Presenting Percy, Native River and Kemboy Among 43 Entries For Cheltenham Gold Cup

A total of 43 entries have been announced for this year’s Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup. Longtime Ante-post favourite Presenting Percy was among them, as was last year’s winner Native River, currently second favourite to retain the coveted prize, and the impressive King George winner Clan Des Obeaux.

Last year’s RSA winner Presenting Percy hasn’t been seen since that victory, having twice been pulled out of races this season due to unsuitably firm ground. Canny trainer Pat Kelly looks set to give him a first run of the season back over the smaller obstacles in next month’s Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park. The eight-year-old won the race on deep ground on his road to the festival last month.

Those looking to find their horse racing naps for the festival will be keeping a keen eye on his progression this spring.

Colin Tizzard will have similar hopes for rain over Prestbury Park for his Native River, who has placed twice in Grade 1s in two runs so far this term as he builds towards a defence of the title.

Clan Des Obeaux, a winner of the King George in fine style on Boxing Day, could improve further for Paul Nicholls after his coming of age at Kempton.

Masterful handler Willie Mullins enters nine including his Savills Chase winner Kemboy, while fellow Irish handler Gordon Elliott has seven of his in the running at this stage, including last year’s JLT winner Shattered Love.

Nicky Henderson, champion trainer on the other side of the water, enters three. Might Bite, runner up in this race last year, is among them. The ten-year-old underwent a second breathing operation recently after two wholly underwhelming runs so far this term.