Gold Cup contender makes a surprise entry into Stayers' Hurdle
Gold Cup challenger Champ made a surprise entry in the 51 inclusions for the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle Chase at Cheltenham Festival.
After securing the RSA last campaign, the nine-year-old now holds an entry ahead of the Gold Cup with his trainer Nicky Henderson, who claimed he had considered sending the horse to a conditions hurdle as prep.
The race may turn out to be left for Thyme Hill and 2019 victor Paisley Park, who ended up second behind his rival in the Long Distance Hurdle but emerged as the victor in the Long Walk Hurdle, to decide the winner.