THIS time last year, I mused whether the defection of Energumene, Constitution Hill and Marine Nationale – the latter pair in the week before racing – would affect the atmosphere at Cheltenham and, with most of Nicky Henderson’s runners withdrawn with the stable under a cloud, the usual sense of occasion was missing for the third time in five years.

So far, touch wood, such dramas have been avoided and all the defending champions are back for more, with Constitution Hill and Jonbon added to the mix, after their unfortunate absences 12 months ago, promising a Cheltenham Roar of renewed vigour.