Sporting John ruled out of the Festival

Just 16 remain in the Turners on day three of the Festival, with several of those still holding entries in other races throughout the week.

Galopin Des Champs and L’homme Presse both hold their ground. The former looks the likelier runner of the two with L’homme Presse expected to take on the likes of Ahoy Senor and Bravemansgame on Wednesday.

El Barra still has two entries for the Festival. Earlier today, he was declared for a beginners’ chase at Limerick on Sunday and while Willie Mullins has a few ahead of him in the market for the Turners, he’s a potentially interesting runner in a race that could cut up.

The big news from the Stayers’ Hurdle is that Sporting John (pictured) will miss the Festival. The Grade 1 winner was around a 9-1 shot for the race and also near the head of the market for the Pertemps. He’s now set to target Aintree after a small setback.

In other news, it’s been revealed that Robbie Power will ride last year’s Gold Cup winner, Minella Indo, in this year’s renewal having schooled him earlier in the week.

Sir Gerhard is looking less likely to run in the Supreme on Tuesday after Cheveley Park’s director revealed they were “definitely leaning towards the Ballymore”.

Finally, watering has commenced on the new course with just a few millimetres of rain forecast after today.