Irish Raiders get a feel of Cheltenham

The Irish secured their usual early foothold at Cheltenham when some of their big-race hopes worked on the hallowed turf at Prestbury Park this morning.

The main work came from the Noel Meade-trained Harchibald, who looked a picture of health, with his coat gleaming, as he worked under Peter Kavanagh with a stablemate at a decent clip.

Noel Meade had a reverse when Power Elite was ruled out of the County Hurdle with a foot problem, but he can now look to five horses with good chances and judging by the way Harchibald went this morning, he must go to post for the Champion Hurdle with as good a chance as any of his compatriots.

The first horse out onto the course at around 7.30am was Accordion Etoile who, under the watchful gaze of his trainer Paul Nolan, worked at half speed behind a lead horse before walking back to enjoy a pick of grass.

Nolan expressed his delight at the way Accordion Etoile, a course winner earlier in the season, has settled in since his arrival on Saturday.

Nolan said: 'It´s very reassuring when your horses travel and then settle in as well as he has and I´m looking forward to the race. 'In fact, I wish it was today.'

Willie Mullins has yet to commit Rule Supreme to either the Gold Cup or the World Hurdle but must be delighted with the news from his staff about the demeanour of last year´s SunAlliance Chase winner since his arrival at Cheltenham. Rule Supreme was given a light workout ahead of the arrival of his trainer.

(C) PA Sport