Nicky Henderson has confirmed Sprinter Sacre an intended runner in the Boylesports.com Champion Chase at Punchestown on Tuesday.

The brilliant seven-year-old has again been imperious this season, taking his unbeaten run over fences to nine with victories at Sandown, twice at Cheltenham and most recently Aintree.

Speaking this morning, Henderson said: "We are very happy with the horse and very much looking forward to taking him to Ireland.

"He deserves to go and Punchestown has always been very good to us.

"Barry (Geraghty) sat up on him yesterday and said that he felt great. All his checks are good and he appears to be in great form."

Punchestown general manager Dick O'Sullivan said " Sprinter Sacre coming to Punchestown is a massive sporting occasion, he is a magnificent athlete and you don't need to be a racing fan to appreciate sheer sporting brilliance when you see it.

"Nicky Henderson has always been a great supporter of Punchestown and he really recognises the fact that, with this horse, he has a superstar in his care.

"He has mentioned a couple of times that the people of Ireland would really appreciate a chance to see Sprinter Sacre race and he has delivered on that today."

Leon Blanche, of sponsors Boylesports, said: "This is a great opportunity for Irish sports fans to see a horse that is already one of the all-time greats of racing, our price of 1/12 reflects his brilliance."