'We're going through a transition' - Rich Ricci in search for more star talent

Rich Ricci might not have the firepower of previous seasons lined up for the Cheltenham Festival, but the leading owner's passion for racing remains strong and he is hoping his reinvestment in youth will start to pay off.

Although Sharjah has kept the Grade 1 victories flowing this term, Ricci does not possess his usual galaxy of stars for jump racing's biggest meeting of the season in March.

Last September festival regular Min joined the likes of other Willie Mullins-trained stars Faugheen, Douvan and Benie Des Dieux in retirement, while at the same time Ricci suffered the blow of seeing Monkfish ruled out for the season.

Monkfish had been vying for Gold Cup favouritism after providing Ricci with his sole winner at last season's festival in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.

Monkfish: was vying for favouritism in the Gold Cup before injury struckCredit: Tim Goode (Getty Images)

The owner and wife Susannah have celebrated a total of 18 Cheltenham winners, including back-to-back Champion Hurdles with Faugheen (2015) and Annie Power (2016), and since 2012 they have endured a blank week only once, in 2019.

This year's team could include Sharjah, Chacun Pour Soi and Royale Pagaille, who recorded back-to-back wins in Saturday's Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock.

"We've had a very difficult year, it's been tough," said Ricci. "I bought a lot of horses when Gigginstown left Willie's yard and they weren't very good. We tried to support Willie and it was good, but last year I was disappointed with some of them.

"We've had a lot of injuries so we've restocked and are going through a transition. All those great horses have gone and we've bought more. I've got lots of bumper horses and hurdlers for next year, so we're hoping there's some nice ones coming through."

Ricci, 58, opted for a change of approach when sending Royale Pagaille to be trained in Britain by Venetia Williams and the decision has been rewarded with the eight-year-old developing into a top-class chaser.

The American banker, who is looking forward to his well-touted Mercurey making his debut at Gowran on Thursday, was pleased to pay his first visit to Haydock to see Royale Pagaille in the flesh for the first time.

"I've not been racing for a while because of the restrictions and it doesn't matter what the weather is doing, you can't beat it," he said. "It's a fantastic game and my passion for it has not died."

Royale Pagaille (near side) defied top weight to win his second Peter Marsh on SaturdayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Following his brilliant weight-carrying victory in the Peter Marsh, Royale Pagaille was cut to 16-1 (from 25) for the Gold Cup, a race in which he finished sixth last season.

"He's a very good horse," said Ricci. "Last year in the Gold Cup he tore off the front of his foot and after the race he was so lame it took three months for him to recover. He lost two shoes in the race as well and still finished sixth.

"We'll see what happens, but on that rating you've got to have another go. Maybe the track doesn't suit, but there's nothing else for him."

Gold Cup entries and betting

Read these next:

'Venetia is brilliant' - Rich Ricci nails it as Royale Pagaille turns back time

Next stop Supreme? Unbeaten Jonbon pushed out to 4-1 after Haydock win

'Champions always find a way' - stunning Shishkin beats Energumene in epic

Dual National hero Tiger Roll well beaten on return to action at Navan

New Sky Bet customers can get £20 in free bets. New customers only. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 2 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.