Who are the under the radar jockeys to follow at Cheltenham?

The Cheltenham Festival is inching ever closer and before you know it the four-day extravaganza will be upon us. It looks well set to be a cracker this year and there are a lot more open races on offer than usual.

It can't be understated how important jockeys are and if you're lucky enough to have one who rides Cheltenham well on board your horse, you could be in luck!

There are also some very promising young riders whose claims will be very valuable in the handicaps.

Here are some of the jockeys who have maybe flown under the radar somewhat but who could be worth keeping an eye on ahead of next month's big event.

The home team

It's been another very good season for 3lb claimer Callum Pritchard, who already has a healthy total of 28 winners on the board, from a little over 200 rides. He made a name for himself last season and has continued to impress.

Multiple trainers have cottoned on to this rider's talent and he already gets rides for Philip Hobbs & Johnson White, as well as top trainer Ben Pauling.

There's no doubt that his claim will be very appealing in the handicap races and he’s definitely one to look out for.

Also in good shape this season, it didn't take Dai Walters' retained rider Dylan Johnston long to ride out his claim and he has landed 28 winners from just 130 rides so far this season.

The familiar blue and white Walters Plant Hire silks should be represented by a few very live chances at Cheltenham and amongst them is Pertemps Final contender C’Est Different. Vincenzo has a great chance in the Plate and Steel Ally could run well in the Arkle. With several decent chances, you wouldn't want to rule out a winner or two for Johnston.

Team Ireland

Ireland always has the strongest hand to play and the likes of Paul Townend and Jack Kennedy are the more obvious options.

Young conditional Michael Keneally is really making a name for himself this season and his 5lb claim could make him very popular.

His strike-rate of 13 per cent might not sound like a lot, but for a conditional rider in Ireland it's definitely encouraging. A total of 26 winners from 206 rides certainly isn't to be sniffed at and trainers will be fighting for his services in the Martin Pipe race.

Also sitting on a total of 26 winners already this season, fellow 5lb claimer Eoin Staples has forged some formidable partnerships already and has ridden winners for leading trainer Gavin Cromwell, who is likely to have several big chances in the handicaps.

Patrick Mullins is the big name in the amateur division, but keep an eye out for Adam Ryan, who has had plenty of winners this season.

The vast majority of his winners so far this season have come in bumpers, so look out for his name in the Champion Bumper on Day 2.