THE approach of Cheltenham means that enthusiasts begin to focus on hopes for the Foxhunter Chase. With the five most recent winners having qualified from Ireland, we must look forward to this year’s renewal with a degree of confidence.

While things have not gone as many would have hoped and as yet the composition of Ireland’s squad attempting to extend our winning run is still not certain, we do at least have the reigning champion hunter-chaser, On The Fringe, who will do his best to retain his crown.