Cheltenham yesterday began the countdown to the 1998 Festival with the release of the entries for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

The Gold Cup, worth £700 when it was first run in 1924, has attracted one of the largest responses in recent years with 38 submitted for the £225,000 event.

With last year's winner Mr Mulligan having been retired through injury, 1996 victor Imperial Call, one of six from Ireland, will bid to become the first horse ever to regain the title.

He is joined by all the leading staying chasers including Dorans Pride, Rough Quest, See More Business, Suny Bay and The Grey Monk.

A maximum of 50,000 badges and tickets will be sold for each day which will result in a 15 per cent drop in attendance for Cheltenham Gold Cup day. Racegoers are urged to book well in advance.

One Man, the dual King George VI Chase winner who has run disappointingly in the last two Gold Cups, is included amongst the 19 entries for the two-mile Queen Mother Champion Chase on March 18th.

Last year's winner, Martha's Son, is among the entries and is likely to resume training next week.

Having undergone physiotherapy with Mary Bromiley since he was pulled up with an injured near-fore leg at Huntingdon in November, he is now ready to return to trainer Tim Forster.

Klairon Davis and Jeffell represent Irish interests.

Tommy Treacy yesterday confirmed that he is to appeal against the 21-day ban meted out by the Navan stewards on Sunday.