Cheltenham Festival 2021: A meeting like no other starts on Tuesday

This year's Cheltenham Festival is different from the usual carnival atmosphere. There will be no spectators or racehorse owners. The sport is seeking a boost after negative headlines. Organisers hope for some good news from a meeting which was the last major UK sporting event to be staged before the first coronavirus lockdown 12 months ago. Trainer Gordon Elliott was banned for six months.

Denise Foster takes over the reins at the moment while Elliott is suspended. Shishkin is favourite for Tuesday's Arkle Chase. Envoi Allen and Monkfish are talked of as future Gold Cup contenders. Paisley Park is looking to regain his title after recovering from a heart scare. Al Boum Photo is training by Willie Mullins and is aiming to win the Cheltenham Gold Cups on Friday. Blackmore rides A Plus Tard and Bryony Frost rides Frodon.

Denise Foster has taken over the reins while Elliott serves his suspension. Shishkin is the favourite for Tuesday's Arkle Chase. Envoi Allen and Monkfish are talked of as future Gold Cup contenders. Paisley Park is looking to regain his title after recovering from a heart scare. Al Boum Photo is trained by Willie Mullins and is aiming to become the first horse since Best Mate in 2004 to win the Cheltenham Gold Cups three times. Blackmore is on A Plus Tard and Bryony Frost rides Frodon.

Cheltenham organisers are hoping all horses and riders come back safely. Last year's meeting attracted criticism for continuing while the coronavirus crisis was in its early stages. Animal welfare is also in the spotlight after the Elliott case and a jockey Rob James was seen mounting a dead horse.

There will be no bookmakers and betting shops at the meeting. There will only be 40 catering staff on site, compared with 4,000 in previous years. Special areas have been created to minimise mixing of jockeys and trainers. Amateur riders are not allowed to compete under the current Covid-19 rules in England.