Unbridled joy

Fans get giddy and stars get lucky at Cheltenham Festival

- BY ANDY LINES

RACING fans were giddy with joy as the Cheltenham Festival began yesterday.

Punters who flocked to the course on day one were delighted at a change in drinking rules this year that meant they were able to take their tipples closer to the action.

Jess Rutherford, 34, of Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire, said: "It's been absolutely lovely to be able to get down here, sit on a bench and have a nice pint of Guinness and enjoy the atmosphere.

"It definitely makes it a bit easier. There's less planning. You can get down here for the first race, get a good seat, and get a good view and still enjoy a pint. It couldn't be better." Craig Smith, 33, of Cork, Ireland, said: "The Guinness is flowing well in front of the Grandstand. We come over from Ireland every year and it's unreal. You feel there's a lot more space thanks to the relaxed rules.