MORE than 10,000 jump racing fans made their way to Cheltenham Racecourse yesterday to welcome in the first day of the National Hunt season.
There might have been grey skies overhead, but the crowds were in bright spirits.
"There's a really great atmosphere here," said Andy Clifton, from the racecourse.
"One of the best things about this Showcase weekend is that people get to see things they wouldn't usually see, whether it's having the chance to get their photographs taken with the Gold Cup, seeing one of the horses, walking around the weighing room, or meeting a top jockey."
Doors open today for the second day of the meeting today with the first of seven races getting under way at 2pm.
Jockeys will also take the reins to compete in the Greatwood charity race, raising money for the charity's work with retired horses.
