THERE has been more than a whisper of optimism this season that Britain is preparing to mount a properly meaningful challenge against Ireland at the Cheltenham Festival, and, if they do, a big hand in that success could easily be attributed to Wales.

After a period of no outright British Prestbury Cup win since 2015, the task at hand remains a significant one. However, the subtle but definite influence of Welsh racing on the current British fightback is something that cannot be underestimated.