GRAHAM WYLIE is particularly excited by his two entries for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper as he looks forward to next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

Shaneshill and Black Hercules, both trained by Willie Mullins, are unbeaten and have earned the right to carry the colours of Wylie and his wife, Andrea.

Northumberland owner Wylie believes it is difficult to choose between the pair, but they both they have different ground preferences.

‘‘I’m looking forward to my bumper horses Shaneshill and Black Hercules. I think Black Hercules would prefer much softer ground than Shaneshill,’’ he told At The Races.

‘‘Shaneshill does seem to have a good turn of speed towards the end of the race. I think it will be very ground dependant.

“If it comes up fairly soft, then I think Black Hercules would have a good chance.

‘‘Shaneshill has run on soft ground as well, but we think he’s better on better ground.

It will be a difficult decision for the jockey to choose.

‘‘I’m just happy I’ve got two with very good chances and will look forward to the race.’’ It is not clear cut at this stage which races, Felix Yonger and Briar Hill, also trained by Mullins, will go for at Cheltenham.

‘‘(For) Felix Yonger it’s a question of which race he goes into. I know there’s big debate going on about whether it’s the Arkle or the Jewson,’’ he said.

‘‘I think we should wait and see what the ground is like and what the other entries are like nearer the time.

‘‘I’m excited about Briar Hill. Again we’re not sure what race he’ll go in. He’s entered in all three novice hurdles at Cheltenham.

“Willie knows all his horses very well and knows what shape they are in. I’m sure he’ll pick the right race.’’