The Noel Meade-trained Road To Riches© Photo Healy Racing
Road To Riches joins Vautour in swerving the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup in favour of a tilt at the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on Thursday.
Owned by Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary under his Gigginstown House Stud banner, the nine-year-old was third in the Gold Cup last year and Noel Meade was keen to have another crack at the blue riband, but the owners have a strong hand with the likes of Don Cossack and Don Poli in Friday's showpiece.
"After the final discussions that was the decision that was made. The owners have a lot of horses to run. They have a few in the Gold Cup and decided to go for this race with him," said Meade.
Gigginstown have a second string to their bow in Valseur Lido after 15 horses were left at the 48-hour final declaration stage. Other Irish-trained runners are Enda Bolger's Gilgamboa and Smashing from Henry de Bromhead's stable.
The David Pipe-trained Dynaste who triumphed two years ago, bids to regain his crown, while Alan King, successful 12 months ago, is represented by course specialist Annacotty
Nicky Henderson is double-handed with Captain Conan and Josses Hill as is Philip Hobbs, who saddles Champagne West and Village Vic
A highly-competitive field is completed by Dan Skelton's Al Ferof Malcolm Jefferson's Oscar Rock Jonjo O'Neill's Taquin Du Seuil and Vibrato Valtat trained by Paul Nicholls.
