The town of Cheltenham this week hosts jump racing's annual Olympics, with two Irishman in particular dominating the meeting's build-up.

The four-day feast of racing starting on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) represents the last for 19-time champion jockey Tony McCoy.

McCoy, who is retiring at the end of the season, has high hopes of making it a swan song to remember.

With 30 Cheltenham winners on his resume, McCoy's book of rides includes defending Champion Hurdle victor Jezki, leading Triumph Hurdle fancy Hargam, and Ned Buntline, who runs in the final race of the week, which has been renamed in the jockey's honour.

"I'm not a believer in 'it's the taking part that counts' - it's about winning," McCoy said.

"However, my Cheltenham this year will be better than next year. For that reason, I'll try to let myself enjoy it more than I've ever done."

If Jezki gives McCoy a fairytale farewell in the Champion Hurdle, he will have to get the better of hot favourite Faugheen.

The unbeaten seven-year-old is trained by Willie Mullins, who is sending over a staggeringly-strong team in both numbers, around 50, and quality.

Mullins has four of the opening day favourites with Faugheen joined by Douvan, Un De Sceaux, and Annie Power.

Just for good measure, Mullins also sends out Hurricane Fly, his record-breaking Grade One winner, to try to claim a second Champion Hurdle crown.

Mullins and his stable jockey Ruby Walsh unite in Wednesday's Champion Chase with Champagne Fever, who may struggle to get a look-in against Sire De Grugy and Sprinter Sacre.

Sire de Grugy returns to defend his title won last year in the absence of Sprinter Sacre, the brilliant 2013 winner who has returned after missing a season with a heart problem.

"We can't say he is back to his immortal, unbeatable old self," trainer Nicky Henderson said.

"If he's as good as he can be he still has an outstandingly good chance."

Henderson's arch rival Paul Nicholls trains the top two favourites Zarkander and Saphir Du Rheu in Thursday's highlight, the World Hurdle.

Nicholls also trains Silviniaco Conti who races a day later in the Gold Cup.

The nine-year-old is trying to claim the blue riband of jumps racing after two failed attempts, but his handler is hopeful it will be a case of third time lucky for the dual King George VI Chase winner.

"If he wins a Gold Cup he will cement himself as one of the best," Nicholls said.