Let some of Cheltenham’s biggest success stories guide you through the Festival card

The Festival kicks off on March 14 and this year's Cheltenham promises to be one of the most open in living memory.

The winners of the five biggest races from 2016 are absent, with Annie Power, Sprinter Sacre, Vautour, Thistlecrack and Don Cossack all missing through retirement or injury. The greatest National Hunt festival on the planet is going to witness the coming of age of some new legends and shrewd punters will want to be well-informed well in advance of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle on the Tuesday afternoon.

Thankfully the Ladbrokes Cheltenham Preview will once again take place at the Woodlands Hotel, Waterford on Thursday March 2.

Special guest on the night will be popular British trainer Oliver Sherwood, while familiar favourite John Francome is back with buddy Jim McGrath.

Davy Russell will be on hand as always, along with fresh faces like young Jack Kennedy (above), who has taken National Hunt racing by storm, and Ireland's leading female jockey Katie Walsh.

While the evening has gained a reputation for its entertainment value, stoked in recent years by the legendary Russell, who is a regular to the Cheltenham's winner's enclosure, valuable insights will be given by Willie Mullins' assistant David Casey and Henry De Bromhead, trainer of the Champion Hurdle favourite, among others.

ITV's Mick Fitzgerald will be there to give his analysis and senior handicapper Noel O'Brien will be giving his expert thoughts.

Hayley O'Connor of Ladbrokes will be providing the bookmaker's perspective on the night and RTE/ITV's Brian Gleeson will be the evening's MC.

A fun, informative night is an absolute banker.

Advanced booking is recommended and tickets can be reserved by calling the Woodland's Hotel on 051 304574.