Paul Nicholls and Sam Twiston-Davies both expressed their satisfaction as the eagerly-anticipated return to action of Big Buck’s moved a step closer after the staying great came through a schooling session in the hands of his new jockey.

Jockey Barry Geraghty believes the state of the going on Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup day will have a big bearing on whether Bobs Worth can retain his crown on March 14.

Fourteen successes for Ireland at the Cheltenham festival but the real winners — at least going forward — were surely Punchestown.

Colm Murphy has confirmed his star mare Voler La Vedette will remain in training next season following her creditable run in defeat at Punchestown on Thursday.

“A man’s gotta make at least one bet a day, else he could be walking around lucky and never know it.”

Nicky Henderson’s season has always revolved around Cheltenham, but this year’s Festival could arguably be as important as any during his long and distinguished career.

Big Buck’s once again stamped his class with an authoritative display in the Racing UK On Virgin 536 Long Walk Hurdle at Newbury.

Colm Murphy is confident Brave Inca will get the trip as he tries three miles for the first time at Punchestown tomorrow.

Labelthou is to take on the crack stayers in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham next week.

CELESTIAL GOLD gave Martin Pipe a late-season boost and ended a drought of big-race winners for the champion trainer under a beautifully-timed ride from Timmy Murphy in the Betfair Bowl at Aintree.