we’re thrilled that it will now take place in November. It will be a true test of a hunter.”

First prize is £500 and the Meriel Tufnell Challenge Trophy.

All horses must be registered with RoR and have raced in the UK. Hunters must be hunted regularly – horses team chasing in 2012 are eligible. Horses currently point-to-pointing are not allowed take part in the challenge.

For more information visit: www.ror.org.uk

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