RACING legend John Francome has likened the Cheltenham Festival to the Olympic Games ahead of the start of the four-day spectacular.

Swindon’s Francome knows all about riding a winner at the Festival, having triumphed in racing’s blue riband event – the Cheltenham Gold Cup – on board Midnight Court in 1978.

The seven-time champion jockey believes the Festival is the ultimate test for horses and is predicting another thrilling week of racing to unfold.

“Cheltenham is fantastic. It shouldn’t be the be all and end all, but I’m afraid it is,” said Francome, pictured right.

“The atmosphere and setting is fantastic, with Cleeve Hill in the background. It’s a fantastic test for horses.

“They have got to be well-balanced, got to have speed to hold the position early on, stamina to get them up the hill, and they’ve got to jump well. It’s an excellent test.

“It is a special week, it can resolve everything.

“You can have a bad year but have a couple of winners at the Festival and suddenly it gives you a better outlook. It’s like the Olympic Games.”

Like the bookmakers, Francome is expecting Irish champion Willie Mullins to dominate at the Festival but for those looking for a bet elsewhere, he is predicting big things for Nigel Twiston-Davies, particularly in today’s feature – the Champion Hurdle.

“Willie Mullins seems to have the monopoly on all the classy horses but if you are looking for something that’s a little bit more value for money, I think Nigel Twiston-Davies’ horses have been running well,” added Francome.

“Bristol De Mai ought to win (Thursday’s JLT Novices Chase) and I think The New One is a great each-way bet in the Champion Hurdle.”