Everyone seems to be over the first two fences cleanly and safely.

Prairie Dancer still sets the pace, a length ahead of Highway One O Two.

Prairie Dancer is already moving nicely and takes the early lead.

Here we go!

Looks like all 26 runners are up there - eventually. There is one straggler, which looks like Milkwood, but now there are all trotting towards the start line...

The team behind 9-2 joint favourite Pembroke - including trainer Dan Skelton and jockey Harry Skelton - are deep in conversation as the horses are led out.

Oh, Saint Sam is a little worked up and is not going out quietly.

Filey Bay, another well-backed (at least in the BBC Sport office), looks in great nick.

Dan Skelton has enjoyed plenty of success in his training career including winning this race three times and Pembroke is well fancied to give him win number four in his first run at the Festival.

He was second at Prestbury Park last time out over 2m 4f and the shorter trip this time could work in his favour.

There is plenty of interest in Filey Bay from the Emmet Mullins yard for Mark Walsh who had a couple of wins earlier this year before a good run to finish second in the Betfred Hurdle.

And if you are an Oasis fan, Wonderwall, who showed some promise last season, could be one for you.

Image source, Getty Images

Two more races then before the Gold Cup, starting with the County Handicap Hurdle.

A large field and plenty of options for the punters.

Is today going to be the day for Wonderwall?

Stui Neale: I'm work from home and have watched all week. I've gone for A Plus Tard & Noble Yeats.

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Image source, Jockey Club

Racing fans can now choose Cheltenham as their final resting place.

A ‘Columbarium Wall’ near the main entrance will contain the ashes of those who wish to be laid to rest at the home of jump racing. Each spot will cost £5,000.

“Dating back to Roman times, a columbarium is a wall made up of individual spaces known as ‘niches’, into which urns are inserted containing the cremated ashes of loved ones,” said a Jockey Club spokesman.

“The niche is closed off with a granite piece bearing the occupant’s name and age and the date of their passing.

“Anyone can reserve their niche before their own death, while the service will also be available to those who already have the ashes of their loved ones safely stored. Niches are offered on a 30-year lease.

“At the end of the lease, ashes will be buried underneath the racecourse. “

As always, Gold Cup day is not half as fun without your input.

So let's be hearing from you! (That sounded all a bit Delia Smith, didn't it?)

Who are you backing for the big one? Did you pick out a long shot in the office sweepstake?

Also. where are you following along from? Anyone got dressed to the nines for the occasion? Maybe you're there at Cheltenham?

Lots of questions, give us the answers using #bbcracing on Twitter.

BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Trainer Dan Skelton who saddles Protektorat in the Gold Cup: "Today I am lucky to have chances in early races ahead of the big one, but you have made your team selection, given your team talk and you just let them get on with on with it.

"You have to try to enjoy these days and I know there is nothing more I can do.

"The owners (which includes Sir Alex Ferguson) know they have a big chance, but they know it is sport and anything can happen but pressure is a privilege."

Image source, Getty Images

Before we turn our attention to the next race - the County Handicap Hurdle - let's hear some insight from one of the trainers hoping to land the big one.

How much do they get involved on the day? Dan Skelton tells us about his methods...

Irish eyes are smiling, etc, etc.

Willie Mullins' victory in today's opening race continues the dominance of those trainers from across the Irish Sea.

They had already clinched the Prestbury Cup with a day to spare, remember.

Image source, PA Media

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Image source, Getty Images

Punters used to enjoy 'Ruby Tuesday' at the Cheltenham Festival when jockey Ruby Walsh was in his pomp, riding winners on the opening day.

Now we have 'Willie Friday' - with a Willie Mullins 1-2-3-4 in the opener 12 months on from a Friday Festival five-timer.

The Irish won all seven races that day. Might there be another 'Green Sweep' on St Patrick's Day?

Image source, Getty Images

A quite emotional Rich Ricci, owner of Lossiemouth, speaking to ITV Racing: "She is lovely. She has been great all year. It has been such a great week for racing and great to be a part of it."

What a feeling it must be to trot back to the winners' enclosure with a crowd of thousands roaring you in.

Gives you goosebumps just thinking about it.

Paul Townend breaks into a grin and tips his cap to the adoring spectators.

Charlie Poste
Former jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

The prep race didn’t go well but the big time show did. Last time, they got wiped out and thought it was one that got away.

But she has bounced back and Paul rode her like the best horse and took no chances and gave her space and let nothing impede her.

Willie Mullins had her primed for this one and she was ready to run for her life and stuck to her task up the hill.

Image source, Getty Images

Winning jockey Paul Townend, speaking to ITV Racing: "I wasn't going to fight her too much, she wanted to get on with it. I didn't question her stamina, I just wanted to keep it an even gallop.

"She is very good. She is very professional even though she hasn't got a whole lot of racing done."

1 Lossiemouth (Paul Townend) 11-8 Fav

2 Gala Marceau (Danny Mullins) 10-3

3 Zenta (Mark Walsh) 12-1

15 ran

Image source, Getty Images

Comprehensive win for the 11-8 favourite!

Lossiemouth tanks it down the straight and goes for the line like a bucket of the tastiest grains in the world are waiting there for her.

Fantastic start for the trainer-jockey combo of Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.