Eile engaged for Aintree heat

Al Eile features among 17 horses engaged in Saturday’s Scottish And Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle.

John Queally’s talented gelding will bid for a hat-trick of wins in the Grade One contest after landing the 2005 and 2007 renewals.

He also won at the Liverpool Festival as a four-year-old novice four years ago.

Al Eile could be joined in the two-and-a-half-miler by compatriots Aitmatov, Kalderon and Lounaos, while Champion Hurdle runner-up Osana heads the home defence.

David Pipe could also run Lough Derg, while champion trainer Paul Nicholls entered smart novice Elusive Dream and Kicks For Free, who came within a whisker of landing the Coral Cup.

Nicky Henderson could also be doubly represented with Afsoun and Chomba Womba.

Chivalry, Kawagino, Mephisto, My Way De Solzen, Souffleur, Special Envoy and Straw Bear complete the potential line-up.