Late Freddie Williams to be honoured at Cheltenham

Freddie Williams, the legendary bookmaker who died last June, has been remembered in a striking manner, by having a contest at this year's Cheltenham Festival named after him.

The Freddie Williams Festival Plate, with #90,000 in prize-money, will be the most valuable handicap at the meeting.

Williams, one of the ring's best known and most loved characters, as well as one of its boldest layers, was passionate about the festival.

In 1999, he established himself at pitch number two in the front row of Tattersalls, from where he engaged in celebrated, and colossal, betting exchanges with JP McManus.