Cheltenham Racecourse has announced that the prestigious December Gold Cup will be renamed in honour of a charitable initiative set up by BBC racing commentator John Hunt and his daughter Amy. The fund aims to support causes relating to young women who have been affected by tragedy or hardship, following the murder of John's wife Carol, and their daughters Hannah and Louise at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire last July.
The name change is seen as a fitting tribute to the Hunt family, who have faced immense challenges since the tragic events. The fund's mission is expected to be highlighted through various initiatives, including a silent auction featuring exclusive items such as a tour of Willie Mullins' stable and an opportunity to meet former England footballer Michael Owen.
Cheltenham Racecourse chief executive Guy Lavender praised John and Amy Hunt for their courage and resilience in the face of tragedy. "We wanted to assist the Hunt Family Fund and hopefully help highlight the important causes it is supporting while providing a fitting tribute to Carol, Hannah, and Louise," he said.
The name change is seen as a fitting tribute to the Hunt family, who have faced immense challenges since the tragic events. The fund's mission is expected to be highlighted through various initiatives, including a silent auction featuring exclusive items such as a tour of Willie Mullins' stable and an opportunity to meet former England footballer Michael Owen.
Cheltenham Racecourse chief executive Guy Lavender praised John and Amy Hunt for their courage and resilience in the face of tragedy. "We wanted to assist the Hunt Family Fund and hopefully help highlight the important causes it is supporting while providing a fitting tribute to Carol, Hannah, and Louise," he said.
I feel so sorry for John and his family, they've been through so much pain and loss... 
Renaming the December Gold Cup after their charitable initiative is a beautiful gesture, it's lovely that Cheltenham Racecourse is supporting them in such a meaningful way 
. The idea of a silent auction with exclusive items is really cool too, I'm sure they'll raise some amazing funds for a good cause 
. It just goes to show that even in the face of tragedy, there's still so much kindness and generosity out there 
.
I don't know if renaming the Gold Cup after John's family will actually make a difference... like, I'm all for helping out those in need and all 
, but can we really change the name of this historic event? Isn't that gonna be kinda confusing for the racing fans who already have an emotional connection to it? But on the other hand, if it raises awareness about the cause and supports the Hunt family's mission... maybe it'll bring some positive vibes 
. I mean, I've heard of John Hunt being this super enthusiastic commentator, but did he really want his name attached to a prestigious racing event? 
Still, gotta give credit to him for creating something so meaningful from a tragic experience... I guess 
I mean, I know it's not always easy to talk about, but John and Amy are using their platform to make a real difference 
. But renaming a major racing event just feels like a bit of a PR stunt to me, you know? 
I'm not saying it's a bad thing or anything, but can't they just stick with the original name and put up a little plaque or something in memory of Carol and the girls instead? 
It just seems like too much fuss to me... 
theyre renaming that famous gold cup after this amazing family who lost so much 
a charity that helps young women in need, its just incredible 
. It's not just about the money raised, but also bringing awareness to these incredible causes supporting young women in need. I'm all for it!
? i mean its not like its called "December Gold Cup" for, like, 100 years or anything... and it's being done in memory of some guy who lost his wife and two daughters last year... that's really sweet of John Hunt and his daughter Amy to set up a charity fund... but can we also just say the same thing about how messed up life is? 
i feel so bad 4 john & amy's family u can never imagine what they went thru after losing their loved ones the way we're celebrating their charity initiative is super cool btw renaming the gold cup is such a great idea, it'll definitely bring awareness to their cause 
. Can't we do something more meaningful than just rename a bloody racecourse? And what makes me skeptical is that I couldn't find any info on the actual charity work they're doing... Are these "initiatives" just marketing gimmicks? 
and gotta say its really touching how they're renaming that iconic gold cup in honour of the hunt family's charitable initiative 
️! renaming the Gold Cup after John & Amy's charity fund is an amazing way to keep their lovely family in our hearts 
. It's truly inspiring, especially for the ladies out there who might be going through tough times themselves 
!