If there was one moment that summed up the sheer size and strength of the challenge from Willie Mullins’ team here this week then it came shortly after four o’clock when the opening day’s banker Annie Power crashed to earth in the Mares’ Hurdle.

The talk is over and the action about to get underway at the Cheltenham Festival, and I’m hoping for a great start to the meeting as I’m riding four horses, all of which are favourite, writes Ruby Walsh.

Annie Power bids to follow in the hallowed hoofprints of record-breaking former stablemate Quevega when she makes a belated return to action in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham today.

It’s here! And I’m losing already.

Annie Power is among 20 remaining entries for the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival next Tuesday.

You’d imagine the next time Jessica Harrington is looking for a jockey that Davy Russell will figure towards the top of her list.

Smart mare Cockney Sparrow and talented juvenile Rutherglen are among a small team of horses trainer John Quinn is preparing for an assault on the major Festivals at Fairyhouse and Punchestown this spring.

Bookmakers had their noses in front in the betting stakes after a dramatic day one of the Cheltenham Festival.

It’s over 20 years since Francis Fukuyama wrote his book about the end of history and there are times when you feel that maybe, just maybe, Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh have reached that point when it comes to Cheltenham.

Willie Mullins is confident Quevega has arrived at Cheltenham as good as ever ahead of her bid for an historic sixth consecutive victory in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle this afternoon.

Quevega remains on course to bid for a historic sixth consecutive victory in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham after starring among 24 entries for the Grade Two contest.

Quevega remains on course to bid for an historic sixth consecutive victory in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham after starring among 24 entries for the Grade Two contest.

All eyes will be on Annie Power as Willie Mullins’ budding superstar bids to stretch her unbeaten record to 10 in the OLBG.com Mares’ Hurdle at Doncaster today.

Missunited could be set for a winter break after running another fantastic race in defeat at the Curragh on Sunday, with trainer Mick Winters looking forward to a possible clash with Quevega at Cheltenham in March.

Point to point medical facilities have been identified as requiring immediate improvements according to Michael Hickey, Senior Steward, Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee.

The clash so many had been looking forward to all week at Punchestown, Solwhit versus Quevega, in yesterday’s Grade 1 Ladbrokes’ World Series Hurdle, failed to materialise, after Solwhit was sensationally withdrawn at the start.

Punchestown general manager Richie Galway admits parts of the track are likely to be heavy when the Festival gets underway tomorrow.

It really is the calm before the storm for me this weekend.

Willie Mullins produced a terrific training feat to land the William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Champagne Fever.

Ruby Walsh is celebrating another win at Cheltenham after race favourite Quevega won the 4.40.

Trainer Willie Mullins believes Quevega could be even better than last year as she bids for her own piece of Cheltenham Festival history this afternoon.

Willie Mullins declared himself “very happy” with Quevega after the history-seeking mare made a gentle appear ance after racing at Leopardstown.

Owner Andy Stewart believes it is “highly unlikely” a dream clash between Big Buck’s and star mare Quevega will happen.

The multi-talented Quevega produced a dazzling display to slam Voler La Vedette in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes.com Series World Hurdle at Punchestown last evening.

Punchestown will be the place to be next week. Hurricane Fly, Sir Des Champs, Quevega and Quito De La Roque will be among the galaxy of equine stars looking to finish their seasons on a high.

Super mares Quevega and Voler La Vedette are among 13 five-day entries for the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown on Thursday.

Willie Mullins would rather Quevega did not have to tackle Voler La Vedette in the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at Punchestown.

Big Buck’s put more than a smile on my face with a great performance in the World Hurdle yesterday.

Trainer Willie Mullins agonised long and hard over which race to send Boston Bob this week and came down on the side of today’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Bookmakers reported honours to be even after the opening day of the festival.

THERE doesn't seem to be any logical reason why one would oppose Hurricane Fly in this afternoon's Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Willie Mullins believes Quevega is stronger than ever as she bids for a fourth successive triumph in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle.

Ruby Walsh gets his challenge to be named top festival jockey at Cheltenham for a fifth successive time underway today on board Prospect Wells in the William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

It is time for all the talking to stop and the action to begin and as this week is all about winners, there appears to be no reason to desert Hurricane Fly in the Stan James Champion Hurdle.

A year ago Ireland won a record 13 of the 27 races at the Cheltenham festival.

1. The Tuesday bankers

THERE’s no problem making a case at Cheltenham next week for the likes of Hurricane Fly, Big Buck’s, Sprinter Scare, Quevega and Sizing Europe.

Unaccompanied is only likely to line up in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival if Quevega does not take part.

Trainer Peter Fahey must decide whether to enter Shop Dj for Cheltenham’s David Nicholson Mares Hurdle and a tilt at the mighty Quevega after his stable star won the Download Our Mobile App Now Maiden in Dundalk last night.

IT’S the kind of line up that will have racing fans salivating at the bit: Big Zeb, Fame And Glory, Hurricane Fly, Quevega, Sizing Europe and So You Think all taking each other on for one title - Horse Racing Ireland’s Horse of the Year.

Hurricane Fly will face a maximum of seven rivals as he attempts to win back-to-back renewals of the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on Friday.

Willie Mullins is considering the next plan of attack for Thousand Stars following his fine effort in defeat in yesterday’s John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle.

LONG RUN’S marvellous victory in the totesport Gold Cup ensured the punters were in front at the end of a marathon four-day stint at the Cheltenham Festival.

BOOKMAKERS were left singing the blues after a Ruby Tuesday with Ruby Walsh completing his comeback from a broken leg in style with a near 75-1 treble that saw punters on top after day one of Cheltenham.