Ruby Walsh on Cheltenham: Champion Hurdle is a one-horse race this year. Surely?

It's predictable but with good reason - State Man–Lossiemouth double is today’s nap.

STATE OF THE ART: Paul Townend with State Man at Prestbury Park on Monday.  Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher

After all the talking and the build-up, it's finally time for the action to commence. At 1.20pm Tuesday, the atmosphere, nerves, tension, and excitement will make the parade ring a hot and heated environment.

In traditional fashion, the curtain will rise when the tape flies back at the two-mile hurdle start and the runners thunder up Cheltenham’s Old Course for the Supreme Novice Hurdle.