THANK heavens it’s only four days. Not many of us could face a fifth. Even the good Lord himself might have needed rest by the time he got to Saturday, had he been on this rollercoaster Cheltenham ride, such was the whirlwind of emotions brought to the surface this week.

Tuesday was muted in the aftermath of too many fallers, including reigning champions Buveur D’Air and Benie Des Dieux and a National Hunt Chase that left a bad taste into Wednesday morning.

CRASHING OUT

Despite a 15-length Irish-trained Champion Hurdle winner, day one was a bit subdued with Buveur and Benie crashing out and the two mares disappointing in the Champion Hurdle.

Highlights were the two Mullins winners and Rachael Blackmore, experiencing the usual roller coaster of National Hunt racing, dumped of Ornua but back with a bang on A Plus Tard.

The threat of weather disruption passed and we had magnificent displays from Altior and Tiger Roll, both winning a fourth Festival race, to lift the gloom on the second day.

It was a case of little and large as the 17.3hh Topofthegame won a great battle for the RSA Chase before Tiger Roll romped home in the Cross Country Chase.

Thursday was really the Ladies’ day, Bryony Frost, Emma Lavelle landing the two Grade 1s and Lizzie Kelly getting on the score board for the second successive Festival.

If Altior raised the temperature on Wednesday, Thursday blew everything apart.

First Frodon and then Paisley Park, all the connections thrilled at their wins and appreciating everyone who contributed to them.

You were left with was a feeling that there are great people in this sport and it was the right place for them to gain their rewards.

And then we finally had a Gold Cup going to Closutton!

Ted Walsh summed up the day: “It’s magnificent. It’s magic!”