Nine Irish among 43 Foxhunters' entries

Eugene O'Sullivan's Juveigneur heads nine Irish hunter chasers are among the 43 entries for the Foxhunters' Chase at Cheltenham on March 13.

Ex-Nicky Henderson trained Juveigneur, once rated in the 150s over fences, is unbeaten in three Irish point to point starts this season and possibly rates Ireland's best chance of winning this year's renewal.

John Costello's 7yo gelding Carronhills is also an intended runner, while the gelding's recent Leopardstown conqueror Agus A Vic does not figure in this year's entries following a poor showing at last year's Festival.

Another notable absentee is Enda Bolger's potentially very interesting 6yo An Siorrac, who is set to stay home this year.

The Irish entries are: Backstage (trainer G Elliott), Lydon House (G Elliott), Juveigneur (E M O'Sullivan), Jamadiel (S Slevin), Dublin Hunter (G Elliott), Carronhills (John J Costello), Chief Oscar (B R Hamilton), Model Son (W Magill) and Royal Blood (J P Dempsey).