Equestrian fans can support the British equestrian team at Cheltenham Racecourse this weekend (11-13 November). Friday will see the start of a thrilling three days at the home of British jumps racing, as thousands flock to the Cotswolds for the first major jumps meeting of the National Hunt season. 

Supporting our riders

The meeting is held in support of the Countryside Alliance, and will also raise funds for Equestrian Team GBR in the build-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. On Countryside Day (Friday), there's a special display called 'Team GBR Prepares', in which Yogi Breisner will put top riders including Pippa Funnell and Carl Hester through their paces.

This is followed by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association parade of stallions in the Parade Ring, and the European Championships eventing team will make an appearance during a parade of beagles on the Members' Lawn in front of the main Grandstand. Racing then gets going, with the feature event being the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, a race held over the twists and turns of Cheltenham's cross-country course. 

Going for gold

The highlight of the three days is undoubtedly the Paddy Power Gold Cup. With £150,000 in prize-money, it is one of the most competitive races of the year. In the past the race has thrown up many future superstars - Imperial Commander won the race in 2008 and went on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup two years later.

One of the most exciting aspects will be watching how last year's hurdling superstars fare as they race over Cheltenham's steeplechase fences. The likes of First Lieutenant, Cue Card, Zaynar, Al Ferof and Grands Crus are all likely runners and will be embarking on their new careers over the bigger obstacles.

The Greatwood Hurdle is the main race on the final day of the meeting (Sunday), where the up and coming stars of the hurdling world take centre stage. Shortly after the final race on Sunday, The Greatwood Charity Sweepstake takes place - a flat race with 12 riders going all out to raise funds for Greatwood's work with retired racehorses. 

With a host of tradestands, bars and restaurants, Cheltenham's Open Meeting promises to be an excellent social occasion. For more information, click here.