Punters' Choice: The Festival fancies of some of Ireland's better-known betting men

Jimmy Barry Murphy (Cork hurling manager)

Festival banker: "I know Flagship Uberalles (Champion Chase) is a short price, but I think he's a great bet. He deserves to be that price and I'm not put off by it."

Festival longshot: "Castle Sweep (SunAlliance Chase) has won at Cheltenham before and horses that do that generally do well there again."

Who'll win the Gold Cup: "See More Business will go well, but Gloria Victis was brilliant in his last race and he's the value. I'm afraid Florida Pearl won't stay."

Michael Smurfit (Businessman)

Festival banker: "Istabraq is on everyone's lips, but I suppose he is unbackable. That's an indication of the quality of the animal and he's probably the best hurdler of my lifetime."

Festival longshot: "My own horse Stage Affair is very useful with a very good cruising speed, but which race he runs in depends on the ground. If it is good to firm he would have a good each way chance in the Champion, but is he good enough to beat Istabraq? - I don't think so."

Who'll win the Gold Cup: "Florida Pearl is brilliant one day but not so brilliant the next. See More Business is a good favourite."

Albert Reynolds (TD and former Taoiseach)

Festival banker: "Limestone Lad (Stayers' Hurdle) needs the going to be right but if it is soft he should win."

Festival longshot: "So much depends on the ground but Willie Mullins has to be followed in the Bumper. I don't know much about Adamant Approach but Bally Amber looks good, as does Tuesday. It's hard to know how good It Takes Time is, but Willie Mullins could win with any of his."

Who'll win the Gold Cup: "I'm a bit surprised Gloria Victis is running. He may win but I can't back a six-year-old in the Gold Cup. See More Business looks safer."

Warren Gatland (Ireland rugby coach)

Festival banker: "I know a few people involved with the Galway horse Topacio (Triumph Hurdle) and I think I'll be putting my money on him."

Festival longshot: "I've had three tips for horses in the Bumper, including It Takes Time and Ned Kelly. But I've also had each way encouragement for Wintertide and he could be worth a bet."

Who'll win the Gold Cup: "See More Business looks the one. I think Florida Pearl will be in the frame but my money will be on the favourite."