Triumph hero Pentland Hills faces eight rivals in International Hurdle

Dual Grade 1 winner Pentland Hills will face eight rivals when he bids to cement his Champion Hurdle credentials in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Last season's Triumph Hurdle hero, who also struck at Aintree, will be joined by stablemate Call Me Lord and bids to continue his unbeaten record over hurdles.

James Bowen picks up the ride on Call Me Lord after retained rider Daryl Jacob broke his hand in a fall at Musselburgh on Monday.

Tolworth Hurdle victor Elixir De Nutz, another bidding to solidify his festival credentials, returns to action under Harry Cobden. Colin Tizzard's charge missed last term's Supreme Novices' Hurdle due to injury.

Gumball, a neck second behind Harambe in the Greatwood Hurdle last month, will sport a hood as he bids to continue his good run.

County Hurdle scorer Ch'tibello, Ballyandy, Monsieur Lecoq and Le Patriote are other creditable contenders, while all eyes will be on Australian raider Big Blue, who represents trainer Ciaron Maher.

International Hurdle runners

1 Ch'tibello (Harry Skelton)
2 Gumball -
3 Le Patriote (Richard Johnson)
4 Elixir De Nutz (Harry Cobden)
5 Pentland Hills (Nico de Boinville)
6 Ballyandy (Sam Twiston-Davies)
7 Big Blue -
8 Call Me Lord (James Bowen)
9 Monsieur Lecoq (Lizzie Kelly)

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