Renowned trainer Willie Mullins is set to lead half of the field in the upcoming Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, eyeing an unprecedented eighth victory in the prestigious opening race.
Mullins, hailing from Closutton, made his mark in 1995 with Tourist Attraction and has since clinched wins with notable horses like Ebaziyan, Champagne Fever, and Vautour to name a few. This year, his formidable team includes Tullyhill, who, despite a shaky debut, has bounced back with impressive wins. Mystical Power, with a prestigious lineage, has also caught the eye after a convincing victory in the Grade Two Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle.
Adding to Mullins' strong squad are French import Mistergif and the outsiders Asian Master, Gold Dancer, and Supersundae. Mullins expressed satisfaction with his team's preparation, highlighting Tullyhill's improvement and Mystical Power's surprising form on the track.
Joining the Irish contenders is Gordon Elliott's Firefox, aiming for redemption after a lacklustre performance in his last outing. Meanwhile, Henry de Bromhead's Slade Steel will be another strong contender, opting for this event to avoid facing the formidable Ballyburn.
Jeriko Du Reponet, under Nicky Henderson's guidance, is a promising British hope, with Henderson expressing confidence in the unbeaten five-year-old's abilities. Ben Pauling's Tellherthename, fresh from a resounding victory at Huntingdon, is not to be underestimated, with the trainer optimistic about his chances.
Favour And Fortune boasts solid form but trainer Alan King hopes for better ground conditions to truly showcase the horse's potential. Rounding up the field is Irish longshot Kings Hill, under the tutelage of Paul Gilligan, who recently secured a maiden win at Thurles.