It really would be the ultimate irony should Willie Mullins finally land the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Djakadam next Friday, writes Pat Keane.

Riddle me this, how is Willie Mullins’ Melon still favourite for Cheltenham’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle?

Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Thistlecrack will miss the remainder of the campaign after suffering a tendon injury.

Bryan Cooper is keen to “have a go” at Thistlecrack with reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Don Cossack.

Thistlecrack, trained by Colin Tizzard and ridden by Tom Scudamore, has won the 32Red King George VI Chase at Kempton.

Unowhatimeanharry looks a ready-made replacement for Thistlecrack and should justify favouritism in the JLT Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot tomorrow.

Saphir Du Rheu is to undergo a breathing operation today following his lacklustre effort in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.