In the past, Galopin Des Champs, a fellow stablemate who went on to secure two consecutive Gold Cup triumphs, participated in both events as a novice. Despite falling at the final hurdle while comfortably leading in the Turners Novices' Chase at Cheltenham, Galopin Des Champs effortlessly claimed victory a month later.
Although the scheduling of the two races this season only allows for a 19-day gap, trainer Willie Mullins has not completely ruled out the possibility of Gaelic Warrior's participation.
“We did it two years ago, we brought a horse back from Cheltenham to win this, so it can be done. I’ll see how Gaelic Warrior is. He has a huge amount of ability. He won the three-mile novice hurdle at Punchestown that Galopin Des Champs won so I was never worried about his stamina, but the fact he can do this over a shorter trip is fantastic, it shows he has class,” said Mullins.
If Gaelic Warrior is granted additional time for recovery, Blood Destiny will probably attempt to secure Mullins' sixth consecutive victory in the race.
“I’m looking at Blood Destiny, he’s one that could go there. This race has been on my mind a while for him. We’d been trying him at two miles but a different way of riding him – we held him up in Navan – might suit for this race, I think. He has the speed when you need it so if Gaelic Warrior doesn’t come back for it, Blood Destiny could be a good substitute,” Mullins revealed.