One of the biggest sporting events of the year kicks off tomorrow with four days of top-class horse racing taking place at Prestbury Park.
Thousands of Irish punters are set to descend on the Cotswolds over the coming days, with many having already started their journeys to Cheltenham via planes, trains, boats and everything in between.
Irish trainers won 18 of the 28 races last year, while the score was 23-5 in Ireland's favour in 2021 and a similar scoreline is predicted by many this week.
Paddy Power ambassador Ruby Walsh is a man who knows a thing or two about the Cheltenham Festival, having ridden more horses to victory at the famous meeting than anyone else (59) before retiring from the saddle in 2019.
Here's his A-Z guide for this year's meeting:
A – A is for Aucunrisque. A fine winner of the Betfair Hurdle and could be still well handicapped in the Grand Annual.
B – B is for Blood Destiny. One of Willie Mullins main guns in the Triumph Hurdle and could be the one to follow.
C – C is for Constitution Hill. The banker for many at the festival and looks to have the Champion Hurdle at his mercy.
D – D is for Delta Work. The horse to beat in the Cross Country, especially if the rain comes.
E – E is for Edwardstone & Energumene. They look the big two in the Champion Chase and may the best horse win.
F – F is for Facile Vega. He didn’t let me down in the Champion Bumper last year and I think he can get Ireland off to a winning start in the Supreme on Tuesday.
G – G is for Galopin Des Champs, the one to beat in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. For me, he’s the most likely winner.
H – H is for Hermes Allen. Paul Nicholls’ best chance of a winner all week and he looks the best of the home team in the Ballymore.
I – I is for Impaire Et Passe. He looks the real deal and he’s my Nap of the week in the Ballymore.
J – J is for Jonbon. He’ll be a popular winner of the Arkle Trophy if he can get the better of the Willie Mullins brigade.
K – K is for Katiera. She’s 2/2 for Dan Skelton and she might be a dark horse in the Mares Novices’ Hurdle.
L – L is for Lot Of Joy. One of numerous runners for Willie Mullins in the Mares Novices’ Hurdle and she’d be my pick.
M – M is for Mighty Potter. He’s won two Grade 1’s already over fences and he looks rock solid in the Turners Novices’ Chase.
N – N is for Noble Yeats. A real live chance in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and not many will outstay him to the line.
O – O is for Oscar Elite. A really good winner of the Reynoldstown and could be thrown in if he runs in the Ultima.
P – P is for Paul Townend. The jockey with the best book of rides over the four days and another festival leading jockey accolade awaits.
Q – Q is for Queen. And take your pick between Honeysuckle & Rachael Blackmore. They must have a great chance in the Mares Hurdle.
R – R is for Roar. The Cheltenham Roar for the Supreme Novices’ is like no other & this year will be no different.
S – S is for Sharjah. Likely to skip the Champion Hurdle in favour of the County and don’t be surprised if he goes close.
T – T is for Tekao. A leading fancy for the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle and goes there with a favourite’s chance.
U – U is for Unexpected Party. Has some solid runs this season and might be one to follow in the Grand Annual.
V – V is for Vaucelet. Seems to set the standard in the St James’s Place Hunters Chase & he might be hard to beat.
W – W is for Willie Mullins. Another fabulous festival awaits and it will be a huge surprise if he’s not top trainer again.
X – X marks the spot. And the spot to be next week is in your local Paddy Power shop to take in all the action.
Y – Y is for You Wear It Well. A live runner in the Mares Novices’ Hurdle, especially if Hermes Alen wins the Ballymore.
Z – Z is for Zenta. Has two wins already to her name and might be the value in the Triumph Hurdle betting.
- Ruby Walsh was speaking in his role as a Paddy Power ambassador. The betting firm make it 1/2 that Irish trainers will win 19 or more of the 28 races at Cheltenham this week.
