It was a good day for the Irish on day one as they celebrated four winners and they are hoping for more of the same on Wednesday

Those who arrived early at the course catch a glimpse of some of the runners as they are put through their paces

The ground staff also arrive early as they busily prepare the course for the day's racing. The going is good to soft, soft in places

Champion jockey Tony McCoy arrives at Cheltenham looking to add to his solitary victory on day one

Zara Phillips is in attendance at the Prestbury Park course for the second day in succession

The runners and riders clear the Water Jump during the first race of the day - the National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup

Tricky Trickster, ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen, triumphs in the opener to give trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies his first win at this year's Festival

Ruby Walsh times his run to perfection on board Mikeal D'Haguenet to win the Ballymore Hurdle, his first winner of day two

And Walsh is soon celebrating a double for himself and trainer Willie Mullins with victory on board Cooldine in the RSA Chase

Racegoers are desperate for a good vantage point as the Queen Mother Champion Chase gets under way

Master Minded is the horse they have come to see and he does not disappoint as he defends the title he won last year

Victory ensures a Ruby Walsh hat-trick for the day and also gives champion trainer Paul Nicholls his first win of the 2009 Festival

Runners in the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle tackle the hill at Cheltenham, with Ninetieth Minute triumphing over Mirage Dore

And it turns out to be a great day for the punters as three favourites came in to leave the bookies' reeling