Walsh sides with Killultagh Vic in bumper Gold Cup

Ruby Walsh has chosen to ride Killultagh Vic in Friday's Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup, for which one of the biggest fields in the race's history has been declared.

Walsh had the pick of the Willie Mullins-trained team and sides with Killultagh Vic, a faller at the last when coming with what appeared to be a winning challenge in last month's Irish Gold Cup.

Paul Townend retains his partnership with Ladbrokes Trophy winner Total Recall and Mullins' son Patrick gets aboard Gold Cup regular Djakadam, who has twice finished second in the race.

Shantou Flyer (far side) loses out to Coo Star Sivola in a tight finish to the UltimaCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Shantou Flyer, runner-up in Tuesday's Ultima Handicap Chase, is a surprise name among the 18 declarations with leading conditional James Bowen booked to ride.

Trainer Richard Hobson expressed a desire to run the eight-year-old following his narrow defeat by Coo Star Sivola, providing he recovers from his exertions.

Market principals Might Bite, Native River and Our Duke were among those to stand their ground – only Mala Beach was taken out at the final stage – for what will be the largest Gold Cup field since 2007.

In contrast just nine were declared for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, the first single-figure field since 1965.

As expected We Have A Dream, who was reported to have had a small issue by trainer Nicky Henderson on Monday, was among those taken out.

Henderson will still be represented by long-time favourite Apple's Shakira, who is 2-1 generally.

Adonis winner Redicean is next at 9-2, ahead of a strong team from Ireland, featuring Stormy Ireland, Farclas and Mr Adjudicator.

A final field of 20 was declared for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle with the Henderson pair Santini and Chef Des Obeaux jostling for favouritism with the Henry de Bromhead-trained Chris's Dream.

Following the final declarations, the weights for the Martin Pipe and Grand Annual will go up 1lb and 3lb.

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