There is a record nine Irish-trained entries, including the 1996 winner Imperial Call, for this year's Chelteham Gold Cup, which will be run on March 16th.
The Ericsson Chase winner, Rince Ri, could be Ted Walsh's first runner in the race, while Willie Mullins has entered both last year's third, Florida Pearl, and top novice Alexander Banquet. Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie said: "It is very encouraging to have a record Irish entry in Britain's leading chase, emphasising the importance of Irish trainers, owners, jockeys, stable staff and race-goers to the Cheltenham Festival."
Last year's winner See More Business heads the 44 entries. The 10-year-old, fresh from his second success in the King George VI Chase at Kempton last month, will be bidding to become the first horse to land a repeat victory in the race since L'Escargot in 1971.
His trainer Paul Nicholls has put four in the race, including Double Thriller who finished fourth in 1999.
Eight of the first nine finishers last year are engaged again. Teeton Mill, unraced since pulled up with a career-threatening injury when second favourite for the event 12 months ago, is part of Venetia Williams's four-strong team.
Martin Pipe has four in the race, including leading novice Gloria Victis and high-class hurdler Deano's Beeno.
Francois Doumen's Djeddah and Fulip are the two French entries.
Paul Nicholls looked to have a strong hand in the Champion Chase. His trio in an initial field of 22 for the two-mile chasers' championship include last year's winner Call Equiname and fast-improving Flagship Uberalles, successful seven times from eight starts over fences to date.
Each of the first six home in 1999 are in the Cheltenham contest, though runner-up Edredon Blue and third-placed Direct Route could take up an alternative engagement in Japan.
Space Trucker, Amberleigh House and Hill Society are the only Irish-trained possibles. Venetia Williams's three entries include The Outback Way, who has won three times at Cheltenham to date this season.
