The Open

The Open represents three days of the best that racing has to offer and is the biggest and most important meeting of the first half of the Jumps season, with £750,000 in prize money up for grabs. It provides thrilling competition between many of the best Jump horses in Europe, large and enthusiastic crowds creating a special atmosphere and even the opportunity to spend your winnings in the tented village.

The highlight of the meeting is Saturday's Paddy Power Gold Cup, a race that has been a high point of the Autumn racing calendar since 1960. Its rich history has seen most of the greatest trainers and jockeys victorious on at least one occasion and it always seems to produce a wonderful finish and celebration to match. Undoubtedly, this great race is bound to unearth another star or two this season.

Friday is the hugely popular Countryside Raceday, with a traditional country fair atmosphere. Duck herding, the Stallion Parade and up to 80 trade stands mean that there is something on offer for all tastes. Add in the thrills of top class racing, the season's first Cross Country Steeplechase over our unique course combining hedges, banks and timber rails and you have a wonderful sporting day out which is normally enjoyed by in excess of 20,000 people.

Sunday's feature is the highly competitive Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, now worth £100,000, which is almost always won by a rising star of the hurdling world. As usual, several subsequent stars of the season were in action at The Open last year, including Alberta's Run, Voy Por Ustedes, Comply Or Die, Blazing Bailey and Franchoek, so make sure you miss none of the action on the track.

This really is a weekend of entertainment, sport and fun not to be missed.