Racing

Irish trainers make record 18 Cheltenham Gold Cup entries

Willie Mullins leads way with eight while Noel Meade is hopeful for Road To Riches

Road To Riches is one of Noel Meade’s entries for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Photograph: Inpho
Road To Riches is one of Noel Meade’s entries for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Photograph: Inpho
Wed Jan 13 2016 - 12:04

Irish trainers are responsible for a record 18 of the 32 entries for this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, beating the previous highest of 13.

Predictably Willie Mullins dominates, with eight horses coming from his County Carlow yard including last year's Gold Cup runner-up Djakadam and Novice's Chase winner Vautour.

RSA Chase winner Don Poli has also been entered and is currently available at an antepost price of 6-1, while Sir Des Champs, Boston Bob, Valseur Lido, Ballycasey and 2014 runner-up On His Own, the oldest horse in the race at 12-years-old, complete Mullins' entries.

Don Cossack, who looks to bounce back from a fall in the King George VI Chase at Kempton at Thurles on Thursday, is one of three entries for Gordon Elliott along with No More Heroes and Rou Du Mee.

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Meanwhile Noel Meade has entered Wounded Warrior and last year's third place Road to Riches, he said: "I could not be happier with Road To Riches. We had a bit of a blood disorder and snotty nose with him at Christmas, but all is well now and the plan is to go to Leopardstown for the Irish Gold Cup.

“I felt last year that we tried to put it up to Coneygree and then Djakadam came and got us as we faded on the run-in. I think Djakadam will improve because he was a young horse last year.

“I would be really happy if I could get Road To Riches to Cheltenham in the same condition as last year. He might even improve a little bit as well because he will be a fresher horse this time around. He’d had a long season going there last year.

“I’m not sure ground is a big factor with Road To Riches. He handles soft ground and goes on good ground. You would say the ground was a help to Coneygree last year and we know Djakadam goes very well on soft ground. Those are factors that might make a difference, but we will see.

“We have just had a few muscle problems with Wounded Warrior that have held him up. He will be entered in the Grand National, Irish National and plenty of other long distance races because he wants a trip.

“He is in the Gold Cup and we will see how things go. He is a huge horse that I have always liked a lot and I am hoping he will improve. Hopefully, we can keep him right and have a good end to the season.”