Noble Endeavor who went so close to winning at Cheltenham last year in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle, will bid to go one better at Prestbury Park next month.

The Flemensfirth gelding was just touched off by Killultagh Vic at the Festival last year, and has been sent over fences this season winning at Down Royal.

The Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old subsequently filled the runner-up spot behind Measureofmydreams when stepped up to Grade 2 company in the Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan last Sunday.

Elliott, speaking in his latest BoyleSports blog, said “I was very pleased with Noble Endeavour in the Ten Up at the weekend. It was a step up in grade for him and I feel he acquitted himself well.

"He has entries in a few races at Cheltenham but the likely target is the National Hunt Chase. Four miles is unknown territory but on better ground, I think he should stay it.”

Elliott is also looking forward to the Crabbie's Grand National, a race that really launched his career when Silver Birch recorded a memorable triumph in 2007.

He said “I’ve six entered in the race, and the two most likely to run are Ucello Conti and Cause of Causes.

"I’m training Our Father now for the Johnson Family as they felt a change of scenery would do him good. I trained Jessies Dream for the late David Johnson and it’s great that they have another horse in the yard.”