10 in the mix for the Champion

Hurricane Fly heads one of the smallest Champion Hurdle fields in recent times at the Cheltenham Festival next Tuesday, after just 10 horses were left in the contest at the six-day entry stage.

The Willie Mullins-trained winner of the race in 2011 bids to regain his crown at the expense of rivals that include last year's victor Rock On Ruby.

All of the main players have stood their ground, with Nicky Henderson declaring Grandouet, Binocular and Oscar Whisky, while Paul Nicholls has left Zarkandar in.

Last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Cinders And Ashes is in the field, along with Cotton Mill. runner-up to My Tent Or Yours in the Betfair Hurdle last time out, Balder Succes and Countrywide Flame, winner of the Triumph Hurdle 12 months ago.

It is 1980 since the last single-figure field went to post for the Champion Hurdle, Sea Pigeon beating eight rivals under Pat Muldoon.