Cheltenham Festival: one trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch

Trainer

Who else could the festival be about other than Willie Mullins? He stands out on his own as the winningmost trainer in the meeting's history with 78 victories and sends over another formidable team to add to that tally.

The Closutton trainer will hope to continue his superb record in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle (1.30) with either Dysart Dynamo or Kilcruit before leading contenders Blue Lord and Appreciate It take in the Sporting Life Arkle (2.10) and Unibet Champion Hurdle (3.30).

He saddles three in the mares' hurdle (4.10) and two in both the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (4.50) – which includes the well-supported Gaelic Warrior – and National Hunt Chase (5.30).

On Wednesday, Sir Gerhard will aim to get the ball rolling in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (1.30) having been switched from the Supreme, before Energumene and Chacun Pour Soi form a stellar opposition to Shishkin in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (3.30).

Mullins ends the day bidding for a record-extending 12th victory in the Champion Bumper (5.30) with the highly regarded Facile Vega.

Willie Mullins: could he be in line for another profitable festival?Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Galopin Des Champs could still contest the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase, but remains likely to head to the Turners Novices' Chase (1.30) for a thrilling clash with Bob Olinger, while Allaho bids to retain his Ryanair Chase (2.50) crown and Klassical Dream goes for Stayers' Hurdle glory (3.30).

The Friday will not only be centred on if Al Boum Photo can regain and claim a third Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.30), but whether Vauban can shine as the leading juvenile in the Triumph Hurdle (1.30) and Minella Cocooner can back up his Dublin Racing Festival victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (2.50).

Alongside a powerful team of handicappers throughout the four days, it is a banker that Mullins will add to his already record-breaking haul, with some Championship success possible too.

Jockey

Rachael Blackmore created history when she became the first woman to claim the festival's leading jockey prize with six wins last year and has strong claims of retaining her crown given her likely book of rides throughout the week.

Her standout ride on the opening day is undoubtedly Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle (3.30) as one of the sport's most famed partnerships bid to retain their crown and take their unbeaten streak together to 15.

She also partners last year's Mares' Novice Hurdle winner Telmesomethinggirl in the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (4.10) among her three booked rides on Tuesday.

Rachael Blackmore: has the plum ride on Honeysuckle to look forward toCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Blackmore could have live chances on the Wednesday with Journey With Me in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (1.30) and Envoi Allen in the Queen Mother Champion Chase (3.30), but on Thursday it is all about Bob Olinger, as the pair look likely to take on Galopin Des Champs in a thrilling Turners Novices' Chase (1.30).

While she has many other chances throughout the four days, one she will be eager to right the wrongs from is aboard A Plus Tard in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.30), as the pair seek to avenge their second-place finish in the race last year.

Horse

While the Irish could dominate once again, one light of joy for the British could be Shishkin as he bids for his crowning glory in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (3.30) on Wednesday.

The eight-year-old has landed the Supreme and Arkle on his last two visits to the festival and bids to emulate fellow Henderson-trained star Altior to land all three contests, having also made a perfect start this season with successes in the Desert Orchid and Clarence House Chase.

Shishkin (right) will take on Energumene again in the Queen Mother Champion ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

While he may be an odds-on shot to claim Champion Chase glory, he faces a stern challenge against Energumene again after conquering him in that thrilling Ascot clash as well as Chacun Pour Soi, not to mention the likes of last year's first and second Put The Kettle On and Nube Negra.

Whether Shishkin wins or not, he is certain to play his part in arguably one of the most eagerly-anticipated races of the meeting.

Race

While a host of leading contests each day could lay claim to this, there is no doubt that the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.30) captures the imagination more than most as the festival's highlight among them all.

This year's running will be no different as a host of top-class British and Irish stars are set to face off once more, including two previous winners, last year's top novice chasers and the most progressive stayer's of the season.

Minella Indo (right), A Plus Tard (blue cap) and Al Boum Photo (left) will take each other on again in the Gold CupCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Heading the line-up again is last year's second A Plus Tard, who will be joined by his conqueror 12 months ago and stablemate Minella Indo, but faces off once again against Galvin, who defeated the Henry de Bromhead-trained star in the Savills Chase and is vying with him for favouritism.

Al Boum Photo is back to try to regain his crown and emulate Best Mate as a three-time Gold Cup winner, while Protektorat – an easy winner of the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree – heads the British team that also features multiple Grade 1 winner Chantry House.

Add in King George VI Chase hero Tornado Flyer to the mix and you truly have a highlight to savour at this year's Cheltenham Festival.

Who will win the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup based on previous trends?

Read more on the 2022 Cheltenham Festival:

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