Nicky Henderson believes Silviniaco Conti is the major obstacle in Bobs Worth’s defence of his Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup title today.

Irish interests in the 23-strong field for Saturday’s hugely prestigious Hennessy Gold Cupstaying handicap at Newbury are spiked by the likely participation of last season’s RSA Chase winner Lord Windermere, who represents the Jim Culloty team.

A WEEK ago The Midnight Club and I managed to negotiate those Grand National fences at Aintree, admittedly in our own good time, and today it’s a case of trying to do a lot better in the Scotttish equivalent at Ayr.