After making the difficult decision to relinquish his licence in September 2016, it appeared Murphy’s days of saddling Festival winners were over.

Willie Mullins confirmed last night that Footpad is likely to head for Aintree after being taken out out of the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.

Taquin Du Seuil has been supplemented for Thursday’s Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.