'This place is unparalleled' - meet the first racegoers to return to Cheltenham

Two years is a long time to wait when you love something as much as the Cheltenham Festival, and those in the snaking queues outside the track on Tuesday morning were keen not to miss a single moment.

Gates opened at 10.30am and primed at the front was Pete Gough, attending with a group of his mates from Coventry. He, like all the spectators waiting under the bright blue morning sky, experienced the disappointment of missing out 12 months ago when the festival's big races were played out to empty stands.

The group did not miss a second of the action on the TV in 2021 but cannot wait to see the likes of Honeysuckle, Appreciate It and Constitution Hill in person.

Cheltenham Festival day one cards

"It's absolutely fantastic even being here," he said with a beaming smile. "Just look at all the people. I'd say I've been coming back for about 30 years. I never miss a Tuesday, it's the best day.

"This is just the premiership of racing, or an FA Cup Final, and nothing beats the roar you hear here."

Gough's friend Gareth Williams, nicknamed 'Wasp', said: "I've done five Cheltenham Festivals, it's class horses, top trainers and I've got a share in Stage Star who runs in the Ballymore on Wednesday – he's the bet of the week."

Mark and Becky Latham

Mark Latham, making the long trip down from Bolton, maintained the festival spirt from home 12 months ago but is glad to be back in the shadows of Cleeve Hill.

"I've been to the Cheltenham Festival 18 years consecutively," said the Sprinter Sacre superfan. "It was such a shame not going last year, but I dressed up every morning as if I was going to Cheltenham and my wife thought I was stupid, but I got her to join in at the end.

"Nothing can beat the atmosphere here, this place is unparalleled and you've got four days of the very best equine superstars. It's fantastic, I've been waiting two years to return."

Sam Roots, a confident Jonbon supporter, made the trip up from Bournemouth with a group of friends and said: "It's unbelievable being back and when Jonbon wins the Supreme we'll be going home in a horse and cart.

"Cheltenham is great, you've got the roar and we all love coming back every year. It was horrible having to watch it on the telly last year, but it's great seeing everyone with the tweed back. I'll be here tomorrow and Thursday, we'll see how it goes."

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