Cheltenham Racecourse have made a right Royal appointment, confirming that Zara Tindall MBE has become a director.

The former World Equestrian Champion and Olympic silver medallist has been appointed to the Cheltenham Racecourse Committee by The Jockey Club.

The granddaughter of the Jockey Club's Patron, Her Majesty the Queen is a regular visitor to Prestbury Park and racing enthusiast who has owned and bred racehorses.

Her equestrian career saw her and horse Toytown claim the World title in 2006, for which she earned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year title.

She also claimed silver as part of the eventing team at the London 2012 Olympics.

Zara is married to former England and Gloucester Rugby star Mike Tindall and lives in Gloucestershire.

She said: "I'm passionate about horseracing, particularly on the Jumps side, and the absolute pinnacle of that is Cheltenham.

"Racing is simply the most exciting sport and i

t's open to all. It's an honour to have been asked by Martin St Quinton on behalf of The Jockey Club to get involved in a more formal capacity and I look forward to doing my bit to support the executive team in the years to come."

Martin St Quinton Chairman of the Cheltenham Racecourse Committee, said:

"Zara is a wonderful advocate for our sport and I'm delighted that she has agreed to join us at Cheltenham Racecourse.

"I'm sure we will benefit significantly from her breadth of experience and a perspective that will prove invaluable to the racecourse."

Today was meant to be the first day of the Racecourse's prestigious November meeting.

However, heavy rain has left the course waterlogged and flooded in areas and Friday racing was abandoned.

An inspection will take place today as to whether Saturday's card can take place.