Spot Thedifference is set to bid for an unprecedented sixth victory over Cheltenham’s Cross Country fences on Friday.

Native Jack gave the Irish their third winner on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival in the Sporting Index Handicap Chase over the cross-country course.

WILLIE MULLINS will leave a decision on Hedgehunter’s participation in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup until nearer next month’s Festival.

An unprecedented 1034 entries have been revealed for the 10 handicap events at the Cheltenham Festival.

IVOIRE DE BEAULIEU made a surprise winning British debut in the Sporting Index Handicap Chase as the unbeaten run of Spot Thedifference over Cheltenham’s cross-country course came to an end.

BEST MATE’S ashes will be laid to rest behind the winning post at Cheltenham prior to racing there on Saturday week.

Faasel is set to continue his build-up to a possible Smurfit Champion Hurdle bid with an outing at Cheltenham on Saturday week.

KICKING KING in and Best Mate out is the latest twist to next Friday’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

RULE SUPREME’S target at the Cheltenham Festival could rest on the availability of intended big-race pilot David Casey.

WILLIE MULLINS has confirmed that Hedgehunter will head for the John Smith’s Grand National without another run.

Willie Mullins believes ante-post favourite Missed That should be able to handle quicker conditions in next week’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.

Ferdy Murphy is likely to take the promising Tribal Venture to Lingfield on Saturday, rather than let him take up his engagement at Cheltenham the previous day.

There is no finer sight than a competitive field of steeplechasers battling it out around Cheltenham in front of the TV cameras and that is the treat jump fans can look forward to next week.