Harchibald misses out
The one-time favourite for the hurdling crown appeared among the entries, but will not run again this season after trainer Noel Meade admitted defeat in getting the seven-year-old back from injury.
Meade's stable star has been in Troytown Hospital since New Year's Day having had an operation to remove a piece of birch from his off-hind pastern.
He was thought to have sustained the injury when finishing second to Brave Inca in the bewleyshotels.com December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.
"I have had a long chat with the vet and although he is very happy with him, we have decided he is not going to run again this season," Meade said.
"Cheltenham is definitely out and while Punchestown is a possibility, I feel that it is best we take no chances with him. Rather than risking him and taking a chance trying to bring him back, it is best to give him time and bring him back next season.
"The vets have been pleased with him and are confident there will be no ill-effects at all. I will leave him at the hospital for the next week or 10 days as there is now no rush to get him home."
Harchibald was as low as 7-2 to land the Champion Hurdle after easily winning the Bula over the course and distance under Paul Carberry at the beginning of last month.
In his absence dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace and last year's third Brave Inca head the market with totesport as the 100-30 joint favourites.
The former, trained by Dessie Hughes, will be attempting to become the sixth horse to land hurdling's greatest prize three times following on from Hatton's Grace, Sir Ken, Persian War, See You Then and Istabraq.
Hardy Eustace recently confirmed his well-being with a comfortable success on his seasonal reappearance at Punchestown on New Year's Eve.
Other prominent contenders from the 13 Irish entries include the brilliant Christmas Hurdle winner Feathard Lady and the fit-again Asian Maze, who is expected to bid for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.
Al Eile and Essex could also take their chance in the extended two-mile contest.
Last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Arcalis, who is trained by Howard Johnson, heads the home challenge.
Other leading British contenders include the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Lingo - impressive when taking the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham's Open Meeting in November Penzance and Faasel, who were separated by just a head in last year's JCB Triumph Hurdle.
Five entries represent France the pick being the Arnaud Chaille-Chaille pair of Ambobo and Sunspot.
Smurfit Champion Hurdle, Totesport bet: 10-3 Brave Inca, Hardy Eustace, 4-1 Arcalis, Feathard Lady, 7-1 Lingo, 14-1 Faasel, 25-1 Essex, Macs Joy, 33-1 Al Eile, Golden Cross, Penzance, Sadlers Wings, 40-1 Ambobo, Asian Maze, United, 50-1 bar.
