Cheltenham Renames December Gold Cup for Hunt Fund

Cheltenham Racecourse will stage the December Gold Cup this weekend under the banner of the Support The Hunt Family Fund, using the high-profile premier handicap to raise awareness for the charity set up by racing commentator John Hunt and his daughter Amy. The valuable event, first run in 1963, will be officially titled the Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup for the pre-Christmas meeting.

The Hunt Family Fund was created in memory of John’s late wife Carol and daughters Hannah and Louise, who were murdered at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire in July 2024. The fund’s stated aim is to support causes focused on young women.

Amy Hunt said Cheltenham had been extremely supportive to the family and that having the big Saturday race dedicated to her mother and sisters is a meaningful gesture. John Hunt, who has long been associated with the course, will be commentating on the race for BBC Radio 5 Live, and the family will be on hand to present the prizes.

Guy Lavender, chief executive of Cheltenham Racecourse, paid tribute to John and Amy’s courage and resilience since last year’s tragedy and explained that the race renaming is intended both to highlight the causes the fund supports and to honour Carol, Hannah and Louise.

The Hunt Family Fund is also running a silent auction that closes on Thursday. Lots include a tour of Willie Mullins’ yard and the chance to meet Michael Owen and visit his Manor House Stables, among other experiences being offered to raise funds and awareness.