Clan Des Obeaux to tackle Ireland's finest as Nicholls opts for Punchestown

Paul Nicholls has revealed Clan Des Obeaux, who had been entered as topweight for Sandown’s bet365 Gold Cup on Saturday, will instead be supplemented for the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup next Wednesday.

The dual King George VI Chase-winning nine-year-old posted a career-best performance when landing the Betway Bowl at Aintree by 26 lengths and could form part of a mouthwatering field for the Grade 1 held over 3m½f, the feature race on the second day of Punchestown’s five-day festival.

Punchestown Gold Cup card and betting

Explaining the decision, Nicholls said: “I’d been deliberating about it for the last week really. Thursday is the day we had to supplement him for Punchestown and the same day we had to declare for Sandown. The weather forecast looks dry, which is good, so we’re going to go.

"Everybody has wanted to know what’s happening but it hasn’t been easy getting everything organised travel-wise to get to Ireland with the staff.

Paul Nicholls: the leading trainer wasn't convinced the 3m5f trip at Sandown would suit Clan Des ObeauxCredit: Edward Whitaker

“I wanted to tick all the boxes first, make sure the horse is right and talk with Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Barber [owners] to make sure everything was right. We made a unanimous decision to go which is exciting.

"I’ve always thought Punchestown would suit him and the weather is nice, whereas Sandown would have been a bit of an unknown with him.

"He would have been carrying a lot of weight over three miles five furlongs and in the back of my mind I wasn’t 100 per cent convinced he would get that trip, he’s almost got a bit too much boot for it. Punchestown will probably be a smallish field and it will suit him."

Among the other star names entered for the race are the winners of the last three Cheltenham Gold Cups in Henry de Bromhead’s Minella Indo (2021) and Willie Mullins’ Al Boum Photo (2019 and 2020).

Kemboy, Melon and runaway Ryanair Chase winner Allaho complete a four-strong entry for Mullins with Fakir D’Oudairies, The Storyteller and Tiger Roll also in contention.

On the level of opposition, Nicholls said: "It’s a Grade 1, you’d expect that, but he’s used to running in those races and he’s in really good form at the moment. It’s a challenge but we’re looking forward to it."

Read more about the jumps:

Henry de Bromhead: Jack Kennedy to ride Minella Indo at Punchestown

'It would be incredible' - Henry de Bromhead on Blackmore's title bid

Nicky Henderson looking forward to taking wraps off Altior in Celebration Chase

Paul Nicholls equals his best ever tally with 171st winner of a stunning season

Flying Fergal O'Brien revels in first century after emerging from Covid fear

'Unbelievable' three-time Cheltenham Festival winner Cause Of Causes dies at 13

Watch live races through the Racing Post. Log in to your bookmaker account and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here