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The International at Cheltenham kicks off tomorrow with a cracking seven-race card, the highlight of which is the Grade Three Majordomo Hospitality Handicap Chase over an extended three miles and a furlong.
A field of six is set to go to post in the Majordomo Hospitality Handicap Chase, including two from the stable of Philip Hobbs - recent Hennessy Gold Cup third Fair Along and Mostly Bob.
The weights are headed by the Paul Nicholls-trained Mon Parrian, a leading fancy for the Paddy Power Gold Cup in which he finished seventh, while Nicky Henderson is set to run the exciting Shakalakaboomboom, who was last seen out when landing a valuable handicap chase at Punchestown in May. Also set to line up are Knockara Beau, second in last season's Grade Two Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham and Swincombe Rock.
Tomorrow's card also includes the £22,000 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase (2.20pm), which takes place over three miles and seven furlongs on Cheltenham's unique Cross Country course. The 11 runners are headed by course specialist Garde Champetre, seeking his sixth win over the course. His trainer Enda Bolger also runs Chamirey. Garde Champetre had to settle for second best at The Open last month when he was runner-up to the Willie Mullins-trained Uncle Junior, who re-opposes tomorrow and whose stablemate Scotsirish, a winner over the banks course at Punchestown last month, has also been declared.
Action kicks off tomorrow at 12.00pm with the Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Novices' Chase (four declarations) and also includes the Caspian Caviar Handicap Hurdle (12.35pm, 13 declarations), the CF Roberts Electrical & Mechanical Services Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase (1.10pm, nine declarations), the Citipost Handicap Hurdle (2.55pm) and the EBF Jenny & Mark Pitman Gold Syndicates 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle Qualifier (3.30pm, nine declarations).