A RECORD 89-strong entry has been received for the four-mile National Hunt Chase for amateur riders, in which the ante-post market is led by Black Hercules.

The seven-year-old is unbeaten in two starts over fences, most recently powering to an impressive victory in a listed three-mile contest at Warwick on January 16th.

The race has improved in class considerably and has an entry of no less than 13 from Mullins and also includes graded chase winners Roi Des Frances and Pont Alexandre who filled the first two places in a Grade 2 race at Naas earlier this month. There are a record 35 Irish-trained entries including Monkland from the Noel Meade stable. There are 64 entries in total for the JLT Novices’ Chase. Willie Mullins-trained horses feature very prominently in the ante-post market with last year’s Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle winner Kilultagh Vic and Shaneshill topping the ante-post lists with most bookmakers. Mullins accounts for 14 of the 24 Irish-trained entries, who also include No More Heroes.

Betting: 4/1 Black Hercules, 7/1 Roi Des Francs, 10/1 Onenightinvienna, Rule The World, Southfield Royale