A run in the John Smith’s Grand National seems unlikely for Denman unless something goes wrong in his pursuit of back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cups.

Paul Nicholls reports Kauto Star and Noland to be in fine shape following their big-race triumphs at Down Royal on Saturday.

Paul Nicholls is hoping the faster surface at Punchestown will enable Twist Magic to return to his best in the Kerrygold Champion Chase on the opening day of the Festival meeting.

Georgia coach Malkhaz Cheishvili is convinced the ’Lelos’ will build on their heroics against Ireland by registering their first World Cup victory tomorrow.

NAMIBIA captain Kees Lensing has taken a dig at Ireland boss Eddie O’Sullivan by declaring France are a “better coached side”.

THE betting for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle took another twist yesterday when Black Jack Ketchum was backed into 7-4 clear favouritism with both Ladbrokes and Cashmans.

Top-class Flat performer Percussionist will continue his new career as a novice chaser at Ayr tomorrow against several other potential stars of the future.

South Africa team to face Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday:

Connacht coach Michael Bradley has strengthened his squad by signing former London Irish captain Ryan Strudwick.

Penzance is the horse the sponsors fear in the totesport Trophy at Newbury on Saturday.

THE Jessica Harrington trained Studmaster, who helped end a nightmare run for the stable when landing the Pierse Hurdle on Sunday, and Martin Pipe’s lightly-raced novice hurdler Acambo are 10-1 joint favourite with the sponsors for the totesport Trophy at Newbury on February 11 following the publication of the weights.

Lingo has been ruled out of the Stan James Christmas Hurdle at Sandown on Boxing Day.

Paul Nicholls took up from where he left off as Natal ran out an easy winner of the opening contest on Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup day at Newbury.

THE hailstones hammered against the windows, the players shivered in their boots. It could hardly have been further removed from Cape Town, where Shaun Payne was born and spent much of his childhood.

SOUTH African-born Shaun Payne has been thrown into the Kingsholm cauldron for Saturday's Heineken European Cup tie.

The Springbok rugby team management are not considering calling for a replacement for injured hooker Dale Santon unless his groin problem worsens.

SHAUN Payne will be glad to put his final year at Swansea behind him when he pulls a Munster jersey on for the first time at the start of next season.

ENGLAND will set a new world record if they beat the struggling Springboks at Twickenham today.

Christian Cullen, the leading try-scorer in New Zealand's Test history, is back at full-back this Saturday's clash with the high-riding French team at the Stade de France in Paris.