Entries revealed for Gold Cup

A total of 27 horses have been entered for the £475,000 totesport Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival on Friday, 19 March.

Paul Nicholls' Kauto Star will be bidding to emulate Golden Miller, Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate with a third success in the blue riband event. The champion trainer has six entries engaged - 2008 winner Denman; recent Lexus Chase winner What A Friend, My Will, Taranis and Tricky Trickster.

Ireland accounts for eight entries including last season’s impressive RSA Chase winner Cooldine, who needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Leopardstown last time out while his trainer Willie Mullins has also entered Glencove Marina, a promising novice two seasons ago who shaped with promise on his return to action at Punchestown last month.

The travelling contingent also includes the Noel Meade-trained pair of Aran Concerto and Casey Jones, a fast-finishing fifth in the RSA Chase last season, while Dessie Hughes, who rode the 1977 victor Davy Lad, has three to choose from with In Compliance, Rare Bob and Schindlers Hunt.

Jim Dreaper, who saddled the 1975 Gold Cup hero Ten Up, has entered 2008 Welsh National and Punchestown Guinness Champion Gold Cup winner Notre Pere.

Venetia Williams has made an entry for the 2009 John Smith’s Grand National victor Mon Mome while the colours of Trevor Hermmings could be carried by two previous winners of the RSA Chase, Trabolgan and Albertas Run, as well as by Cloudy Lane, successful in the 2007 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.