Tranquil Sea faces 12 rivals in Ryanair

There were no surprise defections after 13 runners were declared this morning for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on Thursday.

The Edward O'Grady-trained Tranquil Sea, winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup over course and distance earlier this season, heads the Irish challenge and will again be ridden by Andrew McNamara.

Willie Mullins has three runners Barker, Scotsirish (Paul Townend) and J'y Vole, while Dessie Hughes' Schindlers Hunt completes a five strong Irish raiding party.

Other significant runners include Poquelin (Ruby Walsh), Barbers Shop (Barry Geraghty) and Voy Por Ustedes (Robert Thornton).