A PANEL of top UK horse racing experts are set to share their exclusive tips for this year’s Cheltenham Festival with avid racegoers in south Cumbria.

The four-day Cheltenham Festival takes place every March and is known as the greatest celebration of jump racing in the world.

The Cheltenham Preview Evening - held at Cartmel Racecourse - gives racing fans the chance to glean unique insights and fascinating predictions from respected industry professionals in the run up to the event.

Organisers have now confirmed successful trainer James Moffatt, leading National Hunt jockey Sean Quinlan and well-known racing analyst Marten Julien will form the line-up for the fun evening on Wednesday, March 6.

It will be hosted in Cartmel’s Louis Roederer Restaurant by racing journalist and commentator John Sexton.

Steve Cooper, managing director of Holker Leisure, said he was delighted to welcome some of the most knowledgeable people in British horse racing to the panel.

“The Cheltenham Preview Evening is a chance to get a unique perspective on the runners, riders, favourites and form at Cheltenham from those who know the industry inside out.

“We’re delighted to have secured such an experienced panel for the night. It’s a great social evening and one we know so many people look forward to before the excitement of the festival gets underway.”

Steve added: “The Cheltenham Preview is also a landmark in the year for the team here at Cartmel Racecourse because it means the countdown to our own first meeting of 2019 - on Saturday, May 25 - has really begun.”

Predictions for every race at the four-day Cheltenham festival, which kicks off on March 12, will be covered during the evening, as each expert speaks from their own respected position within the horse racing industry.

The discussion will include hot topics like this year’s battle for victory in the Grade I Champion Hurdle between rival contenders Apple’s Jade and Buveir du Air, as well as the favourites lining up to take home the revered Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Cartmel-based trainer James Moffatt has wins to his name at Cheltenham as both a jockey and a trainer. His champion horse Chief Dan George won the William Hill Chase in 2010.

Leading jump jockey Sean Quinlan has secured more than 35 wins this season alone and is en-route to recording his best ever year in the saddle.

And UK horse racing analyst Marten Julien is a form expert with a special interest in emerging talent, having written regular columns for publications such as The Sunday Times and Racing Post for over 40 years.

Tickets for the Cheltenham Preview Evening, which cost £16.50 each and include a light supper, are already selling fast with anyone hoping to attend urged to book early.

Places can be secured by calling Cartmel Racecourse on 015395 36340.