THE countdown is underway to what promises to be another action-backed Cheltenham Festival – and you could be there on the opening day next month.

We’ve teamed up with big race sponsor StanJames.com to offer readers the chance to win two admission tickets and club enclosure badges for one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar.

The 28 races and prize money of more than £4 million attract runners from Britain, Ireland and France, making it four days of partying, punting, passion and world-class racing.

You and a companion could be there on Tuesday, March 14 to enjoy the racing action and that special Cheltenham Festival atmosphere.

The first day of the festival features the Stan James Champion Hurdle, the most important hurdle race of the jumps season with prize-money of £400,000 and the climax to the seven-race StanJames.com Road to Cheltenham series.

This prestigious race is always fiercely competitive and recent years have seen Irish trainers dominate with Willie Mullins training three of the last five winners, including the current champion Annie Power.

We have FIVE pairs of tickets to be won, while one of the lucky winner will also receive a £100 free bet on the big race with StanJames.com.

To enter, just answer the following question:

  • Which horse won last year’s Stan James Champion Hurdle?

Email your answer to sport@berksmedia.co.uk and include your name, address and daytime phone number.

The closing date for entries is 6pm on Monday, February 20.

Open a StanJames.com account on your mobile, tablet or laptop/PC and bet £10 to get a £20 free bet. Visit www.StanJames.com to find out more. Gamble responsibly www.gambleaware.co.uk.

Terms & conditions: Entrants must be aged 18 and over, hospitality and travel expenses & accommodation are not included, no alternative prize will be offered in the event that racing is abandoned.