Nolan hoping Prince will improve

Paul Nolan is hoping for improvement from Noble Prince in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham after he suffered a surprise defeat at Fairyhouse.

The eight-year-old remains a leading fancy for the Festival despite the loss at the hands of Blazing Tempo in the Normans Grove Chase.

However, Nolan was disappointed with Sunday's performance and will now concentrate on preparing last season's Jewson Novices' Chase winner for another tilt at the Festival in March.

"He's 100%. We were disappointed, but hopefully ground-wise he'll improve for Cheltenham and he has to improve on that run," said the County Wexford handler.

"We'll get him ready for Cheltenham now.

"The same views about the ground at Fairyhouse were given about the mare that beat us. We've just got to hope he improves for Cheltenham.

"He likes a break between his races, but we're not making excuses for Sunday's defeat."