Cheltenham has announced the National Hunt Chase on the opening day of the Festival will be run as the Ukraine Appeal National Hunt Chase this year.

The Jockey Club, which runs the track, is keen to support the efforts of the British Red Cross in its response to the humanitarian crisis arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and is making a donation to the charity’s Ukraine Appeal.

Ian Renton, managing director for Cheltenham and the Jockey Club’s west region, said: “The Festival is a major social highlight for a very large number of the racegoers in attendance, probably even more so this year given the 2021 Festival was held behind closed doors.

“However, this year’s event is obviously taking place against the backdrop of major conflict in Ukraine. Given that coverage of the Festival extends far beyond the coverage racing receives on a day to day basis, we are keen to hand as much exposure to the invaluable work undertaken by humanitarian charities in these most desperate times.

“Therefore, using a race title to promote these humanitarian efforts seemed a very appropriate act for us to undertake.

“The Jockey Club is supporting the British Red Cross’s appeal by making a donation and we will also be communicating on our big screens, in racecards and over our PA systems to invite racegoers at all of our venues to make a donation themselves, should they wish, and explain how they can do so.

“Racing has a tremendous record when it comes to fundraising and coming together in times when need is most keenly felt and we are aiming to help the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal as much as possible over the four days of the Festival.”

The British Red Cross is fundraising to support people impacted and displaced by the invasion with necessities including food, water, first aid, medicines, warm clothes and shelter. The Ukrainian and international arms of the Red Cross are delivering this support on the ground in the Eastern European country.