ALL roads now lead to Cheltenham for the first ever four-day Festival of racing when Best Mate will hopefully be back to bid for an historic fourth consecutive victory in the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Whether you are looking forward to your first Festival or have enjoyed the occasion many times in the past, this year will be something special.

The four days will attract jump racing's leading contenders from Britain, Ireland and France - all competing for the 24 races exceeding £2.5m in prize money.

The website www.cheltenham2005.com is dedicated specifically to The Festival with the latest news, entries and profiles on the main contenders heading to Cheltenham in March including audio interviews and race footage.

After the horses, the most vital ingredient of Cheltenham is the crowd. Quite simply there just is no other place to match for passion, emotion and celebration.

So start planning now for the total Cheltenham experience. All four days are all ticket and advance booking is essential although Friday's Gold Cup day is already a sell-out.

Cheltenham's season doesn't end with The Festival. The two-day meeting on Wednesday and Thursday, April 13 and 14 showcases National Hunt breeding and features a card of outstanding steeplechase and hurdle races.

The final meeting is Hunter Chase Evening on Wednesday, April 27 when Hunter Chasers and amateur riders from around the country converge on the course for this ever popular occasion.

For more details about racing during the Festival that starts on Tuesday, March 15, ring 01242 226226 or buy online.