Though crack novice chaser Sizing Europe will be running in next weekend’s Arkle Challenge Cup at Leopardstown, I hear that Henry De Bromhead’s original plan was to send him straight to the Cheltenham Festival. Bold move methinks.

In addition to this, I’ve also heard that another likeable for the Grade One contest is An Cathaoir Mor, following his victory at the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Fariyhouse.

Similarly, I’m hearing that Pandorama will be heading straight to the Cheltenham Festival RSA Chase, because of his impressive 100% record over fences.

Another piece of exciting news is that Go Native is just one more victory short of winning a seven figure sum for achieving the infamous Triple Crown. With the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle to run, and after winning the first two legs of the WBX Triple Crown, the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, all eyes are on this impressive hurdler.

I end with bad news today but thought that I should mention the passing of Celestial Gold, the winner of the Paddy Power and Hennessy Gold cups in 2004 for Martin Pipe. He was 12 years old and was actually put down before Christmas, because of his deteriorating health due to cancer. Before retiring in October 2008, Celestial Gold had managed to win five of his 18 starts, and earn a sizeable amount in prize money.