Hennessy Gold Cup, Christmas lights switch on and festive markets all today (Saturday)

The three-day showpeice at The Racecourse Newbury has been renamed the Hennessy Heritage Festival to reflect its iconic status as Europe’s longest running sporting sponsorship.
Jockeys and trainers from across the country will compete for the fixture’s £570,000 prize money, which culminates in the 57th running of the £175,000 Hennessy Gold Cup today.
Last year’s cup was won by locally trained thoroughbred Bobs Worth under his Lambourn owner Nicky Henderson who pipped Tidal Bay to the post. For those of a betting nature, this year’s ante-post favourite is Alan King’s Invictus, who saw off Bobs Worth at Ascot earlier this year.

But the steeple chasing stallions won’t be the only superstars at the course as the event also pulls in a number of celebrities with Joan Collins, James Corden, Amanda Holden, Sir Alex Ferguson and rapper Tinchy Stryder expected.
Managing director of The Racecourse Newbury, Stephen Higgins, said: “Hennessy Gold Cup day is one of the biggest events in the social calendar. We’ve got some A-list celebrities confirmed, the racing is always top class and we’re looking forward to a fantastic three days.”
The fun packed day doesn’t have to end after the racing as the festive spirit will be spread through the town as the Christmas Parade, led by the mayor of Newbury and the popular Santa float, winds its way from the Clock Tower to the Market Square at 6.10pm.
This will culminate in the grand switch on of Newbury’s Christmas tree and other lights, which will commence in the Market Place at around 6.30pm.
The crowds can then head to the town’s inaugural Christmas market in Victoria Park, which will have more than 20 stalls emulating the markets of Germany and Austria.
Festive gifts, food, including bratwurst and a German beer marquee, and fair attractions will feature at the market, which runs from November 30 to December 23 and is open from 10am to 7pm Sunday to Wednesday and 9pm Thursday to Saturday.
Pangbourne College's Christmas bazaar will also be held today with a selection of sweet treats available owing to the Great Pangbourne Bake Off.
Winning entries will be auctioned off with the rest being sold on the many stalls and stands. Money raised will go to the Sue Ryder charity.
A Christmas market is also being held at Basildon Village Hall from 10am - 2pm and a WI market and craft fair at St George's church hall, Andover Road from 11am to 3pm.
Santa will also be visiting a Christmas craft and gift event at Greenham Community Centre on Saturday.
The first 150 children aged up to 11 will have free entry to Santa’s grotto at the event, being held from 12pm to 4pm, at which a number of local craft makers and small businesses will host stalls and a choir from The Willows Primary School will perform at 2pm.
There will also be a raffle and refreshments will be available.
The event has been organised by the Community Youth Project and Sovereign Housing has provided £1,500 in funding.
Tesco Extra, Pinchington Lane, also donated some refreshments and prizes.