YORKHILL, such an impressive winner of the JLT Novices’ Chase at last week’s Cheltenham Festival, could put his unbeaten record over fences on the line in the Grade 1 Ryanair Gold Cup Novice Chase at Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday, April 16th, as his name features among a stellar cast of 24 who are entered for the race. The chesnut son of Presenting began his chasing career at Fairyhouse in mid-December, winning by 14 lengths, and is now as short as 6/1 to win the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup after getting the better of Top Notch and Disko at Cheltenham.

Sponsor Michael O’Leary looks sure to be well represented as the Gigginstown entry includes Cheltenham winner Road To Respect, the aforementioned Disko, plus the improving pair of Ball D’Arc and A Toi Phil.

Another Cheltenham winner in the mix for the first prize of €59,000 is Tully East.

Last year’s Ryanair Gold Cup was won by Kylemore Lough trained by Kerry Lee. This year the British challenge is headed by the Paul Nicholls-trained Frodon who has held his form well since winning the betVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham’s Open meeting in November.

Fairyhouse manager Peter Roe said: “To potentially have three Cheltenham Festival winners in the line-up is a mouth-watering prospect. I’m sure Ball D’Arc, who won at Fairyhouse earlier in the season, will have his supporters and his trainer Gordon Elliott continues to set a scorching pace at the top of the championship. It should be a race to savour.”

MARES’ RACE

The other Grade 1 on Easter Sunday is the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares’ Novice Hurdle and the standout name among the 22 entries is undoubtedly Let’s Dance from the Willie Mullins yard. She swooped late to land the Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle in stunning style at Cheltenham.

She is one of 10 Mullins entries in the race with Airlie Beach, Augusta Kate and Asthuria others to note from the champion trainer.

“Let’s Dance produced a brilliant performance to win at Cheltenham and her presence at Fairyhouse, should she show up, would be a real treat for racegoers,” Roe commented.