Maximum 12 For Arkle

Run over two miles, the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase takes place at Cheltenham on Tuesday 16th March 2010 at 2.05pm and is considered one of the major races of the Cheltenham Festival. A maximum field of 12 horses is allowed and all spots have been filled with the final runners declared for the novice chase.

Among the high-class field of contenders are the Eddie Harty-trained Captain Cee Bee, the Henry de Bromhead trained Sizing Europe and Somersby, who is trained by Henrietta Knight. Nicky Henderson is doubly represented with Riverside Theatre and Mad Max.

Actor Jimmy Nesbitt is part of the syndicate which owns Riverside Theatre, who is currently 8-1 with Paddy Power Bookmakers. He told At The Races: “I saw him a little bit of week [ago] and he looked very ready. We’re very happy and I’m very excited. He’s only run over fences twice so we don’t know how he will react to such a strong field. It’s a very competitive race and I just hope he gets round okay. There’s a lot of excitement and I’ve never been as nervous in my life.”

Riverside Theatre will have his work cut out for him if he’s to seriously contend for the Arkle title especially if it turns out that Captain Cee Bee, Somersby and Sizing Europe are in good form because on the day they will be very difficult to beat.