A regrettable consequence of the increasing dominance of powerhouse stables is that there are fewer crumbs left on the Cheltenham table for the smaller yards to nibble at. Smaller: Tom Cooper, father of the top-class jockey Bryan has tasted Cheltenham glory already when Total Enjoyment won the bumper in 2004 and Forpadydeplasterer the Arkle five years later. Another small Irish operation with big dreams this week is the combined father and son training team of Edward and Patrick Harty. Finally, he is a very sound jumper, and, as his trainer said, if he can’t jump well enough for the Champion Chase, he won’t jump well enough for the Arkle. The Limerick native was champion National Hunt jockey in Ireland six times, won three Irish Nationals, a Cheltenham Gold Cup and three classics on the flat.

Source: Irish Examiner March 11, 2026 13:15 UTC