'I would say we have the best bunch of novice chasers we've ever had'

A summer spent mopping up more major prizes on the Flat, including an Irish Derby with Latrobe and a Group 1 Fillies' Mile at Newmarket may suggest Joseph O'Brien is switching his attention away from the jumps, but a morning spent taking shelter from the wind at the trainer's Owning Hill stables leaves you in little doubt that the winter war chest is up to scratch.

In his company is a sweet but scruffy little Irish Terrier by the name of Rua, too young to remember miracle horse Edwulf’s spine-tingling success in last season’s Irish Gold Cup, but old enough to keep pace with the busy 25-year-old, who is quick to respond when asked to name some of the jumpers he is most excited about this season.

Edwulf is set to represent O'Brien, who finished third in the National Hunt trainers' championship last season, in all of the big staying chases this term, while the place is abuzz about the prospects of seeing Le Richebourg take on stronger opposition having made a flawless start to his chasing career.