Cope has three outlets at Cheltenham

The weather 30 years ago was also a bit different from the warm spring sunshine of day one of the 2002 Festival.

"We were outside with umbrellas on the rails in front of the grandstand," he remembers.

"It was cold and wet and pretty miserable."

Now he has three outlets and 12 staff - the jellied eels stall is still there although it has moved to the Festival Bowl.

It has been joined at the course by a seafood counter in the Golden Miller Bar, where oysters and shellfish can be washed down with champagne.

And he also operates in the marquee beloning to the Turf Club.

It is not just rich owners and flush punters who can be found sampling his seafood - many of racing big names are frequent customers.

Pipe is a regular customer

"Martin Pipe is a regular, along with his wife Carol and son David," says Cope.

"I always have a chat with him when he pops in."

Indeed, Cope is very much involved in the Cheltenham effort and still helps out behind the counter.

"We've kept it as a family business. We're hands on and we still do all the preparation ourselves."

Cope says he is a racing fan but will not get time to see any of the action at Cheltenham.

And although not averse to the odd flutter, he does not bet during meetings.

"I don't really bet when I'm working. You can't be seen dashing backwards and forwards to the bookies all day."

And while he likes to keep abreast of current form, he can't offer any hot tips for the Festival.

"I'll leave that to the experts," he says.