VIDEO: Low down from Ruby on the opening day of Cheltenham festival

The Irish have a special connection with the second week of March thanks in no small part to one unique racecourse in the Cotswalds.

As thousands of racing aficionados flock to the jump-racing Mecca of Cheltenham, we take a look at Ruby Walsh’s mounts on the opening day.

Filmed at a recent Irish Examiner breakfast, Ruby gave us his thoughts on his Tuesday rides, including Hurricane Fly who is looking to emulate the likes of Istabraq and Persian War in winning in his third Champion Hurdle.

Make sure to keep abreast of all the action with our live blog throughout the week, kicking off in time for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at 1.30 tomorrow, when Ruby will be on Willie Mullins’s Vautour.