Champs heads Irish bid for Gold

Sir Des Champs is among 24 horses heading forward for the Betfred Gold Cup at Cheltenham on March 15th.

The recent Hennessy Gold Cup winner will bid to give champion trainer Willie Mullins a first victory in the blue riband event.

He could be joined by stable-mate Prince De Beauchene, who is currently trading as favourite for the Grand National.

First Lieutenant and China Rock are Mouse Morris' options, while Jessies Dream and Bog Warrior are other Irish entries also in the mix.

Current favourite Bobs Worth heads a strong entry for Nicky Henderson.

He also houses the 2011 winner Long Run, who regained his King George crown on Boxing Day, while Finian's Rainbow remains in the mix.

Another former winner, Imperial Commander, is also heading back with the aim of emulating Kauto Star by winning the most prestigious race in the game for a second time after losing the title.

Paul Nicholls enjoyed great dominance with Kauto Star and Denman but without those two his hopes rely on Silviniaco Conti and What A Friend. As expected, Tidal Bay has been taken out.

David Bridgwater is looking to saddle last year's runner-up The Giant Bolster and has also left in Wyck Hill, due to put his credentials on the line in the Racing Plus Chase at Kempton.

Captain Chris, Katenko, Cape Tribulation and Monbeg Dude and others to note.

Flemenstar is among the 16 scratched horses along with Bold Sir Brian, Grands Crus, Hunt Ball and Sizing Europe.