THE last Irish-trained winner to win the BetVictor Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham was Edward O'Grady's Tranquil Sea in 2009 and hopes this time rest with Alan Fleming's course scorer Tully East and his Jim Culloty-trained compatriot.

Ante-post favourite Kylemore Lough is also one of 18 horses declared. The eight-year-old will be having his first start for trainer Harry Fry, having previously been with Kerry Lee, for whom he was fourth in the Grade One Melling Chase at Aintree on his latest appearance in April.

Kylemore Lough now heads the weights after Lee withdrew Top Gamble at the 48-hour declaration stage.

Ian Williams is looking forward to running Ballyalton, who was a winner at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival and shaped well over hurdles on his first run for 18 months at Aintree in October.

Williams tweeted: "Ballyalton has pleased me with his work, schooling and well-being since Aintree and we know he loves Cheltenham."

Paul Nicholls is two-handed with Le Prezien and Romain De Senam as he seeks to land this prize for a third time in six years.

It is 14 years since Fondmort gave Nicky Henderson his sole success and the Seven Barrows handler looks to Days Of Heaven and Theinval to end his drought.

Another trainer with two runners is three-time winner Nigel Twiston-Davies. The Naunton handler has Foxtail Hill and Splash Of Ginge.

David Pipe struck with Great Endeavour in 2011 and has recent Stratford winner Starchitect running for him this time.

Completing the line-up are Double Treasure, Viconte Du Noyer, Aqua Dude, Bentelimar, Plaisir D'Amour, Guitar Pete and Mystifiable.