Record-breaking Quevega aiming to hit rivals for six

The final declarations for Champion Day have been unveiled and Quevega faces 15 rivals as she bids to win her sixth consecutive OLBG Mares' Hurdle for trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Ruby Walsh.

The mare will be bidding to become the first horse in history to win six races at the Cheltenham Festival.

Cockney Sparrow is the one the bookmakers rate as the biggest danger to Quevega's record-breaking attempt and John Quinn's five-year-old will be looking to bounce back from a fall behind Annie Power at Doncaster last time out. She had previously won a Listed event on her seasonal debut at Wetherby and had finished a good second behind My Tent Or Yours in the Stan James Fighting Fifth at Newcastle in November.

The French-trained Sirene d'Ainay is an interesting contender for Emmanuel Clayeux having finished a length and a half behind Quevega in last year's renewal while Highland Retreat is unbeaten in three starts this season for trainer Harry Fry.

Ante-post favourite Irving (currently 11/4 with the sponsors) heads a field of 18 for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (1.30pm), the traditional curtain-raiser on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Paul Nicholls' six-year-old is unbeaten over timber this season and consolidated his position at the head of the market for this race with a facile success in the Grade Two Sky Bet Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton last month.

His main market rival is likely to be Willie Mullins-trained Vautour (3/1 with Sky Bet), who posted his first Grade One success in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on his most recent start. Ruby Walsh takes the ride for owner Rich Ricci.

Mullins also trains Wicklow Brave (7/1 with the sponsor) and the son of Beat Hollow has plenty of racing experience to his name, having had six runs this season which have included two victories over hurdles. Paul Townend takes the ride on the five-year-old.

Champion jockey A P McCoy rides Gilgamboa (10/1 with Sky Bet) for J P McManus and trainer Enda Bolger while Nicky Henderson saddles two in the shape of Josses Hill (Andrew Tinkler) and Vaniteux (Barry Geraghty).

A field of nine go to post for the Racing Post Arkle Trophy Chase (2.05pm) with dual Festival winner Champagne Fever heading the market at the moment with the majority of firms. The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old won the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at The Festival in 2012 and also took the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at last year's meeting.

The 2012 Stan James Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby will make his third start over fences having won comfortably in two minor contests at Plumpton and Doncaster so far this season. Charles Byrnes saddles Trifolium for Gigginstown House Stud and the seven-year-old was particularly impressive when taking the Grade One Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown in January.

Paul Nicholls relies on Dodging Bullets, who won many admirers in the Grade Two Betfair Cash Out Chase last time out despite being beaten a neck by Module, while Nicky Henderson runs Grandouet, who is still a maiden over fences after three runs this season.

A maximum field of 24 has been declared for the Grade Three Baylis & Harding Affordable Luxury Handicap Chase (2.40pm) and A P McCoy is on board Alfie Sherrin (10st 9lb), who won this race in 2012. Trainer Jonjo O'Neill also saddles Holywell (11st 6lb), who has won his last two starts at Doncaster and Catterick. Richie McLernon takes the ride.

Nicky Henderson has elected to run Hadrian's Approach (11st 7lb) and Ma Filleule (11st 4lb) with the former the more fancied of the pair under Barry Geraghty.

Last year's winner Golden Chieftain (11st 7lb) aims to make it back-to-back victories in this race for trainer Colin Tizzard while the sole Irish raider comes in the form of Wrong Turn (10st 6lb) for Tony Martin.

A total of 15 horses have been declared for the Terry Biddlecombe National Hunt Chase (4.40pm) and Jonjo O'Neill has booked crack amateur Nina Carberry for the ride on warm favourite Shutthefrontdoor, who is expected to relish the stamina-sapping distance.

His main challenge is likely to come from either Shotgun Paddy (ridden by Derek O'Connor) or the Ted Walsh-trained Foxrock, who is ridden by the trainer's daughter Katie.

A maximum field of 20 will face the starter for the Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase (5.15pm) and Charlie Longsdon could have his first Festival winner in the shape of Pendra, who currently heads the market for owner J P McManus and A P McCoy.

Previous Festival winner Attaglance (11st 7lb), who won the 2012 running of the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle, will run with Brian Hughes taking the mount while Nicky Henderson, who won the race last year with Rajdhani Express, relies on top-weight Ericht (11st 10lb).

Declared runners for Champion Day at The Festival -

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

1.30pm Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (18)

1 Fantasy King James Moffatt 11st 7lb Brian Hughes

2 Garde La Victoire (FR) Philip Hobbs 11st 7lb Richard Johnson

3 Germany Calling (IRE) (Tongue Strap) Charlie Longsdon 11st 7lb Noel Fehily

4 Gilgamboa (IRE) Enda Bolger, Ireland 11st 7lb A. P. McCoy

5 Irving Paul Nicholls 11st 7lb Nick Scholfield

6 Josses Hill (IRE) Nicky Henderson 11st 7lb Andrew Tinkler

7 Sgt Reckless Mick Channon 11st 7lb Dominic Elsworth

8 Sky Khan (Eyeshields) Richard Guest 11st 7lb Jake Greenall

9 Splash of Ginge Nigel Twiston-Davies 11st 7lb Sam Twiston-Davies

10 The Liquidator David Pipe 11st 7lb Tom Scudamore

11 Three Kingdoms (IRE) John Ferguson 11st 7lb Denis O'Regan

12 Un Ace (FR) Kim Bailey 11st 7lb Jason Maguire

13 Valseur Lido (FR) W. P. Mullins, Ireland 11st 7lb Bryan J. Cooper

14 Vaniteux (FR) Nicky Henderson 11st 7lb Barry Geraghty

15 Vautour (FR) W. P. Mullins, Ireland 11st 7lb R. Walsh

16 Western Boy (IRE) P. A. Fahy, Ireland 11st 7lb Davy Russell

17 Wicklow Brave W. P. Mullins, Ireland 11st 7lb Paul Townend

18 Wilde Blue Yonder (IRE) Alan King 11st 7lb Robert Thornton

2.05pm Racing Post Arkle Trophy Chase (9)

1 Brick Red Venetia Williams 11st 4lb Aidan Coleman

2 Champagne Fever (IRE) W. P. Mullins, Ireland 11st 4lb R. Walsh

3 Dodging Bullets Paul Nicholls 11st 4lb Daryl Jacob

4 Grandouet (FR) Nicky Henderson 11st 4lb Barry Geraghty

5 Rock On Ruby (IRE) (Tongue Strap) Harry Fry 11st 4lb Noel Fehily

6 Ted Veale (IRE) A. J. Martin, Ireland 11st 4lb Davy Russell

7 Trifolium (FR) Charles Byrnes, Ireland 11st 4lb Bryan J. Cooper

8 Valdez Alan King 11st 4lb Robert Thornton
9 Western Warhorse (IRE) (Hood) David Pipe 11st 4lb Tom Scudamore

2.40pm Baylis & Harding Affordable Luxury Handicap Chase (24)
1 Cantlow (IRE) Paul Webber 11st 12lb G. N. Fox (7)

2 Vino Griego (FR) (Visor) Gary Moore 11st 10lb Jamie Moore

3 Pacha du Polder (FR) Paul Nicholls 11st 9lb Daryl Jacob

4 Restless Harry Robin Dickin 11st 7lb Charlie Poste

5 Golden Chieftain (IRE) (Tongue Strap, Sheepskin C/P) Colin Tizzard 11st 7lb Brendan Powell

6 Hadrian's Approach (IRE) Nicky Henderson 11st 7lb Barry Geraghty

7 Holywell (IRE) (Blinkers) Jonjo O'Neill 11st 6lb Richie McLernon

8 Vintage Star (IRE) Sue Smith 11st 4lb Davy Russell

9 Ackertac (IRE) (Blinkers) Tim Vaughan 11st 4lb Richard Johnson

10 Ma Filleule (FR) Nicky Henderson 11st 4lb Nico de Boinville (5)

11 Green Flag (IRE) Lucinda Russell 11st 4lb Peter Buchanan

12 Renard (FR) Venetia Williams 11st 2lb Aidan Coleman

13 The Package (Tongue Strap) David Pipe 11st 2lb Tom Scudamore

14 Shakalakaboomboom (IRE) Nicky Henderson 11st 1lb David Bass

15 Relax (FR) Venetia Williams 11st 0lb Liam Treadwell

16 Time For Rupert (IRE) (Sheepskin C/P) Paul Webber 10st 13lb Denis O'Regan

17 Muldoon's Picnic (IRE) Kim Bailey 10st 10lb Jason Maguire

18 Alfie Sherrin (Sheepskin C/P) Jonjo O'Neill 10st 9lb A. P. McCoy

19 Fruity O'Rooney (Visor) Gary Moore 10st 7lb Joshua Moore

20 Wrong Turn (IRE) A. J. Martin, Ireland 10st 6lb

21 Standing Ovation (IRE) (Tongue Strap, Sheepskin C/P) David Pipe 10st 6lb Conor O'Farrell

22 King Massini (IRE) Evan Williams 10st 6lb Adam Wedge

23 Tour des Champs (FR) (Visor) Nigel Twiston-Davies 10st 4lb Sam Twiston-Davies

24 Solix (FR) (Visor) Ian Williams 10st 4lb Will Kennedy

Eliminations: Victrix Gale (IRE), Tullamore Dew (IRE), Aachen, Living Next Door (IRE)

3.20pm Stan James Champion Hurdle (9)

1 Captain Cee Bee (IRE) Edward Harty, Ireland 11st 10lb Mark Walsh

2 Grumeti Alan King 11st 10lb Wayne Hutchinson

3 Hurricane Fly (IRE) W. P. Mullins, Ireland 11st 10lb R. Walsh

4 Jezki (IRE) (Hood) Mrs J. Harrington, Ireland 11st 10lb Barry Geraghty

5 Melodic Rendezvous Jeremy Scott 11st 10lb Nick Scholfield

6 My Tent Or Yours (IRE) Nicky Henderson11st 10lb A. P. McCoy

7 Our Conor (IRE) D. T. Hughes, Ireland 11st 10lb Daniel Mullins

8 Ptit Zig (FR) Paul Nicholls 11st 10lb Daryl Jacob
9 The New One (IRE) Nigel Twiston-Davies 11st 10lb Sam Twiston-Davies

4.00pm OLBG Mares' Hurdle (16)
1 Cailin Annamh (IRE) (Tongue Strap) Mrs J. Harrington, Ireland 11st 5lb Barry Geraghty

2 Cockney Sparrow John Quinn 11st 5lb A. P. McCoy

3 Down Ace (IRE) Fergal O'Brien 11st 5lb Denis O'Regan

4 Doyly Carte Donald McCain 11st 5lb Jason Maguire

5 Glens Melody (IRE) W. P. Mullins, Ireland 11st 5lb Paul Townend

6 Highland Retreat Harry Fry 11st 5lb Noel Fehily

7 Jennies Jewel (IRE) Jarlath Fahey, Ireland 11st 5lb I. J. McCarthy

8 L'Unique (FR) Alan King 11st 5lb Robert Thornton

9 Quevega (FR) W. P. Mullins, Ireland 11st 5lb R. Walsh

10 Sirene d'Ainay (FR) (Tongue Strap) Emmanuel Clayeux, France 11st 5lb David Cottin

11 Uddy (FR) Alain Couetil, France 11st 5lb Hubert Terrien

12 Epee Celeste (FR) (Blinkers) Michael Chapman 11st 0lb Joe Cornwall

13 Hidden Identity (IRE) Tim Vaughan 11st 0lb Richard Johnson

14 Little King Robin (IRE) (Tongue Strap) Colin Bowe, Ireland 11st 0lb Mark Walsh

15 Pass The Time (Sheepskin C/P) Neil Mulholland 11st 0lb Daryl Jacob
16 Top Totti Henry Daly 11st 0lb Jake Greenall

4.40pm Terry Biddlecombe National Hunt Chase (15)
1 According To Trev (IRE) (Visor, Tongue Strap) Nigel Twiston-Davies 11st 6lb Mr J. Bargary

2 Adrenalin Flight (IRE) Seamus Mullins 11st 6lb Mr Barry O'Neill

3 American Spin Luke Dace, Pulborough 11st 6lb Mr C. Smith

4 Beeves (IRE) (Blinkers) Donald McCain 11st 6lb Mr R. O. Harding

5 Firm Order (IRE) (Sheepskin C/P) Paul Webber 11st 6lb Mr F. Mitchell

6 Foxrock (IRE) T. M. Walsh, Ireland 11st 6lb Ms K. Walsh

7 Herdsman (IRE) Sue Smith 11st 6lb Mr Robbie McNamara

8 Living Next Door (IRE) A. J. Martin, Ireland 11st 6lb Mr J. J. Codd

9 Merlin's Wish Martin Keighley 11st 6lb Mr R. P. Quinlan

10 Midnight Prayer Alan King 11st 6lb Mr Joshua Newman

11 Milborough (IRE) Tim Vaughan 11st 6lb Mr B. Gibbs

12 Rogue Angel (IRE) (Blinkers) M. F. Morris, Ireland 11st 6lb Mr Steven Clements

13 Shotgun Paddy (IRE) Emma Lavelle 11st 6lb Mr Derek O'Connor

14 Shutthefrontdoor (IRE) (Tongue Strap, Sheepskin C/P) Jonjo O'Neill 11st 6lb Miss N. Carberry

15 Suntiep (FR) W. P. Mullins, Ireland 11st 6lb Mr P. W. Mullins

5.15pm Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase (20)

1 Ericht (IRE) Nicky Henderson 11st 10lb Barry Geraghty

2 Up To Something (FR) (Tongue Strap, Sheepskin C/P) Charlie Longsdon 11st 10lb Noel Fehily

3 Grandads Horse (Sheepskin C/P) Charlie Longsdon 11st 10lb Kielan Woods (3)

4 Baby Mix (FR) Warren Greatrex 11st 9lb Davy Russell

5 Art of Logistics (IRE) (Visor) D. T. Hughes, Ireland 11st 9lb Bryan J. Cooper

6 Manyriverstocross (IRE) Alan King 11st 8lb Robert Thornton

7 Persian Snow (IRE) (Tongue Strap) Philip Hobbs 11st 8lb Richard Johnson

8 Pendra (IRE) Charlie Longsdon 11st 7lb A. P. McCoy

9 Present View Jamie Snowden 11st 7lb Brendan Powell

10 Attaglance (Tongue Strap) Malcolm Jefferson 11st 7lb Brian Hughes

11 Dursey Sound (IRE) Jonjo O'Neill 11st 7lb Richie McLernon

12 Close House (Blinkers, Tongue Strap) David Pipe 11st 5lb Tom Scudamore

13 Ahyaknowyerself (IRE) (Blinkers) Dr Richard Newland 11st 5lb Sam Twiston-Davies

14 Festive Affair (IRE) Jonjo O'Neill 11st 4lb Mark Walsh

15 Buywise (IRE) Evan Williams 11st 4lb Paul Moloney

16 Tony Star (FR) Philip Hobbs 11st 4lb Tom O'Brien

17 Buthelezi (USA) (Sheepskin C/P) John Ferguson 11st 4lb Denis O'Regan

18 Ohio Gold (IRE) (Tongue Strap) Colin Tizzard 11st 2lb Joe Tizzard

19 King Vuvuzela (IRE) Paul Nolan, Ireland 11st 1lb Paul Carberry

20 Gardefort (FR) Venetia Williams 11st 1lb Aidan Coleman