Cheltenham's overwhelming importance to National Hunt racing, and the sport in general, was underlined once again when Ladbrokes/Coral revealed the festival supplied 25 of their top 40 races in betting turnover during 2018. Six of the top ten were at Cheltenham. Only the Grand National topped the Gold Cup. All seven races on Gold Cup day were on the top 40 list. The festival's appeal continues to expand and emphasises just how much it is racing's greatest asset.

BEING forced to retire from race riding due to injury was a disappointment. I had my last ride four years ago and I’m still only 35. I would have liked to have stayed going for another few years but you just have to get on with things and I’m doing that, looking forward to what will hopefully be successful fixture on Sunday at Thurles.