Martin Pipe gained another significant success to stretch his lead in the trainers’ championship when Seebald landed the Faucetts For Mira Showers Silver Trophy at Cheltenham today.

Nicky Henderson has given Irish Hussar the go ahead to run in Saturday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury and is to school the leading fancy in Lambourn tomorrow.

Sir Rembrandt was today the subject of a massive gamble for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup on Saturday despite not having raced for 11 months.

SHOTGUN WILLY has been declared for Saturday’s Gala Casinos Daily Record Scottish Grand National at Ayr but is likely to miss the race, according to owner Graham Roach.

THE WAITING is nearly over, the preparations are almost complete and, it seems, an entire nation is holding its breath for the start of the 2003 Cheltenham Festival tomorrow.

SUPREME GLORY is on course for Saturday’s Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock, trainer Pat Murphy confirmed yesterday.

Stormez proved again just what a tough nut to crack he can be as he held off all-comers to win the opening contest on a top-notch card at Newbury today.

LEADING trainer Willie Mullins is hoping for an extra Christmas present - albeit a day late – this year when he attempts to bring off an amazing treble in the Grade One races at Kempton Park on St Stephen’s Day.

Mark Pitman was delighted with the effort of Smarty at Ascot as his preparations for the Martell Grand National gather pace.