Strong Irish challenge for Ryanair

A strong Irish challenge of 14 for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March is spearheaded by ante-post favourite Noble Prince, a Festival winner last season for Paul Nolan, with other notable entries including Gordon Elliott's Jessies Dream, Noel Meade's Realt Dubh and Robbie Hennessy's Rubi Light.

"Hopefully, Noble Prince will run in the Ryanair Chase. He goes for the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse on January 22 and that will be his final run before he heads to Cheltenham," said Nolan.

"We were very pleased with him at Leopardstown. Big Zeb beat us easily in the end but it was a very good run from our horse and I think that he will improve with a faster pace.

"He's still a decent enough two-mile chaser but two miles and five furlongs around Cheltenham is right up his street.

"He travelled and jumped well in the Jewson last season. The Ryanair will obviously be a different gravy this time and it looks like it will be a very competitive contest."

Other possible runners from Ireland include Willie Mullins' Quel Esprit, Dermot Weld's Majestic Concorde and Dessie Hughes' Magnanimity.

The British challenge is headed by Albertas Run, winner of the race for the last two years.

Jonjo O'Neill's charge was last seen winning the Old Roan Chase at Aintree, beating Master Minded in third, but has not been seen since due to injury.

Paul Nicholls has a strong team entered for the 2m 5f Grade One, led by Poquelin and impressive French recruit Kauto Stone, who is a half-brother to the great Kauto Star.

Nicky Henderson is another who could be well represented, with Finian's Rainbow the standout entry, although the Michael Buckley-owned chaser does also hold entries in the Champion Chase and Gold Cup.

Other possibles from Seven Barrows include former King George runner-up Riverside Theatre and the long-absent Jack The Giant.

Henrietta Knight will rely on Somersby, whilst Nigel Twiston-Davies' Little Josh and Alan King's Medermit are also notable entries.

Also amongst the home challenge is Phillip Hobbs' Captain Chris and Wishfull Thinking, Nick Williams' Gauvain and Martin Keighley's impressive novice Champion Court.