Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Image source, BBC Sport

It is 20 years since Best Mate completed a Cheltenham Gold Cup treble and flowers have been laid by a statue of the horse at the racecourse.

They are in the colours of his Aston Villa-supporting owner Jim Lewis, who died last year.

Ridden by Jim Culloty for trainer Henrietta Knight, Best Mate triumphed in 2002, 2003 and 2004 - becoming the first horse since the great Arkle in the 1960s to win the race three times in a row.

Galopin Des Champs is going for the back-to-back success which only two other horses have achieved this century.

One of them did it back to back to back and is now immortalised at the track...

Image source, Jenny Culshaw, BBC

BBC Sport's Cheltenham team were at the gallops this morning, where Galopin Des Champs looked in fine fettle. BBC Sport's Laura Scott is pictured below, catching up with trainer Willie Mullins.

Image source, Jenny Culshaw, BBC

Anticipation has the habit to set you up for disappointment... unless you're arriving at Cheltenham with the adrenalin pumping and an extra spring in your step.

The atmosphere is bubbling up nicely at the course already, very nicely.

Even the sun has made an appearance.

Good job the shades were packed. Along with the bubbly and the faux fur hats.

Image source, Getty Images

Decided who you're backing today?

Or maybe you've blown your betting pot already, daren't dip into the summer savings and so are just watching with interest.

Whatever you're doing, wherever you're following, we want to know.

Let us know using #bbcracing on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

As always, Gold Cup chat has dominated the sport for months and now with the race upon us, these are the top lines...

Galopin Des Champs bids to defend the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday as the big race marks its 100th anniversary.

Record-breaking Irish trainer Willie Mullins is looking to win the showpiece event for the fourth time in six years.

Rivals include Fastorslow, last year's runner-up Bravemansgame and Grand National winner Corach Rambler.

But Hewick, who cost just £800 and won the King George VI Chase, has been ruled out of the contest which boasts prize money of £625,000.

Trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon said the rain-softened ground at the Gloucestershire track would not suit his horse's chances.

Image source, Getty Images

Hello! If you're not pumped with excitement then perhaps you'd better get your pulse checked.

Today is the day which owners, trainers, jockeys, fans have been ticking off on the calendar for the past 364 days.

The one which they have all been gearing up towards over the last 12 months.

The one where they wake up feeling nervous and giddy.

Today, as if you need reminding, is Gold Cup Day...

Some call it the 'Blue Riband'. Others call it the '100m final of the equine Olympics'. Everyone calls it the pinnacle of jump racing.

A test of physical stamina. An indicator of mental endurance. A survival of the fittest.

Image source, BBC Sport

Golden Miller. Desert Orchid. Arkle. Best Mate. Kauto Star. The names of the sport's greats trip off the tongue.

Image source, Getty Images

And they are etched on the base of a near-century-old trophy, made of nine carat gold, plated in 18 carat and weighing 644 grams.

Image source, BBC Sport

Another name will be carved into the plate today.

Another piece of racing immortality awaits.