How much money is gambled at the Cheltenham Festival? Here is all the stats you need to know about the jump racing extravaganza

60,000 people will go to Cheltenham for the jump racing festival. Irish punters will spend €22 million on the festivities. Ryanair has seen a record number of bookings for flights. Paddy Power say over €450 million will be placed on races. The rugby team will lift the Six Nations trophy in Twickenham on Saturday.

30 percent of tickets sold at Cheltenham went to Irish punters. €452 million was placed by Irish fans. 70 percent were backing Ruby Walsh.

70% of bets are supporting Ruby Walsh as he makes a triumphant return after breaking his leg in Punchestown last November. Willie Mullins is again favourite to take this year's top spot with about 30 horses set to be taken part over the week. New robot jockeys are also set for display at the event. The Festival is taking place over four days. It is the only year since 2001 that it has been cancelled. The festival is attended by 265,000 people, 20,00 of whom are tourists.