Nolan unsure what to expect as Prince set for Cheltenham Gold run

Trainer Paul Nolan is unsure what to expect from Noble Prince as he prepares to return to the scene of his greatest triumph for Saturday’s Stewart Family Thank You Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The nine-year-old enjoyed Festival glory when landing the Jewson Novices’ Chase in 2011, but was pulled up in last year’s Ryanair Chase and the following campaign was bitterly disappointing.

However, he has shown signs of a revival in the early stages of this season, running well for a long way at Punchestown before a confidence-boosting victory in the John Meagher Memorial Chase at Thurles last month.