Sandown Park racecourse is gearing up for two days of horses, history and hilarity.

The Princess Royal will attend on Friday, March 9, for the Grand Military Gold Cup, an important landmark in the jump season.

Princess Anne will mark 60 years of the Queen’s reign by planting a tree as part of a national campaign by the Woodland Trust.

Military Wives Choir is also making a special guest appearance.

The Grand Military Gold Cup is a race that dates back to 1841 and has featured many of the country’s finest amateur riders.

The Queen Mother was an avid supporter of the event, with her horses winning on no fewer than five occasions.

The day showcases discipline and precision of the armed forces and renews their strong, historic bond with the racing world.

It will also raise money for Saffa Forces Help, one of the principal charities raising money for the armed forces.

The following day will see the Paddy Power Imperial Cup, which is a top class preview to the Cheltenham Festival which is held three days later.

The day will provide hilarious entertainment, including a cash grabber for Sports Relief, where jockeys and sponsors grab as much cash as they can for the charity.

Sandown automatically give £2 to the charity for anyone who comes to the course on Saturday and buys a ticket on the day wearing red socks.

Call 01372 470047 or visit sandown.co.uk for information.