The Festival has a long and storied history of producing compelling duels and, with the 2020 renewal rich in promise, Darren Norris picks six battles not to miss.

What did we really expect leaving Cheltenham last year? When we looked at all the results, how did we think, 12 months down the line, those winners would fair back at the Festival?

Reigning champion Al Boum Photo is one of 20 horses still in contention for the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup following the latest scratchings deadline for the six non-novice Grade Ones at next month’s Festival.

PLEASE, please Willie run Benie Des Dieux in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and give us the battle that will light up the festival.

From Willie Mullins’ point of view, Allaho in the Beginners’ Chase and Jon Snow and The Big Getaway in the maiden hurdles are the key horses this weekend.

In recent years, Festival Trials Day has more than lived up to its billing with 16 runners over the last five years going on to win at Cheltenham in March.

Emma Lavelle is feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement ahead of Paisley Park’s return to action in the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury today.

Aidan Coleman has just made the hour-long round trip from his Cheltenham base to Worcester Racecourse where the Charlie Longsdon-trained Ortenzia was his sole mount of the afternoon.

The National Hunt season that has just finished was a very strange one. At times it felt like the season would never get going as we waited and waited for the skies to open. For us in racing, they never really did, but hopefully for the flat season ahead they won’t open now.

Funny sort of week. Great week for Willie and a brilliant week for Paul Townend, but it was a funny week for me.

Colm Greaves (Good Day/Bay Day

Good day

Janika can carry top weight to victory in the Brown Advisory and Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase, the fifth race on day three of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival.

We drew a blank yesterday but most of the horses ran very well, writes Ruby Walsh.

On a card that offers little cause for optimism at Cheltenham this afternoon, Faugheen is fancied to turn back the clock and land the Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle.

The Sun Racing Stayers’ Hurdle is today’s feature race and Paisley Park can crown a flawless campaign by landing the spoils for trainer Emma Lavelle and jockey Aidan Coleman.

Aidan Coleman has carved out a solid career since moving to England from Cork over a decade ago but it wasn’t until Paisley Park won the JLT Hurdle last December that he finally joined the Grade One club. Now the 30-year-old is hoping the Stayers’ Hurdle favourite can double his tally of Cheltenham Festival successes later this week

Horses for courses will be one of the themes of Cheltenham Festival week with history consistently showing the importance of course form when it comes to the four most magical days in the racing calendar.

Esther N McCarthy clocks some interesting ablutionary additions and arty accessories

Just over a year on from the death of Prince, his first wife Mayte Garcia is finally ready to talk about life with the flamboyant singer. She tells Hannah Stephenson about how the enigmatic star made her feel, the tragic loss that tore them apart, and coping with her grief.

Prince was 57 when he was found alone and unresponsive in a lift at his Paisley Park home in Minneapolis on April 21 last year.

The private estate and studio complex of the late rock superstar Prince will open for daily public tours from October 6, it has been announced.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

US: The Yellow Cloud electric guitar that Prince played in numerous concerts has been sold for more than £100,000 at an auction in the US.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

Prescription drugs were discovered with Prince when he was found dead in his home, according to media reports.

Prince appeared “pale” and “weak” during one of his last public appearances, it has been claimed, amid reports the music superstar stayed awake for 154 hours before his death.

Prince appeared "pale" and "weak" during one of his last public appearances, it has been claimed, amid reports the music superstar stayed awake for 154 hours before his death.

Prince’s “most beloved” friends and family held a private memorial for the music superstar after his body was cremated.

Prince was “full of energy” days before he died.

Paying tribute to one of his best-known albums Purple Rain, major cities all over the world have been lighting up accordingly.

From movies to music, food to fashion, our critics pick the best on offer this autumn.

Liam Ó Maonlaí will be appearing at Masters of Tradition which takes place in Bantry from Wednesday, August 19. He will be appearing alongside Steve Cooney and Chris Droney, with Francis Droney, Ann Droney Kirrane, and Ainé McGrath on Saturday, August 22, at Bantry House.

Prince has recorded a song about social unrest in Baltimore.

Every house has its weak spot, that place where the odds and ends of domestic life gather, says Carol O’Callaghan.

When Prince came to London a few years ago, he played more than 20 nights at the vast O2 arena. This time, he played a suburban living room to a dozen people.

Prince and his band 3RDEYEGIRL release their new single 'PRETZELBODYLOGIC' today.