CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREDICTIONS

Tomorrow marks that start of one of racing’s greatest occasions, The Cheltenham festival. This four-day event will welcome more than 200,000 spectators with millions of pounds being bet on the outcome of the 26 races.

The culmination of the festival is the much anticipated Gold Cup, which takes place on Friday and sees two of the highest rated jump horses, Kauto Star and Denman go head to head. Kauto Star is bidding to win the race for the third time while Denman will be hoping for his second victory.

With both horses trained by Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls, opinion has been divided on who will come out on top in this sporting spectacle. Here are the thoughts of some of our country’s most famous sports stars as to who will win the prestigious Gold Cup.

England and Premiership footballer, Michael Owen:
“It’s the ultimate match: the tough, gritty AP and Denman, versus the skill and flair of Ruby and Kauto Star although at the prices, my wallet says Denman.”

World Champion Heavyweight Boxer, David Haye:
“They remind me of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman – Kauto’s brilliantly talented and flashy like Ali, whilst Denman’s a real slugger like George Foreman. The Cheltenham Gold Cup this year is racing’s very own ‘Rumble in the Jungle!’”

Top Jockey and TV Personality, Frankie Dettori:
”I think Kauto Star will win because he has a good cruising speed and a very good turn of foot. I really like the horse as he is such a flashy looker.”

Professional darts player, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor:
"I can't wait for this race - Kauto Star is a tremendous horse but Denman has Tony McCoy on board now and I think that will prove the difference on the day."

Former England Rugby Captain, Lawrence Dallaglio:
"For me it is too close to call and it will very much depend on the going. If it's soft or worse then definitely Denman and if it's better ground then definitely Kauto Star! If you can find me a weather man that can be that precise this early then I'll get off the fence!"

Golfing legend, Sam Torrance:
“I think that Kauto Star will win very easily. On Boxing Day he was sheer brilliance in four legged motion and I think Denman, even with the mighty AP on board, will struggle to keep him at bay.”

Former England Rugby Player and current BBC Sports Pundit, Jeremy Guscott:
“It’s the most eagerly awaited race I can remember. I can’t wait to see the two of them coming up the hill at Cheltenham, but it has to be Kauto who’ll win it.”

Former England Rugby Player, Matt Dawson:
“I think Denman this year, as AP McCoy loves a challenge and he is a born winner.”

Top Irish jockey, Johnny Murtagh:
“I think Kauto Star will win as I have always thought Denman is more of a Grand National horse.”