Flyer heads Queen Mother entries
Reigning champion Moscow Flyer heads 29 entries for the 2006 Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on March 15.
Jessica Harrington’s charge will bid to become only the second horse to capture the famous race for a third time after he also won the two-mile championship in 2003.
The 12-year-old has been beaten on his last three starts, however, and faces stiff opposition from a number of young pretenders to his crown, including the Paul Nicholls-trained Kauto Star.
Nicholls’ six-year-old put up an eyecatching display when beating Ashley Brook and Oneway – who are also entered for the Queen Mother Chase – to take the William Hill – Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown last month.
Moscow Flyer is one of a record 11 Irish-trained entries from a strong team including Hi Cloy, who beat Fota Island and Central House in last month’s Grade One Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown.
The Noel Meade-trained Watson Lake and the Paul Nolan trio of Accordion Etoile, Cloone River and Say Again could also take their chance in the £290,00 event.
Justified, Newmill and Jim represent Ireland’s other possible runners.
Leading French performer Kario De Sormain is an intriguing contender and could be a first Festival runner for 11-times French champion handler Jean-Paul Gallorini.
Along with Kauto Star, Paul Nicholls has entered 2002 Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner Hors La Loi III – who also carries a Gold Cup entry – Armaturk and Andreas.
Martin Pipe has three representatives in last season’s Irish Independent Arkle Chase winner Contraband, Locksmith and useful novice Celtic Son.
Sue Smith has entered Castleford Chase winner Mister McGoldrick and the progressive Town Crier, while Mark Pitman’s Dempsey, who landed a two-mile handicap at Sandown on Saturday, may also line up for the prestigious contest at Prestbury Park.
