RACING:NOBLE PRINCE remains on course for Cheltenham's Ryanair Chase after his disappointing odds-on defeat to Blazing Tempo at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

Co Wexford trainer Paul Nolan admitted yesterday he was disappointed with the performance but is inclined to blame the soft ground. “He’s 100 per cent. We were disappointed, but hopefully ground-wise he’ll improve for Cheltenham and he has to improve on that run,” he said.

“The same views about the ground at Fairyhouse were given about the mare that beat us. We’ve just got to hope he improves for Cheltenham. He likes a break between races but we’re not making excuses for Sunday’s defeat,” Nolan added.

Noble Prince drifted in ante-post betting for the Ryanair after the weekend race and is now a 10 to 1 shot in some lists.