Galopin Des Champs will face a maximum of nine rivals as he bids for a third successive victory in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old will be trying to join Cottage Rake, Arkle and Best Mate as a three-time victor, with Golden Miller the most successful runner in the race’s history as a five-time champion.

Galopin Des Champs has won two of his three starts this term and he is the only Mullins contender, with Fact To File and Grangeclare West not confirmed.

Joseph O’Brien’s King George VI Chase winner Banbridge is among Galopin Des Champs’ key rivals, along with the supplemented Inothewayurthinkin who finished fourth behind the big-race favourite last time.

Emmet Mullins’ Corbetts Cross is also in contention with Henry de Bromhead’s pair of Monty’s Star and Jungle Boogie, plus the Mouse Morris-trained Gentlemansgame completing a strong Irish challenge.

The British team is limited to three in The Real Whacker from Patrick Neville’s yard, Ahoy Senor for Lucinda Russell and Royale Pagaille, who is trained by Venetia Williams.

However, Williams did not confirm L’Homme Presse, winner of the Cotswold Chase but pulled up at Ascot last time out.

The 10-year-old is owned in partnership by Pam Sharman, Ray Sharman, Andy Edwards and Peter and Patricia Pink, with Edwards confirming a “minor” problem has scuppered his challenge.

He said: “The horse is happy in himself but he just had a minor issue that means he won’t be running in the Gold Cup.”

Conflated, Hewick and Grey Dawning were the other runners to depart the scene at the confirmation stage.

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL NEWS: CONFIRMATIONS & SUPPLEMENTARY ENTRIES FOR GOLD CUP DAY – FRIDAY 14TH MARCH

Current Going (New Course): Good to Soft. Selective watering to maintain.

1:20pm JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 179y

Blue Lemons (IRE) 4 11 2 Sullivan Bloodstock Limited W. P. Mullins Ireland

Charlus (IRE) 4 11 2 The Why Knot Partnership W. P. Mullins Ireland

East India Dock 4 11 2 The Gredley Family James Owen

Galileo Dame (IRE) 4 10 9 Annus Mirabilis/S O'Driscoll/Middle Cow Joseph Patrick O'Brien Ireland

Gibbs Island 4 11 2 RaceShare - Gibbs Island Tom Lacey

Hello Neighbour (IRE) 4 11 2 Mr Patrick Sheanon Gavin Cromwell Ireland

Its Bilbo (FR) 4 11 2 Mr M. F. FitzGerald Henry de Bromhead Ireland

Lady Vega Allen (FR) 4 10 9 Mr Michael Hilary Burke W. P. Mullins Ireland

Larzac (FR) 4 11 2 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins Ireland

Lulamba (FR) 4 11 2 Mrs J Donnelly Nicky Henderson

Lumiere du Large (FR) 4 10 9 Gigginstown House Stud W. P. Mullins Ireland

Marche d'Aligre (FR) 4 11 2 Billam Roe Swindell Wilson & the Molds Jamie Snowden

Mondo Man 4 11 2 John and Yvonne Stone Gary & Josh Moore

Murcia (FR) 4 10 9 Mr K. Alexander W. P. Mullins Ireland

Opec 4 10 9 The Gredley Family James Owen

Palladium (GER) 4 11 2 Lady Bamford Nicky Henderson

Pappano 4 11 2 H. O. S. Syndicate W. P. Mullins Ireland

Place de La Nation (FR) 4 10 9 Gigginstown House Stud W. P. Mullins Ireland

Poniros 4 11 2 Tony Bloom W. P. Mullins Ireland

Sainte Lucie (FR) 4 10 9 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins Ireland

Sony Bill (FR) 4 11 2 The Why Knot Partnership W. P. Mullins Ireland

Too Bossy For Us (IRE) 4 11 2 H. O. S. Syndicate W. P. Mullins Ireland

Willy de Houelle (FR) 4 11 2 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins Ireland

23 confirmations

2:00pm William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 2m 179y

Daddy Long Legs (FR) 6 12 0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins Ireland

Burdett Road 5 11 12 The Gredley Family James Owen

Lump Sum (FR) 7 11 9 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Sam Thomas

Karniquet (FR) 5 11 8 Gigginstown House Stud W. P. Mullins Ireland

King of Kingsfield (IRE) 7 11 8 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland

Absurde (FR) 7 11 8 H. O. S. Syndicate W. P. Mullins Ireland

Tounsivator (FR) 6 11 7 Temple Bloodstock Tounsivator Syndicate W. P. Mullins Ireland

Fils d'Oudairies (FR) 10 11 7 Mr David L'Estrange Gordon Elliott Ireland

Ethical Diamond (IRE) 5 11 5 H. O. S. Syndicate W. P. Mullins Ireland

Pinot Gris (IRE) 5 11 5 Mr Basil Holian Gavin Cromwell Ireland

Hansard (IRE) 7 11 4 Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates Hansard Gary & Josh Moore

Kargese (FR) 5 11 3 Mr K. Alexander W. P. Mullins Ireland

Favour And Fortune (IRE) 7 11 2 Hemmings Racing Alan King

Ndaawi 5 11 2 Easyfix Gordon Elliott Ireland

Bunting (FR) 5 11 1 Tony Bloom W. P. Mullins Ireland

Kabral du Mathan (FR) 5 11 1 Neil Smith & Alfie Smith Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

Samui 6 10 12 Mr Allan Snow Gordon Elliott Ireland

First Street 8 10 12 Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Nicky Henderson

Kopeck de Mee (FR) 5 10 12 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins Ireland

McLaurey (IRE) 6 10 12 Mr John P. McManus Emmet Mullins Ireland

Our Champ (IRE) 7 10 11 Pearson,Jenner,Hawkings,Dunford&Harding Chris Gordon

Batman Girac (FR) 5 10 11 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins Ireland

Karafon (FR) 5 10 11 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins Ireland

Valgrand (FR) 6 10 10 HIghclere Thoroughbred Racing - Grand Dan Skelton

Vischio (IRE) 8 10 9 Syndicates.Racing Emmet Mullins Ireland

Cracking Rhapsody (IRE) 6 10 8 Mr J D Wright & Mrs S Wright Ewan Whillans

Lark In The Mornin (GER) 5 10 8 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Joseph Patrick O'Brien Ireland

Welsh Charger (IRE) 7 10 6 Jones, Spiers & Hartwell Alastair Ralph

Stormbreaker 6 10 6 Bronsan Racing W. P. Mullins Ireland

Mirabad (FR) 6 10 5 Mr W. Jones Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Irish Panther 8 10 4 Jennifer Coyle/Brian P Whelan Eddie & Patrick Harty Ireland

Spirit d'Aunou (FR) 6 10 3 Heart of the South Racing 130 Gary & Josh Moore

Go Dante 9 10 3 Mrs Barbara Hester Olly Murphy

Norman Fletcher 6 10 3 Mr M. Stavrou Nigel Twiston-Davies

Fenway Park (IRE) 6 10 3 C. Jones Gavin Cromwell Ireland

All In You (FR) 5 9 10 Mr David Maxwell Gary & Josh Moore

We're Red And Blue 5 9 10 Mr. Patrick Doyle Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill

Royal Way (FR) 5 9 6 Mr Keith F. J. Loads Gary & Josh Moore

38 confirmations

2:40pm Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Grade 2) 2m 4f 127y

Allegorie de Vassy (FR) 8 11 2 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins Ireland

Brides Hill (IRE) 8 11 5 Brides Hill Syndicate Gavin Cromwell Ireland

Dinoblue (FR) 8 11 7 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins Ireland

Fontaine Collonges (FR) 10 11 2 Mr P. Davies Venetia Williams

Je T'Ai Porte (IRE) 7 11 2 Poetry In Motion Syndicate Gavin Cromwell Ireland

Limerick Lace (IRE) 8 11 5 Mr John P. McManus Gavin Cromwell Ireland

Mayhem Mya 8 11 2 Mr G. Thompson Chris Honour

Only By Night (IRE) 7 11 5 Mrs J. M. Russell Gavin Cromwell Ireland

Royale Margaux (FR) 7 11 2 DahlBury Racing Tom Symonds

Shecouldbeanything (IRE) 8 11 2 Mr M. J. Hanrahan Gordon Elliott Ireland

Telepathique 7 11 2 Mrs Elizabeth Gordon Lennox Lucy Wadham

11 confirmations

3:20pm Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 7f 213y

Argento Boy (IRE) 6 11 7 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins Ireland

Ballybow (IRE) 6 11 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland

Derryhassen Paddy (IRE) 6 11 7 Morrison-Bell & Russell Lucinda Russell

Final Demand (IRE) 6 11 7 Bryan Drew/Prof. Caroline Tisdall W. P. Mullins Ireland

First Confession (IRE) 6 11 7 Kevan Leggett, Susan & John Waterworth Joe Tizzard

Fishery Lane (FR) 6 11 7 Bryan Drew W. P. Mullins Ireland

Flicker of Hope (FR) 6 11 7 Swords Bloodstock Limited Mark Fahey Ireland

Inn At The Park (IRE) 7 11 7 Mr Malcolm C. Denmark W. P. Mullins Ireland

Intense Approach 6 11 7 Ms Caroline Ahearn John McConnell Ireland

Jasmin de Vaux (FR) 6 11 7 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins Ireland

Jax Junior 6 11 7 Mrs Cheryl Burton Lucy Wadham

Jet Blue (FR) 6 11 7 Prof. Caroline Tisdall D. Cottin France

Jig's Forge (IRE) 6 11 7 Mr K. Dole Ben Pauling

Joystick (FR) 6 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins Ireland

Ma Shantou (IRE) 6 11 7 Mighty Acorn Stables Emma Lavelle

Minella Sixo (IRE) 6 11 7 Sierra Pacific & Pioneer Racing Gordon Elliott Ireland

Nativehill (IRE) 7 11 7 Bartlett, Carthy & Speelman Nicky Henderson

Newton Tornado (FR) 6 11 7 The Odd Couple Rebecca Curtis

Port Joulain (FR) 6 11 7 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins Ireland

Sounds Victorius (IRE) 6 11 7 Bruton Street Partnership W. P. Mullins Ireland

The Big Westerner (IRE) 6 11 0 M. K. Mariga Henry de Bromhead Ireland

The Yellow Clay (IRE) 6 11 7 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland

Wendigo (FR) 6 11 7 RC Syndicate I Jamie Snowden

Will The Wise (IRE) 6 11 7 Have No Clue Syndicate Gavin Cromwell Ireland

Wingmen (IRE) 7 11 7 Bective Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland

Yellow Car (IRE) 7 11 7 Harry Redknapp & Graeme McPherson David Killahena & Graeme McPherson

26 confirmations

4:00pm Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m 2f 70y

Ahoy Senor (IRE) 10 11 10 Wymer & Russell Lucinda Russell

Banbridge (IRE) 9 11 10 Mr R. A. Bartlett Joseph Patrick O'Brien Ireland

Corbetts Cross (IRE) 8 11 10 Mr John P. McManus Emmet Mullins Ireland

Galopin des Champs (FR) 9 11 10 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins Ireland

Gentlemansgame 9 11 10 Robcour M. F. Morris Ireland

Inothewayurthinkin (IRE) 7 11 10 Mr John P. McManus Gavin Cromwell Ireland*

Jungle Boogie (IRE) 11 11 10 Mr Malcolm C. Denmark Henry de Bromhead Ireland

Monty's Star (IRE) 8 11 10 Mr Barry Maloney Henry de Bromhead Ireland

Royale Pagaille (FR) 11 11 10 Mrs S. Ricci Venetia Williams

The Real Whacker (IRE) 9 11 10 Neville, Mann, Duffus, Dennis-Price Patrick Neville

* supplementary entry

9 confirmations plus 1 supplementary entry

4:40pm St. James's Place Festival Hunters' Chase 3m 2f 70y

Allmankind 9 12 0 The Gredley Family Mrs J. Owen

Angels Breath (IRE) 11 12 0 Mr T. Vaughan Tim Vaughan

Angels Dawn (IRE) 10 11 7 Mr Alfred Sweetnam S. Curling Ireland

Au Fleuron (FR) 8 12 0 Ms A. Sargeant Max Comley

Bardenstown Lad 10 12 0 The Stay Between The Ditches Syndicate David Loughnane

Carnfunnock (IRE) 8 12 0 Largy Bloodstock S. R. B. Crawford Northern Ireland

Cloudy Tuesday (IRE) 10 12 0 Miss I. T. Walsh Turlough O'Connor Ireland Mr Turlough O'Connor (7)

D'Jango (FR) 12 12 0 Miss Sarah A. Dawson Miss V. Collins

Fairly Famous (IRE) 8 12 0 The Signy & Marriage Families Mrs G. Andrews

Go On Chez 9 12 0 Mrs Christine Osborne F. A. Hutsby

Haven't Time (IRE) 11 12 0 Miss S. McQueen Miss S. McQueen

Its On The Line (IRE) 8 12 0 Mr John P. McManus Emmet Mullins Ireland

Lift Me Up (IRE) 9 12 0 Mr & Mrs C Horner Miss M. Filby

Lisleigh Lad (IRE) 7 12 0 Miss Eleanor Broderick Miss Eleanor Broderick Ireland

Music Drive (FR) 8 12 0 Foxfield Stud Syndicate Kelly Morgan Miss Ellie Callwood

Ontheropes (IRE) 11 12 0 Mrs H. Mullins Thomas Mullins Ireland

Plan of Attack (IRE) 12 12 0 Ms Nathalie Halsall Henry de Bromhead Ireland

Rocky's Howya (IRE) 9 12 0 Mrs Margaret C. Kiely Declan Queally Ireland

Ryehill (IRE) 8 12 0 Outback Syndicate/Conor Brett Ross O'Sullivan Ireland Mr L. P. Shanahan

Shearer (IRE) 9 12 0 McNeill Family & Paul Nicholls Paul Nicholls

Take All (IRE) 10 12 0 Mrs Martine Scott M. Osborne Mr Martin McIntyre

West of Carrig (IRE) 8 12 0 Mr Adrian Joseph Browne Don Browne Ireland

What A Glance 10 12 0 Mrs Ann Taylor Tom Britten Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

Willitgoahead (IRE) 7 12 0 Sean Thomas Doyle Sean Thomas Doyle Ireland

Wonderwall (IRE) 9 12 0 Mr J. O'Leary S. Curling Ireland

Yippee Ki Yay (IRE) 7 12 0 Mr and Mrs Ben Herbert and Family Matt Sheppard

26 confirmations

5:20pm Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f 56y

Tounsivator (FR) 6 11 12 Temple Bloodstock Tounsivator Syndicate W. P. Mullins Ireland

Wodhooh (FR) 5 11 8 The Sundowners Partnership Gordon Elliott Ireland

Bunting (FR) 5 11 6 Tony Bloom W. P. Mullins Ireland

No Ordinary Joe (IRE) 9 11 5 Mr John P. McManus Nicky Henderson

No Questions Asked (IRE) 7 11 5 Newton Ldp Ltd Ben Pauling

Minella Sixo (IRE) 6 11 4 Sierra Pacific & Pioneer Racing Gordon Elliott Ireland

Bo Zenith (FR) 6 11 4 Mr O. S. Harris Nicky Henderson

The Enabler (IRE) 6 11 3 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland

Uncle Bert 8 11 3 James & Jean Potter Ltd Nigel Twiston-Davies

Kopeck de Mee (FR) 5 11 3 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins Ireland

Taponthego (IRE) 6 11 2 Both Sides Of The Water Syndicate Henry de Bromhead Ireland

Karafon (FR) 5 11 2 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins Ireland

Push The Button (IRE) 6 11 2 Jimmy & Susie Wenman Nigel Twiston-Davies

Act of Authority (FR) 7 11 1 Mrs Diana L. Whateley Olly Murphy Lewis Saunders

Captain Morgs (IRE) 9 11 0 The Albatross Club Nicky Henderson

Vischio (IRE) 8 11 0 Syndicates.Racing Emmet Mullins Ireland

Nurse Susan (FR) 8 11 0 Mr Colm Donlon Dan Skelton Tristan Durrell

Minella Missile (IRE) 7 11 0 Mrs Janet Davies Evan Williams

Doyen Quest (IRE) 7 11 0 Exors of the late Mr N. W. Lake Dan Skelton Harry Atkins

Beat The Bat (IRE) 7 11 0 Twelfth Man Partnership 6 Harry Fry

Electric Mason (IRE) 6 10 13 KTDA Racing and Mrs Nicola Morris Chris Gordon

Park of Kings (IRE) 7 10 13 Mr John P. McManus Paul Nolan Ireland

Jipcot (FR) 6 10 12 The Megsons Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill

Raglan Road (IRE) 7 10 12 Mr John P. McManus Henry de Bromhead Ireland

Flash Collonges (FR) 10 10 12 Mr G. Thompson Sophie Leech

Punctuation 8 10 12 Mr Grant Leon Nicky Henderson

Stormbreaker 6 10 11 Bronsan Racing W. P. Mullins Ireland

Mordor (FR) 5 10 11 Mr Ray Stokes Gordon Elliott Ireland

Dr Eggman (FR) 7 10 11 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins Ireland

Blaze The Way (IRE) 7 10 10 Brian Groarke/Tom Groarke/Ms M. Mullins Ms Margaret Mullins Ireland

Deep Cave (IRE) 7 10 10 Mr Caolan Brendan Woods Christian Williams

East India Express (IRE) 6 10 10 EIC RACING & TABLE FIVE Nicky Henderson

Guard The Moon 7 10 9 James & Jean Potter Ltd Nigel Twiston-Davies

Harsh 5 10 9 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland

Irish Panther 8 10 9 Jennifer Coyle/Brian P Whelan Eddie & Patrick Harty Ireland

Spirit d'Aunou (FR) 6 10 8 Heart of the South Racing 130 Gary & Josh Moore

Norman Fletcher 6 10 8 Mr M. Stavrou Nigel Twiston-Davies

Fenway Park (IRE) 6 10 8 C. Jones Gavin Cromwell Ireland

Wilde About Oscar (IRE) 10 10 7 Mr G. Thompson Sophie Leech

Aston Martini 6 10 7 HP Racing Aston Martini Nicky Henderson

Timmy Tuesday (IRE) 7 10 6 David Barnard/Nick Courtney/C. Moran Gordon Elliott Ireland

La Pinsonniere (FR) 5 10 6 Dash Grange Stud Nicky Henderson

Go To War (IRE) 7 10 5 Mr Grant Leon Nicky Henderson

Blenkinsop 8 10 3 Mrs L Nixon Henry Daly

Bridie's Beau (IRE) 6 10 3 Mr Owen Daley Gavin Cromwell Ireland

Hamsiyann (IRE) 5 10 2 Mr P. Davies A. J. Martin Ireland

Kimy (FR) 5 9 9 Mrs Rita Byrne Thomas Mullins Ireland

47 confirmations