5 things you need to know about the Hennessy Gold Cup

andy.murrill@newburynews.co.uk

Published: 08:40, 25 November 2015

Essential facts about Saturday's big race at Newbury Racecourse

The historic Hennessy Gold Cup crowns three days of first class horse racing in the bet365 Festival at Newbury Racecourse, one of the top social events in the calendar.

1. What is the Hennessy Gold Cup?

It is a Grade 3 National Hunt chase open to horses aged four years or older. It is run over a distance of about three miles and 2½ furlongs (5,331 metres) and there are 21 fences to be jumped in this handicap race.

2. What's its history?

The event was established in 1957, and it was initially staged at Cheltenham. The winner of the inaugural running, Mandarin, was owned by Peggy Hennessy, a member of the family which founded Hennessy, the race's sponsoring company. It was transferred to Newbury Racecourse in 1960. The race's association with Hennessy has continued throughout its history, and this now represents British racing's longest commercial sponsorship.

3. Who will win?

Lambourn horse Many Clouds became the first horse to win both the Hennessy Gold Cup and the Grand National, in 2014 and 2015 respectively, but is giving Newbury a miss this year. Bobs Worth and Saphir Du Rheu are both being well tipped this year (as of Wednesday morning).

4. Celebs

The Hennessy Gold Cup is an established part of the UK's social calendar and is popular with celebrities. Former Spice Girl Mel C, comedian Jennifer Saunders and actor Martin Clunes enjoyed last year's race.

5. How to watch it

The Hennessy Gold Cup takes place at 3pm on Saturday and you can watch it on television on Channel 4.

Or you can see it live! Tickets for Thursday and Friday of the bet365 Festival are available from £20, with group discounts of up to 20 per cent off available and three-day entry from £55 for the Grandstand Enclosure. Tickets for Saturday are available from £30, with group discounts of up to 20 per cent off available and three-day entry from £65 for the Grandstand Enclosure. There is a price increase for tickets purchased on the day.

Newbury Newbury Racecourse Andy Murrill