Cheltenham and Aintree are already on Ted Walsh's mind as he plans campaigns for his three stable stars. The Kildare trainer has his sights set on a repeat bid on the Grand National with Papillon.

And Irish Grand National hero Commanche Court, along with Rince Ri, will both be campaigned with the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup in mind.

Plans remain fairly fluid for the trio with races like the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on December 10th or the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas possible for any of the three.

Papillon, who was ridden at exercise yesterday by Walsh's son Ruby, may start off this season over timber, as long as he gets his preferred good ground.

Walsh explained: "Papillon could win a hurdle race no problems, he's rated 114 and if one presents itself that's where he'll go.

"He could run in a couple of weeks if the ground was presentable.

"He'll probably run in some of those chases like the John Durkan or the Ericsson to keep him ticking over."

Commanche Court could be back in action within a week but Rince Ri, who fell three out when still in contention in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last year, may return a little later.

Walsh said of the latter: "He might run before the Ericsson, he might have an entry in the John Durkan Memorial but it's just coming a bit quick for him. All the races are very competitive and you have to be near concert pitch.

"Rince Ri I think could hopefully be a Gold Cup horse and hopefully win a couple of good races before that.

"Ruby said he would have been placed in the Gold Cup if he'd stayed up and if that is right he's got a big race in him.

"Commanche Court hasn't got the huge scope of the other two but he's done well.

"The plan is to run him in either the Grade Two Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown this Saturday, or at Naas the following Saturday in the Poplar Chase and then hopefully go for the John Durkan."

Walsh, who only has a yard of around 20 horses, knows it will be hard to match last season's exploits.

"I'm very fortunate to have three horses of their calibre in a small yard at the one time," Walsh added.

"It will be very hard to emulate last year but if they win one good race each then everyone will be happy enough.

"I suppose when a horse wins a race like the English National it is impossible to better that - unless you win it again they'll say I didn't have as good a year as last year - but that's what Papillon's aim will be again and hopefully he'll win that."

There will be record prize money of £1.5 million sterling on offer over the three days of the 2001 Grand National meeting, it was announced yesterday. The increase has been targeted at the supporting races.

Speaking at Walsh's stables, Aintree's managing director, Charles Barnett, said: "This is yet another record for Aintree and I am delighted that year on year we have been able to significantly improve prize money levels."

There will also be a £10,000 prize for the top trainer over the National fences this season.