A record 24-strong Irish entry was unveiled today for the £125,000 Royal & SunAlliance Chase at Cheltenham. The entrants include Colonel Braxton, a leading novice hurdler last season who finished second to Give Over at Leopardstown last month, Oa Baldixe, an eight-length winner at Fairyhouse this month, and Takagi, a seven-length winner at Naas recently. An intriguing entry is the Dermot Weld-trained Ballyconnell, who is unraced under Rules, but successful in Irish point-to-points in the autumn.
Meanwhile, there is also a strong Irish challenge for the £125,000 Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase with a record 15 entries being put forward from Ireland. These include Jessica Harrington's exciting Moscow Flyer, along with JP McManus' pair, Youlneverwalkalone and Grimes, both trained by Christy Roche.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
