In 2011 Chicago Grey was the first of six Irish-trained winners on the day, and he was the first Irish winner of this race since Another Rum in 2005. He was given a brilliant ride by Derek O’Connor, and was Gordon Elliott’s first Cheltenham Festival winner.

There are 33 Irish-trained entries, with five coming from the yard of Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins. His quintet is headed by Grade One placed Allee Garde, Lambro, Raptor, Soll and Up The Beat. Other interesting Irish- trained entries include Noel Meade’s Medical Card, who won a Grade Two at Naas on January 21, Jim Culloty’s Barel Of Laughs and Dermot Weld’s Merchant Royal, who has gained a hat-trick of wins in hunter chases.

Paul Nicholls has entered Harry The Viking, who has won two novice hurdles and two novice chases this season, and the Ditcheat handler could be represented by Picture This, who returned from a 443 day absence to win at Folkestone on January 2.

Nicky Henderson has entered Grade Two runner-up State Benefit, and Loose Performer who has won both his starts over fences, whilst Jamie Snowden is responsible for Graduation Night who won three on the bounce before disappointing at Doncaster on December 29.

Charlie Longsdon has entered Universal Soldier, who won by 52 lengths at Towcester on January 22, and Strongbows Legend, who was third behind Hey Big Spender in Warwick’s Grade Three Classic Chase. Tom George has Nodebateaboutit, who is two from two over fences after winning at Lingfield, while Rebecca Curtis could rely on Teaforthree, who finished eighth in last season’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, after he has made a promising start to his chasing career.

 

Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase (Amateur Riders' Novices' Chase)
£75000.00 added, 5yo plus, 4m, Class 2
79 runners