Min heads merciless Willie Mullins team in Novices’ Hurdle

Ante-post favourite Min heads a mammoth initial entry of 18 horses for Willie Mullins in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on March 15th.

The five-year-old has won each of his two starts for Mullins, most recently triumphing in a Grade Two event at Punchestown.

He also has Tolworth Hurdle winner Yorkhill in the mix as the Closutton handler bids to extend his domination in a race he has landed with Champagne Fever, Vautour and Douvan for the last three seasons.

Thirty-one entries hail from Ireland, with other leading hopes including Gordon Elliott’s Tombstone, Supasundae from Henry de Bromhead’s yard and Dermot Weld’s 2014 Champion Bumper winner Silver Concorde.

The home defence is led by Nicky Henderson, who has made five entries, including Altior and Buveur D'Air.