Heroes and villains on day two at the Festival

Look to Martin Pipe's Sixo as the hero of a potential tearjerker in the Cheltenham winner's enclosure tomorrow. And look to Francois Doumen to play the role of villain if Baracouda fails to triumph in the World Hurdle.

Sixo's bid to win the National Hunt Chase has all the makings of one of those poignant tales the Festival is renowned for after his owner Jean Broadhurst lost her battle with cancer last week.

With a Brummie accent to rival Jasper Carrott's and a fondness for leaving anyone within 50 yards covered in lipstick after one of her many big victories, Miss Broadhurst lived her life like she was here for a good time rather than a long time.

The safest bet of the Cheltenham week is that Pipey will have left no stone unturned as Sixo bids to give her a fitting Festival send-off.

Meanwhile, the suave Doumen is expecting nothing less than victory as Baracouda bids for a third success in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Doumen is charm itself in victory, but the mask slipped more than a little when Baracouda was worn down by Iris's Gift at last year's Festival.

This year there is added spice provided by the fact that AP McCoy has replaced Doumen's son Thierry in the saddle. Doumen has backed his new man, albeit with reservations, but the entente may not be quite so cordiale if the shortest-priced favourite of the week gets turned over.