article_snippet: Cheltenham Festival Cheltenham Festival boasts a glittering cast of equine and human stars but the spotlight is on one man.
article_snippet: Ruby Walsh (right) will ride Willie Mullins-trained Faugheen in the Champions Hurdle at Cheltenham .
article_snippet: But both sides of that age-old skirmish will probably be praying that the 40-year-old from County Antrim has a final Cheltenham Festival to remember.
article_snippet: Thirty Festival wins started with Kibreet in the 1996 Grand Annual Chase.
article_snippet: His first meeting, then held over three days, consisted of seven rides, three of them 100-1 shots.
article_snippet: First up was Supreme Master, who was 16th of 20 in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
article_snippet: There will be plenty who point to the tally of 41 Festival wins for Ruby Walsh
article_snippet: Walsh has sound claims in today’s Champion Hurdle on title holder Jezki, a clutch of handicap possibilities and a strong chance with Hargam in Friday’s Triumph Hurdle.
article_snippet: Later that day, Carlingford Lough will be Walsh mount to win a third Gold Cup.
article_snippet: The Irish Hennessy Gold Cup winner, who runs in the colours of Walsh boss, owner JP McManus, and is trained by John Kiely, has solid claims in an open year.