Arkle winner Footpad missing as Petit Mouchoir heads Ryanair Gold Cup confirmations
Henry de Bromhead's Arkle third Petit Mouchoir is the standout name among the confirmations for the feature race on Easter Sunday at Fairyhouse, although Arkle winner Footpad is a notable absentee.
PETIT MOUCHOIR is among the 15 horses who remain in the hunt for the Ryanair Gold Cup at Fariyhouse on Easter Sunday, although awesome Arkle winner Footpad is a notable absentee.
The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old is unbeaten in four starts over fences but will not make a swift reappearance after his Cheltenham Festival exertions.
Champion trainer Mullins still has eight contenders including Al Boum Photo, Invitation Only and course winners Kemboy and Saturnas.
Title-chasing rival Gordon Elliott has a five-strong squad including Cheltenham Festival winners Shattered Love and The Storyteller.
Mares' Novices' Hurdle winner Laurina, arguably the most impressive winner of all during the week at Prestbury Park, is the star name among 14 possible runners in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final.
A six-strong Mullins team also includes Salsaretta, while Dan Skelton's Momella and Emma Lavelle's Woolstone One are potential challengers from Britain.
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It's a typically strong-looking card at Fairyhouse, with the Grade 2 Easter Festival Novice Hurdle also taking place.
Beaten Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite Getabird could try to bounce back, while Next Destination is another notable entrant from the Mullins yard.
Elliott is also well represented, with his entry including Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle victor Blow By Blow.