Mullins happy with Sir after Saturday work

Trainer Willie Mullins believes Sir Des Champs' love of Cheltenham will stand him in good stead when he runs in the Betfred Gold Cup next month.

Sir Des Champs has a 100% record at the Prestbury Park track with victories at the last two Festivals in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle in 2011 and the Jewson Novices' Chase last season.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding enhanced his claims for Gold Cup glory when getting the better of Flemenstar in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown earlier this month.

"He worked on Saturday and worked well. Emmet Mullins rode him. He normally rides him in all his fast work," Mullins told At The Races.

"The one good thing about Sir Des Champs is that he's going back to a track that he loves - horses and courses and all that sort of thing."