Horse racing: Supreme entry from Pipe

Martin Pipe has entered an incredible 32 horses for the Gerrard Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, entries for which were revealed today.

Pipe’s team for the £90,000 race is headed by Westender, who already has two Cheltenham victories to his credit, and Samon who is owned by footballers Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler.

Ante-post favourite Miros, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, is also set to take a place in the line-up after scoring an impressive win in the Grade One Gerrard Tolworth Hurdle.

JP McManus could be represented by Christy Roche’s Like-A-Butterfly, who also holds an entry in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

The Irish contingent may also include Willie Mullins’ Pierse Handicap Hurdle winner Adamant Approach and the former high-class Flat performer Dalampour, now with Ted Walsh after leaving Sir Michael Stoute.

The race has attracted a record 156 entries this year and Francois Doumen could add another international element to the contest with both Barito and Sir Peter O’Sullevan’s Never in the acceptors.

An interesting entry is Nicky Henderson’s Irish Hussar, who was impressive when winning a Sandown bumper last season.