The Grand Military Gold Cup is the highlight of a competitive day’s racing at Sandown, on Friday 8th March.

This year is the 150th running of the Grand Military Gold Cup, which will be presented by HRH The Princess Royal to the winning jockey. It is a showcase of the dedication and vim of our armed forces and their strong link with the racing world.

There will be other military entertainment happening during the afternoon, and funds will be raised for military causes.

The Grand Military Gold Cup is restricted to horses owned and ridden by members of the armed forces.

There are two other military races, for military amateur riders.

The Annington Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle Race

The Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Memorial Hunters’ Steeple Chase

Last year’s winner, Captain Harry Wallace, rode a sterling race to pilot the 25-1 shot Masked Man to a well-deserved victory. Wallace had been riding in the Grand Military since 2003, but it was on the Charlie Mann-trained nine-year-old who eventually struck gold. But who will take the plate this year?

The following day Saturday 9th March is the Paddy Power Imperial Cup, a great precursor to next week’s Festival.

This year the Paddy Power Imperial Cup falls on the day before Mothering Sunday, and is offering the chance to ‘bring your mother for free’ (offer includes Grand Military Gold Cup Day).

To redeem the offer racegoers must book in advance and quote code: SPMUM2013.

The offer can only be claimed when purchasing a premier or Grandstand ticket in advance.