A record nine Irish-trained entries were revealed today for the #80,000 Tripleprint Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday, December 9th.
The strong Irish presence has been encouraged by a #1000 travel allowances for overseas-trained horses who finish out of the prize money in the Tripleprint Gold Cup, as well as the #40,000 Bonusprint Bula Hurdle.
Willie Mullins has entered Florida Pearl but Ireland's top chaser is a doubtful runner.
Mullins reported: 'He`ll not run at the moment in the Tripleprint. The plan is to go for the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on December 10th.'
Noel Meade looks set to let Hill Society take his chance in the two miles and five furlongs chase.
Meade commented: 'If the ground is reasonable there`s a good chance Hill Society will run in the Tripleprint. He`s in great shape at home and has schooled a couple of times.
'He was in Japan for a race he was invited to take part in, but he was not a horse for there and the fences didn`t suit him. He ran in the Leopardstown November Handicap which was a bit of a mess-up because the kid who rode went off a bit too quick and he then ran over hurdles where he jumped well but two miles is a bit sharp for him.'
Arthur Moore has four of the nine Irish entries, headed by Feathered Leader, an excellent third to Lady Cricket in the Thomas Pink Gold Cup at Cheltenham earlier this month.
Moore`s contingent is completed by Native Upmanship, Lyreen Wonder and More Than A Stroll.
The Mouse Morris-trained Puget Blue, Irish Grand National winner Commanche Court, trained by Ted Walsh, and Edward O`Grady's Go Roger Go complete the raiding party.
