Cheltenham ready to put on a show as new season dawns despite absence of fans

Racing returns to Cheltenham on Friday for the first time since the festival but fears of a winter without spectators have only deepened the determination to put on the best jumps show possible, according to racecourse chief Ian Renton.

Cheltenham toyed with the idea of cardboard cutouts to enliven the atmosphere but instead will let the sport do the talking with the help of ITV4 coverage across Friday and Saturday as the stars of the jumps return to national screens in jumping's most famous arena.

Last year's Ryanair Chase hero Frodon could return on Saturday, while Gordon Elliott will bring over National Hunt Chase favourite Galvin for what may be his only run before the festival in March.