Image source, Getty Images

As the punters leave the track for the final time this year - heading to the warm pub, or the muddy car park - it is time for us to wave a fond farewell too.

The build-up to this famous week feels like an eternity - then it is over in a flash.

But memories last forever, right?

Here is a reminder of the top stories from another memorable week:

• Galopin Des Champs shows class to defend the Gold Cup
• Legendary trainer Willie Mullins brings up the ton
• Football icons Ferguson and Redknapp enjoy first Cheltenham wins

Fancy doing it all again next year? Same time, same place. Sithee then!

Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

That will be huge for Gordon. Whenever he speaks about Martin Pipe it is in glowing terms as a mentor so it will mean a lot.

This horse is a good prospect. He will have to improve going forward but any of the first four or five finishers are all ones to watch.

1 Better Days Ahead (D J Gilligan) 5-1

2 Waterford Whispers (M P O'Connor) 10-3 Fav

3 Quai De Bourbon (M J M O'Sullivan) 4-1

4 Answer To Kayf (J P Shinnick) 10-1

21 ran

An Irish 1-2-3...4!

A fitting finale for the Emerald Isle crew, who have dominated Cheltenham once again.

This time it is Gordon Elliott celebrating as Better Days Ahead comes strongly up the hill, holding off long-time leader Waterford Whispers.

Round the bend and loads have tailed away...

Waterford Whispers is coming under pressure. Quai De Bourbon, Better Days Ahead and Answer To Kayf are in contention.

On the straight...

Half a mile to go and Waterford Whispers leads. Has he got the engine?

Waterford Whispers continues to set the pace. An Irish winner to finish would be quite fitting...

Down the straight, in front of the diehard racing fans. And perhaps some boozy stragglers sitting down before gearing up to make a move.

The roar goes up as they go round the bend.

Waterford Whispers, Ocastle Des Mottes and Sequestered leading the way.

Everyone is safely over the first jump and Ocastle Des Mottes decides to take control.

Many of these are very keen in their day in the twilight sun.

Finally decorum is restored.

These 21 runners are bang up for this. Too much, as it turns out. They had too much speed for the starter's liking and were told to go back.

This race is always a glimpse into the future and a chance to see some future Grade One runners.

Let's go out in style...

Where has the rain gone? Over the hills somewhere.

Clouds have cleared at Cheltenham just in time of the final race of the Festival.

Sigh.

Image source, Getty Images

The final race of the 2024 Festival and can the Irish contingent finish with a winner?

Waterford Whispers, trained by Henry de Bromhead, is a strong contender with only four races under his belt and two wins at Galway and Fairyhouse.

Quai De Bourbon will aim to finish Willie Mullins’s successful week on a high while Gordon Elliott’s Better Days Ahead is another with chances.

But one interesting jockey to watch is 17-year-old Freddie Gingell, who rides the Paul Nicholls-trained Sonigino and is one of the rising stars of the sport.

The finishing line is well in sight. Six down, ONE to go...

13:30: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) - MAJBOROUGH

14:10: BetMGM County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) - ABSURDE

14:50: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle - STELLAR STORY

15:30: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase - GALOPIN DES CHAMPS

16:10: St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase - SINE NOMINE

16:50: Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase - LIMERICK LACE

17:30: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle - 22 runners

You can see all the runners and riders on our Cheltenham racecards

Backing a Cheltenham winner is a feather in the cap.

Racegoer James Johnson has got plenty...

Image source, Getty Images

Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Image source, PA Media

Limerick Lace handled conditions perfectly. She was the one best positioned throughout.

Keith Donoghue has ridden really well this week and deserves this and in Limerick Lace he had a willing partner. Once again, Gavin Cromwell is advertising his talents as a trainer.

Andrew Thornton
Former jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

The winner jumped better on the way around. Dino Blue was a bit low over a couple of obstacles.

Keith Donoghue had to do 11 stone 2 to take this ride, which is light for him. He will have had to work very hard to get down to that weight but it is worthwhile.

Gavin Cromwell's training record in England this season has been superb. He thought it would be harder to win in Ireland than here this season.

While trainers and connections enjoy the moment of a Cheltenham winner, attention always inevitably quickly turns to the future.

For Limerick Lace and Gavin Cromwell that will be on the Grand National next month.

Winning trainer Gavin Cromwell, speaking to Racing TV: "She showed a bit of heart.

"I'm delighted for Keith [Donoghue], who is a big part of team. He gave her a lovely ride, turned it into a good test.

"She stayed going well, she was genuine and in front from a long way out.

"She showed guts and determination."

1 Limerick Lace (K M Donoghue) 3-1

2 Dinoblue (M P Walsh) 15-8 Fav

3 Marsh Wren (C Gethings) 28-1

9 ran