Cornelius Lysaght BBC Five Live racing correspondent

The year ahead looks set to be a vintage one for racing as Best Mate attempts to emulate Arkle with a third Cheltenham Gold Cup win.

But who else might star during the next 12 months? Here are some of the likely candidates.

Scotney recently joined the Jockey Club's Security Department from the Metropolitan police, where he was a highflying chief superintendent.

Protecting the integrity of racing from corruptive forces is his priority - and the investigation into claims of skulduggery following the explosion in betting exchanges are top of his "to do" list.

In his former life, Scotney smashed a cocaine ring in London's Soho, and already he has begun feeling racing collars. More can be anticipated in 2004.

The dark horse amongst the young pretenders for big (jump) race glory in 2004, posing a threat even maybe to the dominance of Best Mate.

Deja vu for Therealbandit?

Trained by Martin Pipe for owner David Johnson, the horse was partnered by AP McCoy to a thrilling 7th birthday success at Cheltenham when he showed imperious authority.

Therealbandit has won two steeplechases at Cheltenham without putting a foot wrong, and with that sort of match practice is sure to play his part at the Festival, and in the future.

Fancied to present his trainer Dermot Weld with a second successive victory in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket after two wide margin wins during the last Flat season.

The easy winner, on his debut, of a maiden race at Galway in his native Ireland, the (predictably) grey coloured colt followed up in terrific style at Leopardstown.

Grey Swallow shows a fine turn of speed and a good attitude, enough perhaps to follow the same Classic race winning path trod by Weld's Refuse To Bend last Spring.

Johnson has so often played second fiddle to AP McCoy in the jump jockeys' table, but may give the 8-times champion plenty to think about his time around.

Profile: Richard Johnson

More quietly, the career of Johnson, 26, has been a nearly as prolific as that of McCoy, and has included victories in both the Cheltenham Gold Cup (Looks Like Trouble, 2000) and Champion Hurdle (Rooster Booster, 2003).

Although the lead poached by Johnson while McCoy was injured is cut back, the pair are now locked in battle - and an epic finish to the season, in April, is on the cards.

John took over the reins as BBC Radio's racing commentator in December, and made an instant mark with his easy style and powerful descriptions.

Before starting, at Sandown on his 38th birthday, Hunt admitted that his broadcasts are liable to get very loud towards the end of races.

And that was down to his passion for the sport, something that comes through, er, loud and clear.

Meanwhile, all members of Five Live's Sony award-winning racing team are prepared to bring listeners more thrills and spills this year.

These two will be aboard some of the best Flat horses in Europe in 2004, working, as they will, respectively for Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien and owner the Aga Khan.

And, as was demonstrated when the two rowed while riding in Hong Kong before Christmas, they are not the greatest of buddies, so some fascinating encounters are in prospect.

Spencer is likely to thrive with O'Brien's stable, where he replaces the long serving Michael Kinane.

French-based Soumillon will attempt to build on the big race successes he achieved last season with Dalakhani.