Garde on his own for Bolger in cross-country

Enda Bolger may only be represented by race regular Garde Champetre in the Glenfarclas Handicap (Cross Country) Chase at Cheltenham next week.

Bolger has three entries but Arabella Boy and Doctor Pat are way out of the handicap, leaving the cross-country king set to rely on the popular 13-year-old, who has won the race twice before.

He benefited from a host of horses taking the wrong course at the December meeting when looking well beaten at the time, but showed plenty of his old sparkle to finish second to Scotsirish at Punchestown last time out.

"It's the confirmation stage today so we'll see what is left in but I'm not expecting my other two to get a run so it looks like we'll just have Garde," said Bolger.

"He's on the right track and stayed on strongly at Punchestown, he just made a bad mistake at the wrong time. Nina (Carberry) did well to stay on him, but the winner had flown.

"It was encouraging the way he finished off and he's in good old nick. There's a lot to be said for having course and distance form around there.

"Obviously these days they are better races with Willie (Mullins) targeting some very good horses at them. But I don't feel bad a bout being put in my place by Willie, he's done it to better trainers than me!

"I'm sure the ground won't be ideal for any of the cross country horses, none of them will want it that quick but our boy is 13 so what do you do.

"I remember when Jonjo (O'Neill) had him he beat Monet's Garden over hurdles at Aintree Ruby (Walsh) said the ground was like flint that day so he can handle it."