Classy entry for Champion Hurdle

There are 44 entries for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, including 12 trained in Ireland as well as two each from France and Germany.

Vying for favouritism in the ante-post betting are Intersky Falcon, winner of the Fighting Fifth and Pertemps Christmas Hurdles, and Rooster Booster, who landed the Victor Chandler Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham in December.

Marble Arch, last year's runner-up, could do battle with reigning champion Hors La Loi III again.

Martin Pipe's six entries include Coral Eurobet Cup and Aintree Hurdle winner Ilnamar and the high-class German Flat performer Iberus, who has yet to make his hurdling debut for owner David Johnson.