Vic heads bumper 48 in Ryanair Chase
Last year’s winner Our Vic is among a 48-strong entry for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on March 12.
The 11-year-old became the first winner of the two mile five furlong contest after it had been upgraded to Grade One status.
He is one of three possibles from the David Pipe stable, along with Tamarinbleu and French import Or Noir De Somoza, who has two other Festival options.
“Or Noir De Somoza holds entries in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the Ryanair Chase and the Gold Cup,” said Pipe.
“He was given an entry in the two-mile Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot next weekend because it was another early closing race but I have yet to confirm with the owners where he will start off in this country.
“His best form in France is over two and a half miles but we wanted to cover all of his options at this stage of the season.
“Tamarinbleu, who disappointed in the Champion Chase last season, has also been given an entry in the Ryanair.”
Paul Nicholls has a powerful hand of seven entries as he seeks to win the race for a third time in its short history after Thisthatandtother (2005) and Taranis (2007).
The champion trainer’s party is headed by last season’s Arkle Trophy third Noland, who won the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown last month.
Nicholls can also choose from Silverburn, Twist Magic, Takeroc, Natal, Oslot and Gwanako.
Nicky Henderson, the only other trainer to have won the Ryanair Chase (with Fondmort in 2006), has put in Golden Flight and The Queen’s Barbers Shop.
Alan King has a choice of three from 2007 Champion Chase hero Voy Por Ustedes, Ouzbeck and Araldur.
Other talented chasers holding a Ryanair entry are last year’s Arkle victor Tidal Bay, Exotic Dancer, Monet’s Garden, Imperial Commander and Snoopy Loopy.
All five Irish-trained Queen Mother Champion Chase entries – Big Zeb, J’Y Vole, Newmill, Scotsirish and Thyne Again – are among 13 entries from the Emerald Isle while the sole French entry is shock Kempton winner Original, trained by Marcel Rolland.
