A record number of entries have been made for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival next week.

OWNER David Johnson yesterday refused to rule out a tilt at the Tote Cheltenham Gold with his promising novice Therealbandit.

BARTON will try to redeem his reputation next week at Aintree where he has recorded two of his most important victories.

CHARLIE SWAN has been booked to partner Liss A Paoraigh in the Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on Thursday.