Sizing Europe faces a maximum of 20 rivals in the Champion

Hardy Eustace, Al Eile and Silent Oscar were the notable absentees as a total of 21 horses stood their ground at the five-day stage for the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle.

Former dual champion Hardy Eustace is to be aimed at the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, while Accordion Etoile, Majadal, Lounaos, the retired Amaretto Rose and Supreme Novices´ Hurdle-bound Pigeon Island complete the list of eight defectors.

Sizing Europe, Osana and reigning champion Sublimity all appeared among the five-day confirmations for next Tuesday´s Grade One feature at the Cheltenham Festival.

Noel Meade is able to choose from the resurgent Harchibald, Jazz Messenger and Aitmatov, while Katchit and Straw Bear add weight to the British challenge.