Steeplechasing is hugely popular in England, and the Cheltenham Festival equates to our Triple Crown, Breeder’s Cup, and Gold Cup all rolled into one. So when I spoke with George Wagner, who runs Horse Racing Trips Worldwide in Ontario and takes groups to the great races of the world, I latched onto Cheltenham as the trip for foxhunters.
“Sixty thousand racing fans come for championship week at Cheltenham, half of whom are Irish!” says Wagner.
Now if that isn’t a recipe for a good time, I don’t know what is.
“If you like fast horses over jumps, a whole new experience awaits you,” promises Wagner.
“I took a group to Cheltenham last year for the first time, and it was the best trip ever.
“We stay in Lambourn, at the heart of British jump racing, so we all feel a part of it. We visit the yards and the gallops, meet with top trainers, jockeys, and handicappers. We feel like insiders.”
This year’s trip is scheduled for March 11 to 19, 2011. Wagner’s package includes prime seating and hospitality for Opening Day and Gold Cup closing day. The itinerary includes Imperial Cup Day at Sandown Park and a day at Taunton Racecourse, England’s newest National Hunt racecourse. All meals, accommodations, and ground transportation are included and pre-arranged, including side tours, theater tickets, hospitality, visits to three trainers’ yards, and guest speakers. And FHL subscribers save $100 off published rates!
More details and contact information for George Wagner may be found at Horse Racing Trips Worldwide. FHL will continue to be on the lookout for interesting travel opportunities for foxhunters.
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