Day At The Races To Celebrate The Box Office Opening Of War Horse

War Horse author to appear at Sandown alongside a puppet from the smash hit theatre production to coincide with the launch of Steve Spielberg’s new movie.

Sandown Park Racecourse is offering a rare chance for racegoers to get up-close-and-personal with one of the legendary puppets from the theatre production of War Horse.

The Topthorn puppet will be making a special appearance at the popular Royal Artillery Gold Cup Day on 17th February, along with Michael Morpurgo, the author of the novel which inspired the theatre production. The novelist will be on-hand to sign copies of the book during what promises to be a fun day out for racegoers.

The puppets have played a big part of the success of the theatre production, which has a permanent residence at the New London Theatre after two sell-out years at the National Theatre. The guest appearances of Morpurgo and Topthorn at this fun day at the races coincide with the nationwide opening for War Horse’s big screen adaptation by Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg. The film stars Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Emily Watson, Tom Hiddleston and Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch; plus, the 14 different horses that played the movie’s central character, Joey.

Commenting on this special day, a spokesperson for Lovetheraces.com – part of Racing for Change, the organisation tasked with promoting the sport as a fun day out for everyone – said: “War Horse is a fantastic novel, a sell-out theatre production and now a global box office hit, so it’s fantastic and very fitting that the race-going community have this opportunity. Sandown is renowned for offering great days out of racing, whether it’s for the family, a group of friends or couples.”

The Royal Artillery Gold Cup was first run in 1863. Only horses that are owned or leased by those who are serving, or have served, in the Royal Artillery are eligible to enter into what is expected to be an exciting race.

“A day at the races is a fun day out for everyone,” Lovetheraces.com’s spokesperson added. “Whether you’re looking for lads days out or something for all the family, there’s plenty of excitement, exhilaration and fun to be had.”

For more information about the Sandown fixture, visit http://www.lovetheraces.com/features/war-horse-the-movie/ today.