Princess Royal Honored with Prestigious Cheltenham Race Title

The National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival has been permanently renamed The Princess Royal National Hunt Chase in honor of Princess Anne. This historic race, the oldest at the meeting, will now feature on the opening day of the four-day festival on Tuesday, 11 March.

Race Details

• Distance: Three miles and six furlongs
• Participants: Previously limited to amateur riders, now open to professional jockeys
• Format: Staged as a novices' handicap chase

The race has a storied history, having been held at various venues before becoming a staple at the Cheltenham Festival in 1911. It was also run at Cheltenham in 1904 and 1905.

Princess Anne's Equestrian Legacy

Princess Anne is a celebrated equestrian with a decorated career:

• 1971 European Eventing Championships: Individual gold medalist
• 1976 Olympics: Competed in Montreal
• 1980s: Amateur jockey with victories on the Flat and over jumps
• Current Role: President of the Riding for the Disabled Association

Cheltenham chief executive Guy Lavender expressed the significance of this honor:

"It is a tremendous privilege for us to announce that the National Hunt Chase will now honor HRH The Princess Royal in its title. As an outstanding all-round equestrian, it is appropriate that the Princess Royal will be associated with such a historic contest."

The renaming of the race underscores the deep connection between the British royal family and the sport of horse racing, celebrating Princess Anne's lifelong passion and contributions to equestrianism.