Tidal facing tough test

DENIS O’Regan is under no illusions as to the task facing Tidal Bay in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The 2008 Arkle winner reverted to timber in fine style in January when winning the Cleeve Hurdle at Prestbury Park.

Trained by Howard Johnson, who masterminded the career of great stayer Inglis Drever, Tidal Bay is one of only a handful of credible opponents to reigning champion Big Buck’s.