Thousands expected to arrive in Newbury for Gold Cup

The Hennessy Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious in Britain, brings together a selection of star steeplechasers going head to head over a demanding distance of three miles and two and a half furlongs.
Last year’s winner was Carruthers, trained in Wantage, Oxfordshire, by Mark Bradstock, is expected to race again.
There is scheduled to be 19 runners in the feature race tomorrow (Saturday), with Lambourn trainer, Nicky Henderson (pictured right), expected to enter both Bobs Worth and Roberto Goldback.
Expect to see some famous faces at The Racecourse Newbury because the festival is a celebrity favourite, with the Princess Royal, singer Cilla Black, actor Dame Judi Dench, comedienne Ruby Wax and former News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks all in attendance last year.
Visitors can also take in the winter atmosphere with a spin on the ice rink and pick up some unique stocking fillers and treats in the winter shopping village.
Managing director of racecourse and events, Stephen Higgins said: “We are very much looking forward to the Sportingbet Winter Festival, which is a fantastic way to launch our Jump season. It will be a festive celebration with top quality Jump racing and so much on offer – a great winter weekend for all.”
With torrential rain during the past week, the course is expected to be soft, heavy in places.
However, wrap up warm because daytime temperatures are only expected to reach 5c tomorrow.
For more details about the festival, visit www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk