Other Irish breds to impress at Cheltenham were Time For Rupert (IRE) and Mossley (IRE). Time For Rupert is now two from two over fences and this former top class hurdler always had the physique and stamp of a future Gold Cup horse. He has done nothing in two outings over fences to diminish this thought. The son of Flemensfirth was bred by Robert O’Callaghan and was sold as a foal in Tattersalls Ireland for €32,000. Irish jockey Will Kennedy has struck up a rewarding partnership with the 6yo having partnered him on each of his thirteen outings.

Mossley looked a very decent prospect when winning the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Hurdle for Nicky Henderson and owner Michael Buckley. The 4yo son of Old Vic fell at the last when about to make a winning debut in a point to point at Punchestown in February for owner Wilson Dennison and trainer Colin McKeever and he has been unbeaten in three races since being sold to England. He was sold by his breeders Pipe View Stud at Goffs February sale for €21,000 to John Walsh Bloodstock.