Nicky Henderson has been backed heavily in recent days to be the Champion trainer at the Cheltenham Festival.

Reigning champion Willie Mullins remains odds-on to regain the crown he has won for the last four years, but Henderson – twice an ex-winner himself – is seeing his odds com

Henderson is now rated at 11/4 from 7/2 with Mullins moving out to 4/7.

Henderson has one one of the few ‘bankers’ of the meeting left in the shape of Arkle favourite Altior. He is 20/1 to have a treble on the opening day with potential in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Champion Hurdle as well as the Arkle.

Liam Glynn, BoyleSports spokesperson said “We have seen a surge in support for Nicky Henderson to be the top trainer at this year’s Cheltenham Festival resulting in his price being cut into 11/4 from 7/2 on Tuesday morning.

“At present Willie Mullins is very weak in the market and has been eased to 4/7 with all the money for Henderson.

“The Seven barrows handler has a very strong team of horses heading to the Festival this year and four or more winners for Nicky has already seen some interest at 7/1.”

Champion Cheltenham trainer odds with BoyleSports:
Willie Mullins 4/7
Nicky Henderson 11/4
Gordon Elliott 5/1
Paul Nicholls 16/1
Colin Tizzard 20/1
Alan King 50/1
Dan Skelton 50/1
David Pipe 50/1
Henry De Bromhead 66/1