Nicholls duo head Festival entries

Declarations were made today for the five Grade 1 races at the Cheltenham Festival with the last two totesport Gold Cup winners among 28 left in chasing's blue riband event.

Both Denman and Kauto Star stand their ground for the £475,000 Gold Cup together with five other inmates from the Ditcheat yard of champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

A total of 29 remain in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the Festival on 10 March. Binocular, Punjabi and Sentry Duty give Nicky Henderson a strong hand, while Brave Inca is one of four former winners still in contention to take part.

The World Hurdle has attracted 24 entries, while there are 19 possible challengers to Master Minded in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The Ryanair Chase has the most entries of the Grade 1 events with 35 acceptors.