But this week’s four-day festival, which runs from Tuesday to Friday, also takes on a significant role in trying to lift the gloomy clouds that hover over jump racing in the UK. The problems are piling up for the National Hunt code, which is struggling to arrest a decline in standard.
Many issues have been cluttering the in-tray for some time, such as small field-sizes, poor (but improving) prize money, low sun ruining races, and trainers failing hopelessly to attract big-gun, deep-pocket owners, which has contributed to Irish domination of the festival.
Other issues have marred the build-up to this year’s Cheltenham, such as jockeys being asked to adapt to perfectly reasonable, new rules on the use of the whip and punters being asked to comply with intrusive affordability checks in an over-reaction to a disturbing movement, sparked by politicians, that aims to demonise the hobby of gambling.
The hope is that the festival can rise above it all, and that its annual intoxicating concoction of top-quality, competitive racing can show jump racing in its best light.
The superiority of Irish-trained horses seems certain to continue. Remember, they took 23 of the 28 races two years ago. Willie Mullins is already the most prolific handler in the history of the event, having saddled a record-breaking ten winners 12 months ago. This time, the odds are short on him adding 12 more to complete an unprecedented career century.
Gordon Elliott and Henry De Bromhead, who has sent out the one-two in each of the last two Gold Cups, have also assembled strong teams, while the British challenge will rely heavily on champion Paul Nicholls and veteran Nicky Henderson.
But what of the horses? An array of potential superstars sit waiting in the wings, ready to add their names to the glorious Cheltenham roll of honour. Some have been here before, some are new kids on the block.
We’ve cherry-picked 15 of the most fancied and most interesting contenders as the countdown to the opening race at 1.30 pm on Tuesday begins.
Other issues have marred the build-up to this year’s Cheltenham, such as jockeys being asked to adapt to perfectly reasonable, new rules on the use of the whip and punters being asked to comply with intrusive affordability checks in an over-reaction to a disturbing movement, sparked by politicians, that aims to demonise the hobby of gambling.
![Only special horses win eight on the bounce, so step forward the unbeaten GERRI COLOMBE, who is the second exciting novice chaser expected to put his stamp on the Cheltenham Festival this week for trainer Gordon Elliott. The 7yo was mightily impressive when landing a Grade One at Sandown last month and will relish the step-up to 3m in the Brown Advisory Chase on Wednesday (2.10) before tackling next year's Gold Cup.](https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjA2Njk3YWM5LTRiNzgtNDE4My1iZmYwLTVkZTIzNzk5MWI2YjowYTQ0NGI5NC03NjM2LTQ0ZDAtYjhiMy0yZmQyZGNkMjk1NDM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
13. Unbeaten novice chaser going places
Only special horses win eight on the bounce, so step forward the unbeaten GERRI COLOMBE, who is the second exciting novice chaser expected to put his stamp on the Cheltenham Festival this week for trainer Gordon Elliott. The 7yo was mightily impressive when landing a Grade One at Sandown last month and will relish the step-up to 3m in the Brown Advisory Chase on Wednesday (2.10) before tackling next year's Gold Cup. Photo: Racing Post
![Paul Nicholls, multiple champion jumps trainer in the UK, has struggled to repeat triumphs of old at recent festivals, but boasts a decent squad of horses this week. It is headed by King George winner Bravemansgame in the Gold Cup, but his best chance could be HERMES ALLEN, a 6yo novice hurdler, whose owners include former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. He has swept to three impressive victories and now goes for the 2m5f Ballymore on Wednesday (1.30).](https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmQ0NGIxMjg5LWZjMTctNDczMC1hY2ZhLWE1ZGRhMDE4ZjM2OTpmMjdhOTVmZS01NWQ3LTQ2MTQtODAzYy1iYzhjNzRmNjJjYzE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
14. Stand by for Fergie's time at the festival?
Paul Nicholls, multiple champion jumps trainer in the UK, has struggled to repeat triumphs of old at recent festivals, but boasts a decent squad of horses this week. It is headed by King George winner Bravemansgame in the Gold Cup, but his best chance could be HERMES ALLEN, a 6yo novice hurdler, whose owners include former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. He has swept to three impressive victories and now goes for the 2m5f Ballymore on Wednesday (1.30). Photo: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
![It's not often you find a one-time favourite for the Derby on the Flat running at the Cheltenham Festival. But that's the story with HIGH DEFINITION, who is a fascinating contender for the first race of the week, the 2m Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Tuesday (1.30). The regally-bred 5yo was fancied for the 2021 classic when trained by Aidan O'Brien and finished third in a Dante Stakes at York. The son of Galileo is now with O'Brien's son, Joseph.](https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmM4MWU0ODdmLTg1ODItNDhiMC1hNmFmLWNhNWU5ZTcwNmE1NzoxN2YxMjZkZC04MDY4LTQ3ZDItOWNkOS02NWQwNWZmMTM4MmQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
15. Derby favourite re-routed to Cheltenham
It's not often you find a one-time favourite for the Derby on the Flat running at the Cheltenham Festival. But that's the story with HIGH DEFINITION, who is a fascinating contender for the first race of the week, the 2m Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Tuesday (1.30). The regally-bred 5yo was fancied for the 2021 classic when trained by Aidan O'Brien and finished third in a Dante Stakes at York. The son of Galileo is now with O'Brien's son, Joseph. Photo: Submitted