Sire De Grugy began Monday morning as the new favourite for the BetVictor Queen Mother Champion Chase in the wake of Sprinter Sacre’s defection and the chestnut took another step towards assuming that position in a fortnight’s time with a racecourse gallop at Plumpton.

The Tullow Tank will not run at the Cheltenham Festival due to the “uncertainty” surrounding trainer Philip Fenton’s ongoing case for alleged possession of anabolic steroids, said his owner Barry Connell.

George Charlton believes Knockara Beau would not be a forlorn hope should he line up for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

BOYLESPORTS.com yesterday announced that they will refund bets on second placed horses in the first four races of the Cheltenham Festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Arkle Trophy, Festival Handicap Chase and Champion Hurdle, on bets placed with Boyleports.com and with the firm over the phone.