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.