Three of the greatest Cheltenham Festivals of all time from a golden age of jumping

Of many fabulous festivals in the last 50 years, Colm Greaves picks three that stand out

L’Escargot, with Tommy Carberry up, at Cheltenham for the Gold Cup in March 1971 when horse and jockey won the race for the second year running. Picture: Victor Drees/Getty Images

Best ever World Cup tournament? Mexico 1970. Olympics? Barcelona, 1992. Rugby World Cup? South Africa 1995. Munster Hurling Championship? 2004.

Cheltenham Festival? That’s a tougher one altogether. Reasoning is much more subjective and criteria will vary widely between money won and winners enclosure emotions. Or memorable performances by high class animals and unexpected fairy tale winners for smaller stables.