Rain arrives in Thyne for Burke’s Arkle hope

CHAMPION trainer Paul Nicholls is full of confidence ahead of Noland’s assault on the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham this afternoon.

The seven-year-old won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle two years ago and will arrive at Prestbury Park defending an unbeaten record over fences.

Noland has proved popular in the ante-post markets as the countdown to Cheltenham gathered pace and Nicholls is certainly expecting a bold show from the John Hales-owned gelding on Tuesday.