THE CHELTENHAM Festival got off to a flying start on Tuesday, and now local trainer Venetia Williams is gearing up for the remainder of the week.

Despite a mixed day with In d'Or finishing 6th in the Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase and both Victtorino and Frero Banbou pulling up in the Ultima Handicap Chase, the renowned trainer is looking to turn things around.

Here’s a look at what’s in store for Williams as the Festival progresses.

Williams has two horses on Wednesday, Chambard, a former Kim Muir winner, lines up in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, hoping a gear change with re-applied cheekpieces can revive his form.

Later, Martator runs in the Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase, aiming to bounce back from recent inconsistency.

Both horses are set to go off at 50/1, indicating another tough day ahead for Williams in Gloucestershire, unless one of them produces a surprise performance.

Things look a little more promising for Venetia Williams on Thursday, March 14, with five entries at Cheltenham.

The Famous Five, a reserve for the Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, has shown solid form, including a win at Newbury in December and runner-up finishes at Chepstow and Newbury. However, he faces a tough challenge from out of the handicap at 40/1, if he gets a run.

Djeló, in the Ryanair Chase (Festival Trophy), has been in great form, winning a Grade 2 at Newbury last month after an eye-catching reappearance at Exeter. At 14/1, he will be aiming for a place finish in what promises to be a competitive race.

In the Trustatrader Plate Handicap Chase, Williams has two entries. Gemirande has shown consistency with a fifth-place finish in the Grand Annual last year and two wins earlier this season. Despite a setback in January, he’ll be looking to bounce back at 11/1. Demnat , who made a successful return after a long absence, struggled in tougher races and looks set to struggle in this one at 50/1.

Finally, Galop de Chasse enters the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup with a win at Newbury last season and several placed efforts this year. However, with an increase in trip and some disappointing recent form Williams has yet another entry at 50/1.

On the final day of the festival, Williams has two entries. Fontaine Collonges runs in the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase, following a tough outing in February at Haydock where she was pulled up after a disappointing performance. At 40/1, she’ll need to bounce back with a much-improved showing to feature in this competitive race.

In the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase, the showpiece event of the Festival, Royale Pagaille will be hoping to repeat his success in the Betfair Chase, which he won in both 2023 and 2024. However, he enters the Gold Cup off the back of a lacklustre run at Haydock in February, finishing well behind the winner. At 66/1 he faces a tough field but he’s no stranger to big races and could still surprise.