24 remain in the Cheltenham Gold Cup after latest bout of declarations

Last year's winner Lord Windemere remains in the field but some big names have stepped out.

Four weeks from now we will be in full swing at the Cheltenham Festival so the excitement for the big week is building. That is only heightened by the latest round of declarations for the big one, the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The lateest round sees 24 left in the field, with 11 bowing out. Among those stepping out are Al Ferof, who was stood down for the season last week and Dynaste, winner of last year's Ryanair Chase, who also went on the injured list last week. That said, it is still a very strong field, and with 12 of the 24 entries now trained in Ireland, including second favourite Road To Riches from Noel Meade's yard, it looks like a good race for Irish punters, if we have any money left by the last day of the Festival.

Cheltenham Gold Cup - 24 entries remain, 11 withdrawals Who's your fancy? pic.twitter.com/dXhUzVxWD0 — Francis Keogh (@HonestFrank) February 11, 2015