Ruby Walsh with Ireland's Champion Hurdle hopeful, Hurricane Sky.

Irish racing fans in Australia can now watch all the thrills and spills of the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival live.

The festival, jumps racing’s Olympics, kicks off tonight (Tuesday) Australian-time with live coverage on Sky World Racing channel.

Cheltenham is often pitched as a battle between the best Irish versus the best of British national hunt horses, trainers and jockeys.

Up to 6,000 punters will cross the Irish Sea to cheer on the challengers. Hurricane Fly – ridden by Ruby Walsh – carries Irish hopes on the first day in the Champion Hurdle while Noel Meade’s Realt Dubh will fly the flag in the Arkle Chase.

Colm Murphy’s Big Zeb will be carrying Irish hopes on day two as he bids to defend his title in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

On Thursday, St Patrick’s Day, there’ll be craic all round the course with live music and dancing, a special St Patrick’s Day parade, Irish fashion awards and seven races to keep the pulse going.

Friday is Gold Cup day, which will see three previous winners competing for racing’s blue riband – Imperial Commander and the Paul Nicholls pair of Kauto Star and Denman. Imperial Commander was accused of gate-crashing the contest between the latter duo last year only to leave the field toiling in his wake.

A number of others also have chances in this year’s renewal not least the following: Long Run, owned by Robert Waley-Cohen and ridden by his son and top amateur Sam, was a stunning winner of the King George VI Chase; Midnight Chase has won three from three at Cheltenham this season, while Noel Meade’s Pandorama and Kempes from the Willie Mullins yard have attracted a lot of support in Ireland.

All four days of the festival will be screened live on Sky World Racing channel, which is available to Foxtel subscribers. To upgrade, call 1300 656 587.