Nickname back in business

Nickname will attempt to gain some consolation for missing the Cheltenham Festival in the Grade Three Russell Restaurant An Uaimh Chase at Navan on Saturday.

Martin Brassil’s impressive eight-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season and is unbeaten in four races.

His only defeat of the season came in the John Durkan Memorial Chase over two and a half miles behind In Compliance and War Of Attrition.

There is nothing of that calibre in opposition at the weekend, however, with Watson Lake and Central House, who have finished behind Nickname on more than one occasion this season, the chief threats.

Noel Meade’s Watson Lake was successful in the race 12 months ago but has to put a disappointing effort in the Bobbyjo Chase behind him.

Jack High, the 2005 Betfred Gold Cup winner, takes his chance along with Jim, Macs Flamingo, Romaha and recent two-time hurdle winner Wheresben.