Kauto Star is bidding for a third Gold Cup win at Cheltenham in 2010

Some of racing's biggest names will swap racecards for song sheets next week to record a charity fund-raising song about the Cheltenham Festival.

'Neighbours' theme-tune writer Tony Hatch has adopted new lyrics for his song 'Downtown', which reached number two for Petula Clarke in 1964.

'Cheltenham' recording sessions will take place in London and Dublin.

All money raised by the song will go to Riding for the Disabled, Racing Welfare and the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Names taking part in the London recording session include Paul Nicholls, Andy Stewart, Bob Champion, John McCririck and Mick Fitzgerald.

Tracey Piggott, Charlie Swan and Barry Geraghty are among those taking part in the Dublin recording.

Richard Gurney, who is the creator of the initiative and who went to Hatch with his lyrics, said: "Tony has given racing an opportunity to reach a wider audience in the run-up to the Cheltenham Festival.

"The single will raise funds for three very good causes and perhaps best of all it will be fun and give everyone something to sing about."

Hatch said: "I am very happy to support this venture because it is for charity, and having now heard the lead vocal I think it is excellent."

This year's Cheltenham Festival takes place from 16-19 March, with reigning champion Kauto Star's rematch against 2008 winner Denman in the Gold Cup one of the highlights.

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