The Ditch on the Hill

In this account of the National Hunt Festival, the author traces its story from 1911, when the two-day National Hunt Meeting was inaugurated, to the present day.

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As the popularity of steeplechasing increases, so its showpiece, Cheltenham's annual National Hunt Festival, continues to rise in prestige, now even eclipsing Royal Ascot as the most exciting and eagerly awaited event in the racing calandar. For three days each March millions thrill to the deeds of real heroes, human and equine, the greatest cross-country performers in the world. In this account of the Festival, Tim Fitzgeorge-Parker traces its story from 1911, when the two-day National Hunt Meeting was inaugurated, to the present day. He recaptures the glorious ghosts of Prestbury past and celebrates the idols of today. Countless jockeys thread their way through the book, names like Fred Rimell, Tim Molony, John Francome and the phenomenal Peter Scudamore; we meet famous trainers such as Fulke Walwyn, Fred Winter and Nicky Henderson; and legendary horses like Easter Hero, Brown Jack, the mighty Golden Miller, L'Escargot, Dawn Run and of course, the two most celebrated of them all: Arkel and Desert Orchid.