AP McCoy is assured of an 18th consecutive Champion Jockey title, but the race to become the Champion Conditional Jockey in 2012/13 is set to be the most exciting in years.

Entries for the Group One Investec Coronation Cup, with increased prize money of £350,000, at Epsom Downs on Saturday, 1 June include the world's top-rated horse Cirrus Des Aigles and St Nicholas Abbey, who is after an unprecedented third success in the mile and half showpiece.

Trainer Keiran Burke is hoping Hunt Ball can continue his excellent recent form with victory in the £50,000 Grade Two Macmillan Cancer Support Silver Trophy Chase (3.55pm) on day one of Cheltenham's April Meeting, Wednesday, 17 April.

Most of jump racing's biggest stars are among the Grade 1 entries announced today for the 2013 Punchestown Festival staged from Tuesday, 23 April to Saturday, 27 April.

Smad Place is likely to bid for a first victory at Grade One level in the £120,000 John Smith's Liverpool Hurdle (2.50pm) over an extended three miles at Aintree on the final day of John Smith's Grand National meeting, Grand National Day, Saturday, 6 April.

Following the lifting of the frost covers, the Chase & Hurdle courses have passed the 10.30am inspection and racing will go ahead at Cheltenham today, Champion Day and the first day of The Festival.