Does Ireland have a genuine Gold Cup contender this year?

Does Ireland have a genuine Gold Cup contender this year?

The Irish have not won the Cheltenham Gold Cup since 2006 and First Lieutenant is put to the test on Sunday.

War Of Attrition was the last Irish-trained winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2006 and the Emerald Isle is struggling to find a credible contender. With Sir Des Champs out injured, the powerful Gigginstown House Stud are hoping that First Lieutenant can be their flag bearer this year. The nine-year-old was considered a fair each-way bet a year ago but connections eventually decided to run him in the shorter Ryanair Chase where he was soundly beaten by Cue Card. He gained compensation with victory over an extended three miles in the Betfred Bowl at Aintree and has been trained for the Gold Cup this season… Read more here   NYK Media, www.horsesgalore.co.uk