Neptune Collonges put up a tremendous performance to secure back-to-back successes in the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup at the Irish venue.

Neptune Collonges, Mr Pointment and Mon Mome all feature among the 18 horses removed from the Coral Welsh National at the first forfeit stage.

A total of 32 horses were taken out of the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury next weekend at the first forfeit stage, but top-weight Kauto Star has stood his ground.

MIGHTY MAN heads a list of 13 horses engaged at the five-day stage for the BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

Sue Smith believes Royal Emperor could be in need of the run if he lines up in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on Saturday.

Hot favourite Inglis Drever suffered a shock defeat as My Way De Solzen lifted the Grade One totesport Long Walk Hurdle at Chepstow.

BOOKMAKERS have slashed the price of Truckers Tavern for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup after a deluge of ante-post bets yesterday.

Hussard Collonges has been a "nearly" horse this season but that could all change in the big one a week on Thursday.

CONNECTIONS of Davids Lad will have their appeal heard at the Irish Turf Club next Monday at 3pm as they bid to overturn a punishment that would rule their horse out of the Martell Cognac Grand National.

Hussard Collonges can cement his position as a leading contender for top chasing honours this season with victory in next month’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown.