Cheltenham Festival: Hunt Chase to be run in aid of Ukraine

Cheltenham has announced the National Hunt Chase on the opening day of the Festival will be run as the Ukraine Appeal National Hunt Chase this year.

The Jockey Club, which runs the track, is keen to support the efforts of the British Red Cross in its response to the humanitarian crisis arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and is making a donation to the charity's Ukraine Appeal.

Ian Renton, managing director for Cheltenham and the Jockey Club's west region, said: "The Festival is a major social highlight for a very large number of the racegoers in attendance, probably even more so this year given the 2021 Festival was held behind closed doors.

"However, this year's event is obviously taking place against the backdrop of major conflict in Ukraine.