The marquees are still up and the memories from this year’s Cheltenham Festival remain fresh but already the powers-that-be at Cheltenham Racecourse are looking forward.

And that means the next meeting at Prestbury Park, which is over two days on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th April.

And as well as the racing there will be plenty of family fun for the younger racegoers with popular Showtime Shane making an appearance, as well as face painting, colouring in and walking pet balloons.

In addition the first 1,000 children through the gate will receive a free Easter egg.

“It’s a great opportunity for a family day out at the April meeting as this year it falls a week before Easter, says regional director Ian Renton.

“As well as quality racing, we have plenty of complimentary entertainment available for our younger racegoers throughout the day.”

The two-day meeting features some high level racing, with last year producing a Festival worthy race in the £60,000 Grade Two Barchester Healthcare Silver Trophy Chase with Traffic Fluide coming out on top.

Day two is dedicated to all mares for a second year running. Cheltenham Racecourse introduced the first all mares’ card in jumps racing last year and are pleased to see it return for another year.

Head of racing Simon Claisse said: “It is great to have the all-mares’ card on the Thursday of the April Meeting for a second consecutive year.

“It is a big step for jump racing to have a card dedicated to mares, and we are thrilled that we have been able to facilitate it again this year.”