RACING: In interviews with Brian O'Connor: Jimmy Barry Murphy/Hurling legend Race most looking forward to: "The SunAlliance Novices' Chase. I backed Keen Leader earlier in the year and got a decent price on him."

Who'll win the Gold Cup: "The ground has come right for Best Mate. I backed him last year and the ground has come right for him again."

Who'll win the Champion Hurdle: "I'm a huge Rhinestone Cowboy fan but I'm afraid inexperience could catch him out. Intersky Falcon looks the one to be afraid of."

Best bet: "Keen Leader is a certainty!"

One horse that will not win: "Maybe I'm stupid but I don't fancy Rooster Booster at all."

Number of Irish-trained winners: "Four."

Joe Walsh/Minister for Agriculture

Race most looking forward to: "The Champion Hurdle. I think Rhinestone Cowboy is one of the most exciting we've seen for a long time."

Who'll win the Gold Cup: "I want to see Beef Or Salmon win. I don't think Best Mate will win. History is against it."

Who'll win the Champion Hurdle: "Rhinestone Cowboy. It will be fascinating to see if he graduates from novice class."

Best bet: "My banker is Azertyuiop."

One horse that will not win: "Like-A-Butterfly. It would be a different kettle of fish on soft ground but I can't remember the last time it was soft at Cheltenham."

Number of Irish-trained winners: "Five."

Dr Michael Smurfit/Businessman

Race most looking forward to: "That's a silly question! My own race, the Smurfit Champion Hurdle always gets the festival off to a great start.

There's no longer the certainty of Istabraq any more so it should be very open."

Who will win the Gold Cup: "Beef Or Salmon looks very special. It's a huge gamble taking such a young horse for the Gold Cup but if he is that special there is a lot to be gained."

Who will win the Champion Hurdle: "I don't know yet. I will have to study the form more."

Best bet: "Dermot Weld is due a win and he has got three horses of mine going. One of them will do nicely!"

One horse that will not win: "You are asking the wrong guy. I very rarely bet."

Number of Irish-trained winners: "I will be very surprised if there are not at least four."

Cyril Farrell/All-Ireland-winning coach

Race most looking forward to: "With Istabraq gone, Beef Or Salmon is the main topic of conversation around here so the Gold Cup looks the big one."

Who'll win the Gold Cup: "Beef Or Salmon doesn't have that much experience but he does have that bit of class. It would be great to see a young horse win it."

Who'll win the Champion Hurdle: "Intersky Falcon would do for me."

Best bet: "I think Back In Front will win the first on Tuesday and I've had a few bob on him at 8 to 1."

One horse that will not win: "Flagship Uberalles won't win."

Number of Irish-trained winners: "Four to five."