And they’re off! Irish fans head for Cheltenham

IRELAND’S racing legions today begin the march on the English front.

An estimated 15,000 will cross the Irish Sea, to join a cavalry of up to 150 Irish thoroughbreds that have already been lorried to the theatre of battle, Prestbury Park racecourse.

Heavy artillery card players will bed in around poker tables at The Queens and Gold Valley hotels as pots spiral to mortgage proportions.