Ruby Walsh: Cheltenham is a monster because it deserves to be

I have never stood alone and appreciated the venue. I have experienced all its magic, heartbreak, devastation, and elation, but I have never stopped and thought about what it represents.

MONSTER: I have never stood alone and appreciated the venue. I have experienced all its magic, heartbreak, devastation, and elation, but I have never stopped and thought about what it represents.

On Thursday morning, I sat in glorious sunshine in front of the Princess Royal Stand at Cheltenham and stared out across my favourite sporting venue. It was 8am, and only the Irish runners for the weekend ahead shared with me the silence and peace of National Hunt racing's heaven.

The rise up the back straight in the shadow of Cleave Hill, the descent down to the home turn, and climb back to the winning post as the track runs between the grandstands and Best Mate Enclosure to a cul-de-sac in front of the stable yard.