Dunguib among bumper Supreme entry

The mighty Dunguib features among 104 entries for the Spinal Research Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 16.

Philip Fenton’s brilliant seven-year-old, winner of last season’s Champion Bumper, is already as short as even-money for the traditional Festival curtain-raiser having won each of his three starts over obstacles with the minimum of fuss.

The Irish have landed seven of the last 10 renewals of the Grade One contest and also among their 36-strong team for this year’s renewal are Dermot Weld’s Rite Of Passage, the Henry de Bromhead-trained Loosen My Load and nine entries for champion trainer Willie Mullins.

Nicky Henderson appears to have the strongest hand of the home team with his seven entries including Oscar Whisky, Bellvano and General Miller.

Philip Hobbs’ Menorah, Donald McCain’s Peddlers Cross and the Alan King-trained Manyriverstocross are just a few of the other interesting contenders.