Cheltenham is Cheltenham Ladies' College (founded in 1853). Dean Close School was founded in 1886 in memory of the Reverend Francis Close (1797–1882), a former rector of Cheltenham. The town also includes several campuses of the University of Gloucestershire, two other public and six other state secondary schools, plus institutions of further education. Cheltenham Racecourse, in the nearby village of Prestbury, is the home of National Hunt, or jumps, racing in the UK. Meetings are hosted from October to April. The highlight of the season is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is normally held in the middle of March, during the
Road to Cheltenham Road to Cheltenham The Road to Cheltenham is a series of seven British and Irish top-class horse races over hurdles, culminating in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. The Road To Cheltenham is a concept developed by Racing For Change – an arm of the British Horseracing Authority charged with leading a fundamental reappraisal of the way racing is promoted – and the online sportsbook StanJames.com. The seven races that comprise The Road To Cheltenham are the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton Racecourse in November, the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham Racecourse in November, the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown Racecourse, Ireland,