Cheltenham Festival 2017 in pictures: BEST photographs from the races
CHELTENHAM's Gold Cup Day starts today with thousands of punter placing bets on the world famous horse races. Here is a selection of the best photographs so far.
Hundreds of thousands of punters are placing bets on the horses and jockeys they think will be victorious at Prestbury Park on the final day of Cheltenham.
Aside from the races, Cheltenham is also something of a fashion event on Ladies Day as women dress up in their best outfits and hats to impress the crowds.
Some however do not shy away from bizarre headwear and questionable clothing choices. One woman was spotted in a faux-leopard fur top hat, while another sported a dead bird inspired hat.
Racegoers glam up for Ladies Day at Cheltenham
These are the best photographs taken at Cheltenham Festival 2017
Yet the fun and games atmosphere of the races was darkened when a horse died after falling on the track.
Race commentator Richard Hoiles confirmed Consul unfortunately later died from fatal injuries.
Ladies' Day is a chance for women to dress up in their best outfits
More than 260,000 people are expected to pass through the gates of the racecourse during the four-day festival.
The most famous of the races is the Gold Cup race held on March 17.
Some of the fashion choices were bizarre to say the least
The Gold Cup champion will take home the award, the prestige, but also a £575,000 payout.