Paul Nolan Noble Prince will improve for Ryanair Chase

Trainer Paul Nolan has admitted he was disappointed with Noble Prince’s most recent display, but is convinced that the horse will be more than ready for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March.

The eight-year-old lost out to Blazing Tempo at the Normans Grove Chase on Sunday and instead of brush off the defeat, Nolan admitted it was a slight concern, but is hopeful that it won’t affect the chances of success at Cheltenham.

He said: “He’s 100%. We were disappointed, but hopefully ground-wise he’ll improve for Cheltenham and he has to improve on that run.”

“We’ll get him ready for Cheltenham now. The same views about the ground at Fairyhouse were given about the mare that beat us. We’ve just got to hope he improves for Cheltenham.”

“He likes a break between his races, but we’re not making excuses for Sunday’s defeat.”

The performance at the Normans Grove Chase will soon be forgotten if Noble Prince storms to victory at the Ryanair Chase in March of course. Perhaps it will ensure that everyone involved with the horses preparation is even more focused than usual.

Elsewhere, another horse looking at making sure their preparation for Cheltenham is spot on is Long Run. Fancied as a massive contender for the Gold Cup, it has been confirmed that the Nicky Henderson trained horse will take part in the Betfair Denman Chase next month.

Henderson revealed today: “The plan is to go to Newbury for the Denman Chase as I do want to get another run into him before Cheltenham.”

“We narrowed the gap between Kauto Star from Haydock to Kempton and I’d like to think Cheltenham will be in our favour.”

Henderson is definitely correct when he talks about the rivalry between Kauto Star and Long Run. It is set to be one of many battles to take place at the 2012 Cheltenham Festival.