Light showers were forecast before racegoers arrived this morning, and more are expected this evening but the rain should stay away for the races themselves.

Cheltenham's clerk of the course Jon Pullin spoke to ITV Racing earlier today about the conditions faced in today's races.

"It's been a tricky period," he said. "We had little rain through January so had to start watering in February.

"The forecast is to be dry for today but temperatures are to drop later today around 10pm.

"Temperatures will be back positive by around 8am tomorrow morning with rain later tomorrow.

"We're soft ground, it'll be testing today after 7mm over the past day. It's soft all over."

Image source, PA Media

And there's bound to be plenty of famous faces in amongst the crowds over the next few days.

Mike and Zara Tindall are here and ready for the day's racing.

Image source, Getty Images

We've all been there - running in sheer excitement and determination to nail the best position after getting in at Cheltenham.

Either that or a free spot at the bar has been clocked.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

No doubt which horse is dominating the headlines - it's the unbeaten Constitution Hill, who goes for Champion Hurdle glory at 15:30 GMT.

Nicky Henderson's odds-on favourite dominates today's front page of the Racing Post, while the Cheltenham racecard features the 2021 and 2022 winner Honeysuckle.

The mare, who is ridden by Rachael Blackmore, will run this time in the Mares' Hurdle, which is due off at 16:10. It could be Honeysuckle's last run, so victory would be quite a swansong.

Here's what's coming up today with all eyes on the Champion Hurdle at 15:30 GMT, where the unbeaten Constitution Hill tops the opening-day bill.

13:30 - Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, 2m 1/2f

14:10 - Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase, 2m

14:50 - Ultima Handicap Chase, 3m 1f

15:30 - Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy, 2m 1/2f

16:10 - Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle, 2m 4f

16:50 - Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, 2m 4 1/2f

17:30 - National Hunt Chase (Novices' Chase, amateur jockeys), 3m 6f

Follow all of the day's results here

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

After scores of preview nights and countless tips, the day has finally arrived for jump racing fans – the start of the Cheltenham Festival.

A long queue formed outside the racecourse main entrance before the gates opened at 10:30, three hours before the opening race.

There has been excited chatter as punters swap stories and selections, with a mixed weather outlook failing to dampen spirits.

Image source, Getty Images

It's here!

One of the most exciting weeks on the sporting calendar has arrived as the 2023 Cheltenham Festival gets under way today.

More than 250,000 eager racegoers will pour through the gates over the next four days to see some of the best of the best in horse racing action.

It all begins in a little under 30 minutes, when the most famous roar in sport will be heard.