Day 4 of the Cheltenham Festival brings us to the main event, the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase run over 3 miles 2 furlongs. Last years race (pictured) was truly exciting with Long Run outstaying Denman and Kauto Star. There is no Denman this year and Kauto Star is getting no younger. He is now twelve and no twelve year old has won the Gold Cup since What a Myth ploughed through the mud back in 1969. With the Nicky Henderson stable in tremendous form it is difficult to see Long Run getting beat. Weird Al from the Donald McCain stable was not far behind Long Run in the Betfair Chase at Haydock last November and comes here a fresh horse. He was pulled up in the Gold Cup  last year when it was reported that he bled. He appeals as the eachway value.

Earlier in the afternoon there is a huge field for the Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle run over 2 miles 1 furlong. Ubi Ace is a game and consistent sort and provided the handicapper has not caught up with him, he might win this for his new trainer Jonjo O’Neill.

Boston Bob, owned by Andrea and Graham Wylie, is an Irish “banker” in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle run over 3 miles. He looks as though he will give trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Ruby Walsh another winner.