Britain will be without a runner in Sunday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown for the first time in the race's 13-year history.

A field of just eight was confirmed yesterday for the race, which has fallen to a British raider seven times in the past.

Florida Pearl will be bidding to repeat last year's win for Willie Mullins, who has also left in last week's Thyestes Chase winner, Micko's Dream. Tom Foley has confirmed the 1997 scorer Danoli, who has not raced since October, 1998, will make his reappearance in the race, although the trainer warned that the horse will come on for the race.

Foley said: "He'll need the run very badly on Sunday but we've got to start somewhere.

"We're very happy with him. I gave him a couple of schools on the racecourse, nearly all on the Flat, although we took a couple of fences at Gowran the other day. He's doing everything we ask of him."

Foley added that Danoli will have another run after the Hennessy before deciding whether to run him in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

"If he stays with them for two miles and came out of it good and sound I'd be very happy because I know he'd come on an awful lot from it," Foley said.

"We've got the Red Mills Chase at Gowran a fortnight after that and that would give us a fair idea whether we should go the Cheltenham or forget about it and stay at home."

Danoli, who will be ridden by Tommy Treacy, is a best priced 33 to 1 for the race.

Cashmans make Florida Pearl their 5 to 4 favourite, but Paddy Power have him at 4 to 5, with Rince Ri next at 2 to 1 and Dorans Pride on 6 to 1.

Other acceptors include Grand National entry Buck Rogers and Rince Ri, who beat Florida Pearl in the Ericsson Chase over the course and distance last month.

Acceptors: Bob Treacy (M W Hickey), Buck Rogers (V Bowens), Danoli (T Foley), Dorans Pride (M Hourigan), Florida Pearl (W P Mullins), His Song (M Morris), Micko's Dream (W P Mullins), Rince Ri (T M Walsh).

Alan King is expected to send over Castle Sweep from his Cheltenham stable for the Dr P J Moriarty Novice Chase on the same card. The horse is offer at 5 to 2 for the race, for which Native Upmanship is the 2 to 1 favourite with Paddy Power.

Acceptors: Alexander Banquet, Castle Sweep, Commance Court, Native Upmanship Saxophone, To Your Honour, Roses Of Picardy, Sallies Girl.

Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Geoff Hubbard yesterday handed his licence to assistant Chris Kinane due to failing health.