The Festival

The roar of the crowd as the tapes rise for the first race on Tuesday each year tells you everything you need to know - 12 months of waiting is over and The Festival is here again! Over the course of the week around 230,000 people will witness the unique experience that is The Festival at Cheltenham. Across the nation, well over £500 million will be wagered on the outcome of the 26 races, with total prize money of £3.67 million.

The feature race on Tuesday is The Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, which is the most sought after prize anywhere for 2 mile hurdlers. The Irish have won seven of the last ten runnings of this historic contest, but Katchit led home a 1-2-3 for Britain in 2008.

Wednesday sees the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase take centre stage, as the best 2 mile Chasers produce a fast and furious contest over the famous Cheltenham fences. For many, this is the most exciting race of the year and Master Minded produced one of the greatest performances of the modern era last season. In 2009, Wednesday will also have a seventh race.

On Thursday the long distance hurdlers provide the most important race, The Ladbrokes World Hurdle. Only the brave and the strong prevail in this hurdle race over 3 miles. Inglis Drever completed an historic hat trick in 2008 and is being aimed at therace for on last time in 2009. Thursday will once again be Ladies Day. Click here for more information.

The highlight of the entire Jump racing season is Friday's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, over a testing 3 and a quarter miles, which is the race that every owner, trainer and jockey dreams of winning. It takes a special horse to win this contest more than once and this season defending champion Denman will be looking to add his name to those of horses like Golden Miller, Arkle and Best Mate as multiple winners of Jumping's Blue Riband event. Friday also sees a 7th race.

Off the track, there is plenty of entertainment on offer through the trade stands, musical offerings in all enclosures and the amazing variety of dining, entertaining and hospitality options. Don't forget also to take advantage of the discounts available on tickets purchased by 8th December.