Paddy Power’s Cheltenham tips: It’s time to saddle up for the start of festival week

It’s time to take a big, deep breath and get ready for Cheltenham week.

So, my advice to you if you are going to the Festival, is to stay in tonight, have no alcohol, eat healthily, get plenty of exercise and get your head in the game.

There are lots of di¬fferent types of Cheltenham fans and everyone has their own way of enjoying the Festival, but let me give you some advice as to how to get through the week.

Firstly, it’s four days, so hang in there. The biggest mistake to make is to go too hard, too early.

It’s important to remember that there are 28 races to bet on during the week, and a staking plan is important - which means have more money on the ones you really fancy and less on the ones some bloke in the gents told you about.

The reality is that, because it’s Cheltenham, you’ll probably have more bets than usual, so spread them out. And if you’re lucky enough to be heading down for more than one day remember it’s a long week.

When you arrive, on the first day you’re excited and everyone gets a bit carried away, but on day two it’s a more relaxed bit of craic. Try to create day two every day at Cheltenham.

If you’re a day-tripper, pick two horses to get stuck into and fiddle around with the rest. There’s a good chance you’ll end up doing your dough.

You may have realised by now that this column is pretty much a “note to self” ahead of Cheltenham.

Although I know what I should do, experience tells me that I’m not very good at doing it.

I’m a bit older, my stamina is waning, and I’m the worst judge since Pontius Pilate, but I still cannot wait for 1.30pm tomorrow.

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For the first 5 races every day of the Cheltenham Festival, it’s money back as a free bet if your horse finishes second. Max £20 per race. T&C’s apply. See paddypower.com for full terms