Sir Des Champs remains on Gold Cup trail

Connections of Sir Des Champs retain hope he will be a major player in this season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup following his staying-on fourth in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown last week.

The Willie Mullins-trained French import is set to return to Leopardstown for the Hennessy Gold Cup in February after he was beaten just three-quarters of a length by Tidal Bay.

Eddie O’Leary, manager for owners Gigginstown House Stud, is keeping his fingers crossed a better round of jumping can see him back on the winning trail.