Crowds may have declined in the past two years but for those with runners at jumps racing's most prestigious meeting the atmosphere at the Cheltenham Festival is like being in "the Colosseum" trainer Jamie Snowden told AFP.

The deafening 'Cheltenham Roar' from spectators gets its first rendition on Tuesday and brings the curtain up on 28 races over four days -- climaxing with the blue riband of steeplechasing the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

With prizemoney of nigh on GBP5million ($6.5 million) it is an annual battle -- Cheltenham has been its permanent home since 1911 -- between the best the English hosts have in their yards against the formidable array of Irish talent.

This for Snowden, who is likely to have five runners this week, is what sets it apart from other festivals, like the three day Grand National meeting.

"I suppose it is the best taking on the best in a wonderful cauldron," Snowden told AFP by phone.

"It is the equivalent of the Colosseum without the blood."

Irish trainer Henry de........

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