'Cheltenham' – based on Petula Clark's 1965 hit 'Downtown' – can be downloaded for a less than £1 and all the proceeds are distributed between the selected charities. While it may not be the most outstanding musical achievement of the year, it is definitely inventive. Not only does it aid great causes, it also gives fans attending the Cheltenham Festival their very own anthem – a privilege usually associated with team sports. Every football team has a song, why shouldn't a racing event? Perhaps 'Cheltenham' will start a trend and singing at racecourses will become commonplace; as it already is at a number of events in the United States.

The Cheltenham Choir includes some well-known faces from the racing scene. Trainer Paul Nicholls, Tony McCoy, Barry Geraghty, Mick Fitz, Davy Russel, Sam Thomas, David Pipe, Carl Llewellyn, Tom Taaffe (son of Pat), Noel Meade and Tracey Piggott – to name just a few – are joining the ranks of enthusiastic background singers in this unusual ensemble. Even the most fierce opponents on the track have put their differences aside to record the song together; a rare show of unity (and some self-deprecation) in the racing world.

If you would like to help charities and hear your favourite racing personalities belting out a tune – here is how you get your hands on the 'Cheltenham' song before it is released as an actual, physical CD on 15th March:

On your mobile (it would make a fine ring tone, too):
From the UK: Text 'track5271 m' to 83262 – won't work on an iPhone – and follow the instructions
From Ireland: Text 'music5271 m' to 57501 and follow the instructions

Online:
Via iTunes or 7Digital.

Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star will enter the race under the direction of Ruby Walsh. The pair have a well-established partnership; Walsh rode Kauto Star to victory at the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007 and 2009. Thirty-year-old Walsh has been performing solidly over the season, heightening confidence in his ability with his most recent win at the Kingston Veterinary Group ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle at Taunton on 4th March, on Nicholls-trained King’s Legacy.

Denman, winner of the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup, remains paired with Tony McCoy despite unseating him during the Aon Chase at Newbury on 13th February this year. Although the muddled performance caused a minor stir in the racing community, Nicholls insists that McCoy is indeed the man for the job – and the jockey’s proved his worth winning five races between the 1st and 4th of March.

Sam Thomas has been booked to take the leads of Tricky Trickster. The jockey has fared well with Nicholls’ stable students in the past; winning the 2007 Betfair Chase on Kauto Star and racing Denman first across the line at the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2008.