Warn among 23 Irish in Triumph

Leopardstown winner Sailors Warn is one of 23 Irish-trained entries for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Dermot Weld's impressive Punchestown winner Unaccompanied and Pat Flynn's Louisville Lip are also notable names.

Nicky Henderson's ante-post favourite Grandouet features among 77 initial entries.

The Seven Barrows handler has saddled five previous winners of the juvenile contest, with Zaynar and Soldatino taking top honours for the past two seasons.

The trainer's 10-strong entry also includes promising French recruits Celtus and Molotof, as well as useful Flat runner Moose Moran, who has yet to run over hurdles.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Sam Winner was the previous favourite for the Grade One event but suffered an odds-on reverse on his latest start at Chepstow.

The winner, Marsh Warbler, as well as the second and third Houblon Des Obeaux and Smad Place all hold Cheltenham entries.

Another fascinating entry for Nicholls is Zarkandar, who is a half-brother to brilliant Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Zarkava. He too has not jumped a hurdle in public.

Local Hero was successful at the track last weekend and is a major contender.