Statement in full as Zara Tindall forced to undergo evacuation amid safety concerns
Zara has a close connection to Cheltenham Racecourse
Zara Tindall, the daughter of Princess Anne, was briefly evacuated from Cheltenham Racecourse at the weekend after a fire alarm disrupted proceedings as a statement was issued.
As reported by HELLO!, the Olympic silver medallist and Cheltenham Racecourse director was reportedly seen emerging from one of the upper floors of the Princess Royal Stand following the alarm, which triggered a swift evacuation for all attendees present.
Statement in full after Zara Tindall forced to evacuate Cheltenham Racecourse
A spokesperson for Cheltenham Racecourse issued a statement following the incident.
“The alarm was raised and full evacuation procedures were implemented to allow its team to carry out the necessary checks before permitting guests to return to the Princess Royal Stand,” they announced, as reported by HELLO!.
Although the disruption was short-lived, it briefly delayed the day’s racing schedule.
Once the stand was declared safe, guests returned to their seats, and the event resumed without further incident. Zara was later spotted at the Parade Ring and took part in presenting the cross-country race prize.
Known for her elegant race day ensembles, Zara was wrapped up against the winter chill in an indigo coat by The Fold London, styled with a teal headband and black boots.
Speaking to HELLO! last year about Cheltenham fashion, Zara shared: “My number one style tip for dressing at Cheltenham would be to create a balance between elegance and practicality.
“Choose a classic, tailored outfit, but make sure to incorporate layers and weather-appropriate accessories. For me, it’s about what works and feels good to wear.”
Zara Tindall’s love for Cheltenham Races
Zara has served as a director at Cheltenham Races since January 2020, following in the footsteps of her horse-loving family.
Her mother, Princess Anne, was the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympics. She rode in the 1976 Montreal Games. The late Queen Elizabeth II was also an avid horse lover. She served as patron of the Jockey Club for 68 years.
In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Zara spoke about her family’s equestrian legacy.
“I think just the passion and love for horses that’s been passed down through our family,” she said. “We’re very lucky to have them in our lives. Being able to do it every day is incredible, and it’s such an amazing sport.”
The alarm was raised and full evacuation procedures were implemented.
Her husband, former rugby star Mike Tindall, once shared on his podcast The Good, the Bad and the Rugby: “Zara loved the queen beyond everything else. Their connection with horses, same with the Princess Royal, they had a real bond around that.”
The couple recently returned from Australia, where they attended the Magic Millions charity gala. During the trip, Zara also unveiled a luxury jewellery collaboration with designer John Calleija.
The collection features diamond and gold pieces, some priced as high as £26,680. It includes a standout £21,600 pink and white diamond ring in the shape of a saddle, a nod to Zara’s equestrian background.
Other items include pearl earrings at £5,450 and 18-carat yellow gold ear cuffs priced at £1,430.
Calleija described the line as: “A celebration of the modern woman: bold in spirit, refined in detail, and effortlessly elegant in design.”
Read more: Zara Tindall’s clapback at claims she had nanny for her children
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