Never mind winning a festival handicap, British runners may struggle to get in

As the weights were unveiled for the Cheltenham Festival handicaps, it became clear that British trainers face a more pressing concern than how to win against the Irish raiders who were so rampant last year. First, they must get a horse rated high enough to make the cut.

Trainers and reporters attending a press conference at Cheltenham on Tuesday heard BHA handicappers outline their new policies aimed at reducing the average rating of Britain's jumps horses over the course of this season, a development that was welcomed by several of those present. They then turned to newly printed sheets of handicap entrants and saw Irish horses dominating the top end in almost every race.

In both the Boodles and the Martin Pipe, eight of the top ten in the weights are based in Ireland, as are seven of the top ten in the Coral Cup, the Grand Annual and the Pertemps Final. In some races, Irish domination continues deep down the list; 24 of the top 33 in the Martin Pipe are Irish-based.