Balthazar King looks to make an amazing comeback

After winning the race in both 2014 and 2012 a decision was made to skip the three-mile-six-furlong prize last year in favour of keeping him fresh for the Crabbie’s Grand National.

However, the 12-year-old broke several ribs in a fall at the Canal Turn and his life – and career – hung in the balance.

In a testament to both the character of the horse and the patience of his owners and trainer Philip Hobbs, the popular veteran will now bid to claim his ninth – and most significant – course victory at Cheltenham on his long-awaited return to action after almost a year off.

Champion jockey-elect Richard Johnson, who has partnered Balthazar King to victory on 15 occasions, believing he represents one of his best chances of the entire meeting. Johnson said: “He is in fantastic order and feels brilliant at home.”

Yorkshire hopes on day two of the National Hunt Festival rest with Micky Hammond’s Just Cameron – the mount of Sheffield-born Joe Colliver – in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Meanwhile, Tim Easterby saddles Our Thomas, victorious at Wetherby’s season-opening meeting in the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle. The Great Habton trainer won the 2014 renewal with Hawk High and teams up, once again, with North Yorkshire jockey Brian Hughes.

It could be a big day for Hughes – he also rides Sandy Thomson’s Seeyouatmidnight in the RSA Chase and the veteran Somersby in the Champion Chase.

Owner Rich Ricci has apologised to any punters who are feeling “let down” following the decision to run Vautour in the Ryanair Chase tomorrow rather than in the Timico Gold Cup a day later.

Ricci was reported to have said that Vautour would run in the Gold Cup or not at all at Cheltenham – a statement the owner does not deny. However, he said the switch was made “in the best interests of the horse”.