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Racegoers come from across the UK to attend the meeting with sell-out crowds of 50,000 expected on all three days

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The first race of the Festival begins with the riders tightly-bunched together as they head towards the first fence

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Norman Williamson on Back in Front holds off the challenge of Tony McCoy on Lirfox at the last to claim victory by 10 lengths

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Tony McCoy protects his head after falling from Le Roi Miguel in the Challenge Trophy - he had to give up two later rides

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Ruby Walsh on Azertyuiop jumps the last to surge on and win the day's second race and take the famous Arkle trophy

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Azertyuiop fully justifies his tag of favourite as Ruby Walsh proudly parades around the winners enclosure

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Rooster Booster pulls away in the final stages of the Champion Hurdle and romps home several lengths clear

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Jockey Richard Johnson punches the air in delight after the nine-year-old 's victory