Former Irish champion jockey Charlie Swan will visit Musselburgh for the first time as a trainer when he saddles three runners at the Edinburgh course today.

Swan runs Hot Bunny in the Tom Mcconnell Memorial Juvenile Novices' Hurdle, This Is Serious in the McNair Novices' Handicap Hurdle and newcomer Heroic in the bumper. "I've ridden at Musselburgh though I never had winner," said Swan.

"I'm sending horses to the Scottish track because there aren't enough races at home at this time of year. In addition the ground is suitable. You never know if I'm successful tomorrow I might make a few more sorties."

There is, however, a precautionary inspection at 7.30 this morning because of the threat of frost.

Swan should not return to his Co Tipperary base empty-handed with his six-year-old, This Is Serious, having sound claims in the J R McNair Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

This Is Serious showed improved form at Down Royal last month when finishing a three-and-a-half-length second to Back To Bavaria in a 20-runner handicap.

A repetition of that form would be good enough to see This Is Serious open his account.

Swan, who rides all three himself, runs Hot Bunny in the opening Tom Mcconnell Memorial Juvenile Novices' Hurdle but the four-year-old may have to give best to Pertino, who finished a six-length second to the useful Mixsterthetrixster at Kelso last time.

Swan has Heroic in the Weatherbys Stars of Tomorrow Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race. However, this contest can go to the promising Winter- tide, who scored in good style at Catterick on his debut in January.

Tattersalls tickets for Queen Mother Champion Chase day at Cheltenham on Wednesday, March 15th have sold out with less than 2,500 Club badges and 1,500 Courage best tickets still available.

All three days of the National Hunt Festival are all-ticket with a capacity of 50,000 on each of three days. Tote Gold Cup day (March 16th) is already a sell-out and tickets for Smurfit Champion Hurdle day (March 14th) are selling strongly. Cheltenham managing director Edward Gillespie said: "Race-goers not having booked tickets or badges are advised to move quickly to avoid disappointment."