You just know the National Hunt campaign is about to hit top gear when a potential Cheltenham Gold Cup candidate is set to make his reappearance.

What this year’s Irish National Hunt Festival at Punchestown confirms is trainers are now targeting it and making sure their best horses are specifically fresh for it.

Sprinter Sacre stood his ground among eight entries remaining in the Boylesports.com Champion Chase at Punchestown on Tuesday but Flemenstar has been ruled out after connections decided to give the eight-year-old a wind operation.

Racing was the real winner, as Bobs Worth’s limitless stamina kicked in to land a decisive success in what was a fantastic Betfred Gold Cup at Cheltenham yesterday.