A joyful chorus bellows from 60,000 strong Cheltenham choir, you feel that sound go through you.
A twitch, a shiver, a hollow stomach, there are nerves and mischief in that air. It's 1.20 on Tuesday and the jockeys give one last jostle, trotting to the starter for the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices Hurdle.
Oh this game can giveth! What a show. Sensational racing lies ahead in what could be a vintage year, a Champion Hurdle for the ages and a legend to behold in the Gold Cup.
This game can also taketh away, however. The opening contest, tastefully run in the name of the Cork jockey who died from a fall just weeks ago. Michael shot to prominence in that very same race two years back.
The skilled and stylish rider showing a coolness to match his talent. Holding fire and his nerve knowing Marine Nationale’s speed would be best delivered late and cold.
Paul Townend struck for home on favourite Facile Vega, O’Sullivan’s instincts must have been screaming at him to follow the Champion jockey.
Yet he waits, waits, picks a stride at the last and only then lets his partner loose.
It’s not till he hits the line, that he himself lets loose, punches the air then slaps his horse on the neck and pulls back his ears, letting him know what a good job he has done and how much it has been appreciated.
Ecstasy, this place can giveth too. It will be a sad start to proceedings without this lovely person. No doubt a moments silence will be honoured to mark Michael’s absence and perhaps his weigh-room comrades will don black armbands, a sharp contrast to the pink one he wore two years ago as he headed the pack for the festival’s leading rider.
It is a special place, a place for the die-hard, the annual pilgrimage. Yet, many the so called fan is flying to the sun to watch it all, forgoing the Champagne Tent and the Guinness Village for Pimms and Pina Coladas.
It’s understandable, I suppose, considering the costs, Cheltenham know how to charge. But surely it can’t be the same. Standing at last, gasping as Jonbon soars past is more of a memory than roaring him home from your speedos.
I’m sure It’d be nice but lapping it up on your lilo in Benidorm won’t cut it. You have to be there to get the feel of it all, to see these heroes in the flesh. I won’t be swapping the parade ring for the pool, thanks.
The Prestbury Cup is a gimmick event, counting wins for horses trained in Ireland versus those trained in Great Britain. It is a gimmick in that it makes an international team event, grouping together trainers that are most certainly not on the same team.
It does however provide a barometer of how the sport is faring on either side of the Irish Sea, and it's far better here. It had been an annual sneer from the other side but much to their surprise the tables have turned, after a couple of close contests in the late teens, it has been a hosing from the Irish for the past five years.
That has mostly been due to WP Mullins. This year will see the home side washed out again and Mullins will once more provide the bulk of the score.
He is almost certain to strike in the opener, strong-handed for the Supreme but for me there is only one on my mind. Kopek Des Bordes. He appears hot under the collar, hard to handle and proceedings won’t help.
That aside he was astounding at the DRF. Was it a one off freak or is this the real deal? Once more we will see plenty of the Irish and British Champion trainer this week. One of the most exciting moments will be when he saddles State Man against the mighty Constitution Hill - though a clash with Lossiemouth will not materialise, Mullins opting for the Mares' Hurdle.
Then, surely even he will be feeling the nerves when Galopin Des Champs leaves the parade ring and his control, leaving it in masterful hands of Paul Townend in their search for a famous third Gold Cup.
Gordon Elliott is talking about his team with a confidence that his horses always go on to back up. Despite Sam Ewing filling in so well for much of this season, it will be a boost to have the resolute Jack Kennedy back on the fit list.
It is a brave and sporting decision by himself and Gigginstown Stud in announcing that Brigtherdaysahead will challenge Constitution Hill and co in the Champion Hurdle. She could have had a far easier task in the Mares hurdle, but now where’s the fun in that?
Teahupoo will take all the beating in Thursday’s World Hurlde. Top novice hurdlers, The Yellow Clay and Romeo Collio have big chances and you can be sure he has a few teed up nicely for the handicaps.
Joseph O’Brien’s ever dwindling jumps string is contrastingly becoming ever more successful. The predominantly flat trainer is very clear in which direction he is focusing his intentions yet the jumpers keep winning.
He has major chances in three of the four championship races. Banbridge could be the one should Galopin Des Champs not produce in the Gold Cup. Ten-year-old Home By The Lee looks more straightforward and better than ever for the World Hurdle, while the slick Solness with his fast jumping is a big player in the Champion Chase.
Gavin Cromwell travels a huge fleet with plenty of big chances. He has been sitting adrift of the big three; Mullins, Elliott, De Bromhead but this year he has stepped up to make it the big four.
He has really thrown a spanner in the works by supplementing Inothewayourthinkin for the Gold Cup. Not a big surprise as the race does not have much depth to it, possibly less than the Irish Gold Cup in which he finished a promising fourth. It will be an exciting Friday for the Meath man as Hello Neighbour bids to keep his unbeaten record in the Triumph Hurdle.
Henry De Bromhead holds a strong hand in the Ryanair with three contenders, The Big Westerner is probably his best chance in the Albert Bartlett but it is fair to say this is not his strongest team to travel.
He has had some amazing festivals, most notably when winning the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase in one go. You can’t have those horses every year and this year he doesn’t. However he always pulls something out of it at Cheltenham, have no doubt a rabbit will appear from somewhere.
This will be a special week, whether you’re on course, on the beach, 'working’ from home or on the phone in Maths class, enjoy.
