DE VALIRA, the medium of an ante-post gamble, will miss tomorrow’s Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at the opening stage of the Cheltenham Festival.

Ferdy Murphy has his string in tip-top condition and he has his eyes set on more big prizes at the Aintree Grand National meeting.

Graham Lee is due to study a video of last year’s John Smith’s Grand National in an attempt to gain any advantage he can on Joes Edge in Saturday’s renewal.

RICHARD JOHNSON remains mystified over Detroit City’s poor performance in the Champion Hurdle – but hopes to redress the balance at Aintree next month.

RICHARD JOHNSON remains mystified over Detroit City’s poor performance in the Champion Hurdle – but hopes to redress the balance at Aintree next month.

NICKY HENDERSON welcomed the rain which has maintained cut in the ground at Cheltenham as he put the finishing touches on a 24-strong team for next week’s Festival.

Tony Martin believes his Thyestes Chase winner Dun Doire holds “a fair chance” in the ultra-competitive William Hill Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on Tuesday.

Nicky Henderson welcomed the rain that has maintained cut in the ground at Cheltenham as he put the finishing touches on a 24-strong team for next week’s Festival.

Ferdy Murphy, who sent out Truckers Tavern to finish second to Best Mate in the Cheltenham Gold Cup three years ago, is set to run Joes Edge in the totesport-sponsored prize in two weeks’ time.

Joly Bey could warm up for a second crack at the John Smith’s Grand National with a run at the Cheltenham Festival.

Charlie Mann hopes to run promising gelding Hoh Viss in handicap company ahead of the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

INGLIS DREVER will bid to maintain his status as champion stayer after being confirmed a definite runner in the rescheduled totesport Long Walk Hurdle at Chepstow on December 27.

Irish Hussar is set to represent Nicky Henderson and Mick Fitzgerald in the Stan James King George VI Chase at Sandown on Boxing Day.

Murphy’s Cardinal could book his place in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup with a good run at Lingfield on Saturday.

It’s 31 years since Red Rum’s first Grand National victory, but trainer Ginger McCainis still as twitchy about his latest charge at Aintree today. He spoke to Ray Gilpin.

First-season trainer Bridget Nicholls intends to run Lord Noelie in the renamed £50,000 (€72,000) Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster if the ground is suitable.

Irish contenders at the Grand National.