One of the most prestigious events of the racing calendar has rolled around again this week, with thousands of spectators once again descending on the world famous Cheltenham Festival for the Gold Cup.
The Gold Cup is the biggest event across the festival and has provided some of the sport's greatest moments. Run over three miles, it is the ultimate test of jump racing, requiring more speed than the Grand National, as well as the stamina to make it up the notoriously draining hill, along with 22 fences.
Rachael Blackmore is bidding for a repeat victory on A Plus Tard in this year's Gold Cup having ridden to victory in the same race 12 months ago. That result saw her become the first female jockey to win the Gold Cup at Cheltenham having become the woman to win the Grand National the previous year.
