Henderson enters five for Gold Cup (From Swindon Advertiser)

Henderson enters five for Gold Cup

12:59pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Sport By Ned Payne

LAMBOURN trainer Nicky Henderson has entered five horses for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March at the first forfeit stage including ante-post favourite Bobs Worth and 2011 champion Long Run.

Henderson may well fancy his chances as Bobs Worth triumphed in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in December and is unbeaten in four outings at Cheltenham.

The master of Seven Barrows will also be hopeful that reigning King George VI Chase champion Long Run will be able to follow up his triumph of 2011.

Finian’s Rainbow, a winner at Cheltenham last year in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, could step up in distance, while Riverside Theatre and Roberto Goldback are also entered.

Henderson’s long-time rival Paul Nicholls has entered Silviniaco Conti, Tidal Bay, Kauto Stone and What A Friend.

Many will fancy the Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old Sir Des Champs, who won the Novices' Chase at Cheltenham last year.

The race will take place on Friday, March 15 and boasts a record prize fund of £550,000.

Last year Tony McCoy triumphed aboard Synchronised for Jonjo O’Neill.