Mullins' Cheltenham team takes shape

Trainer Willie Mullins' Cheltenham team is beginning to take shape, with the Co Carlow trainer expecting to send as many as 22 horses to the Festival next week.

Star novice hurdlers Cousin Vinny, Kempes and Mikael D'Haguenet, Arkle Chase candidate Golden Silver and Royal & Sun Alliance Chase hopeful Cooldine are all set to join Mullins' 14 Champion Bumper possibles.

Speaking at Fairyhouse on Wednesday, Mullins said: "At the moment I could have 22 horses for Cheltenham but I'd say a few of those will probably drop away between now and then.

"We have 14 in the Champion Bumper and eight or 10 or those are still in the equation. They are all for individual owners who have aspirations to run at the Cheltenham Festival.

"Mikael D'Haguenet is in the Supreme just in case we get rain. He'll be left in all three novice races.

"The plan is that Ruby (Walsh) will ride Kempes in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Paul Townend will ride Ebaziyan in the Champion Hurdle."