Vautour still in Ryanair picture

Vautour is one of five potential runners for Willie Mullins after a total of 18 horses stood their ground for the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

Vautour clinched a second Cheltenham Festival success with a stunning performance in the JLT Novices’ Chase at Prestbury Park and would be a hot favourite if turning out over the Easter weekend. The champion trainer has also left in Valseur Lido and high-class mares Vroum Vroum Mag and Gitane Du Berlais, as well as Blood Cotil.

Other contenders include the Noel Meade-trained Apache Stronghold, Gordon Elliott’s Clarcam and Gilgamboa from Enda Bolger’s stable.