Henley Royal Regatta Event

Henley Royal Regatta was first held in 1839 and has since been held on an annual basis except during the two world wars in the early 1900’s. The event was originally held by the Mayor of London and people of Henley as a public attraction with a fair and other amusements for everyone to enjoy. The emphasis, however, rapidly altered so that competitive amateur rowing became its primary purpose. The 1839 Regatta event took place on a single afternoon but proved so popular with oarsmen that the racing lasted for two days from 1840 onward. In 1886 the Regatta was extended to 3 days only and to four days in late 1906. Since early 1928 its increased popularity meant entries exceeded the permitted numbers allowed in several events, and so qualifying races were then introduced to the event. This was ideally to reduce the amount of people applying as it was a first come first serve theme beforehand.
In late 1851 H.R.H Prince Albert became the Henley Royal Regatta’s first Royal patron. Since the death of the Prince Consort, the reigning Monarch has always consented to become Patron. This beloved patronage means the Regatta event can be now be called Henley Royal Regatta. During the course of a much troubled history, the Regatta has often been honoured by visits of the Royal Family including the Prince of Wales and the Queen in 1999.
In 2004 there were significant changes to the Coxed Fours events. The top event, The Prince Phillip Challenge Cup, was withdrawn due to declining interest on a national basis. There are now two comprehensive events only at the lower level – The Britannia Challenge Cup and the new event for student crews, The Prince Albert Challenge Cup.
The Henley Royal Regatta has always run along side one of its neighbouring events which is the Cheltenham Festival. This festival was created in the mid 1900’s and has always been competing with the Henley Royal Regatta national competition. Hospitality at Cheltenham festival has always been a very sought after gift for anyone within the Royal Family and sometimes MPs and celebrities alike are treated to one of the finest days of the year.

Trainer Nicholls Targets Festival Success

Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls is extremely confident of repeating last year’s success at the Cheltenham Festival. Runaway Gold Cup Winner Denman led home a Nicholls 1-2-3 in the Festival’s showpiece Gold Cup race ahead of stable mates Kauto Star and Neptune Collonges. This year the competition is in full swing. Cheltenham Festival Hospitality is at a high price this year and many people have already bought their VIP tickets and passes for one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. Kauto Star, ridden by Ruby Walsh, is favourite for this year’s return. Nicholls is pushing another four hopefuls in the big race in Big Bucks’s, My Will, Nozic and Star De Mohaison. But despite Denman’s poor showing on his recent return to action following a problem with his heart, Nicholls says it is difficult to predict how the defending champion will show at Prestbury Park and it is too early to write him off.
Despite the massive weight of expectation following his recent years of success, the Somerset-based trainer has not lost any of his appetite, particularly with the Festival on the horizon. He will take a large stable of roughly thirty horses for the 4 day meeting from 10-13 March and is very hopeful of picking up even more winners at this year’s event. The competition is very heavy this year and there are numerous Horses that are more than capable of winning the event this year.
Cheltenham National Festival has been a historic national event for some time now and thousands of people flock down to London to come and see it. It is difficult to explain to someone what the Cheltenham Festival actually means but it is a great four days and great to be getting involved in it. Hospitality at Cheltenham Festival is in high demand this year so I would get booking early in order to guarantee your place!