Cheltenham Gold Cup

Eight-year-old who fell at 17th fence in Cheltenham Gold Cup is ‘thriving’ ahead of Aintree, says trainer

Co Kerry jockey’s wins in his career included the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2016

Group's three online bookies handle 37m wagers

The Tom Taaffe-trained horse also won two King Georges and six Grade Ones in total

Champion trainer felt the pressure of Galopin Des Champs’ status as favourite but his charge’s stamina proved the doubters wrong

Jockey secures a third win for both himself and trainer Willie Mullins in the big race

Willie Mullins’ favourite one of seven Irish hopefuls for steeplechasing’s ‘Blue Riband’ race

Handler Henry de Bromhead’s son killed in riding mishap is name-checked by winning jockey Rachael Blackmore

Liam Clarke has been to the festival every year since Davy Lad won the Gold Cup in 1977

Sculptor Paul Ferriter is creating a statue of Michael O’Leary’s double Grand National winner

Former stockbroker has been devoted to racing since buying his first horse in his late 20s

Number expected to be only slightly lower than the 55,000 who travelled from Ireland last year for the four-day festival

Everything you need to know about the biggest week of the horse racing year