The Queen is to visit the Cheltenham Festival for the first time in 52 years when she presents the trophies for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup on 13 March.
Following the death of the Queen Mother last year, the Queen, who has been almost exclusively associated with flat racing, has taken over the ownership of her mother’s jumpers, including Cheltenham hope First Love, trained by Nicky Henderson.
The last time the Queen attended the Festival was as Princess Elizabeth in 1951 when she accompanied her mother.
The Queen Mother was a regular visitor to Cheltenham, presenting the trophies for the Gold Cup and the race named in her honour, the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
