By Mick Fitzgerald Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey

The Cheltenham Festival is something I've grown up with and, being Irish, it's particularly special to me.

I was 16 when I saw Dawn Run win the Gold Cup. Ireland celebrated for days afterwards. It was a momentous occasion and something that has stayed with me ever since.

When you start off on the long road to being a jockey, riding a winner at Cheltenham is something you aspire to.

it's nice to get a winner early on... it gives you such a high and takes the pressure off a bit Mick Fitzgerald

The course can be a tricky one to ride on. There is the hill at the end, it's tight, and nobody gives an inch round the old course on the first two days. If you haven't got the right horse, you will suffer.

When you're lucky enough to ride at the Festival for the first time, the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

If you are lucky enough to have a ride that has a chance of winning, it makes the experience even better.

And if you are lucky enough to ride a winner, it's very special indeed.

I had planned to retire last year, but I knew in my heart I wasn't ready to give it all up. I couldn't sit by and see someone else do the job that I love.

The week before the Festival is a tense one for all jockeys. All the hard work has been done and you just hope you and the horses get there in good shape.

I still get nervous by the time the first race on the opening day comes along.

If you haven't got butterflies in your stomach going out to ride, then you shouldn't be doing the job.

That's why it's nice to get a winner early on. It gives you such a high and takes the pressure off you a bit.

Since the Festival moved from three to four days in 2005, there are now more chances to ride a winner

But you still have to try to relax. It's impossible to remain 'in the zone' for 24 hours for four days in a row.

Whether you win or lose, you learn from experience not to get too carried away.

Fitzgerald believes Chomba Womba can be a Festival winner

I've got two young sons who, whatever my results, give me a big smile and huge me which certainly lightens my mood.

Last year on the Tuesday, I got beaten by a short head and had two seconds, but they didn't care.

My most memorable Festival moment was my first win, which came on Raymylette in the Cathcart Chase in 1994, although winning the 1999 Gold Cup on See More Business was also something to savour.

This year, my best chance of a winner is a mare in the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle on the Friday called Chomba Womba.

She's unbeaten this season, the ground won't bother her and she will like the trip. She's very tough, jumps well and is a real fighter. They are the attributes you need at Cheltenham.

As for the Gold Cup clash between Kauto Star and Denman, it should be a spectacular race that people won't want to miss.

Mick Fitzgerald was talking to Elizabeth Hudson