EIGHT different Irish trainers could be represented in the Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle but unsurprisingly it is Willie Mullins who holds the most entries in the race.

Mullins has 13 of the 23 Irish entries in a 40-strong field. The Irish champion trainer has yet to taste defeat in this contest since its inauguration three years ago and sent out Champion Hurdle contender Laurina to win here last season. However, Mullins’s shortest-priced runner this year, the J.P. McManus-owned Sancta Simona, is currently available at 14/1 in a market headed by the same owner’s Epatante, who is trained by Nicky Henderson.

Henry de Bromhead could be well represented by graded winners Honeysuckle and Sinoria in the race which this year will have a new sponsor. Previously backed solely by Trull House Stud, the race will now be run under the National Hunt breeders supported by Tattersalls banner which involves a teaming up of Trull House with Shade Oak Stud, Upton Viva Stud, James and Jean Potter Ltd, Martyn Meade Racing and Overbury Stud.

Pacha Du Polder, winner of the St James’s Place Foxhunter Chase for two years running, is among the 35 entries revealed for the race this week. There were 12 Irish entries including the Enda Bolger-trained favourite Stand Up And Fight, both the Gordon Elliott-trained Ucello Conti and Kruzhlinin, and Gearoid O’Loughlin’s Sidetracked.