Naas Grade 1 attracts top class entries Willie Mullins is responsible for five of the 16 horses still in contention for the Lawlor's Hotel Novice Hurdle at Naas on Sunday. Formerly known as the Slaney Novice Hurdle, the two-and-a-half-mile contest has been upgraded to Grade One status for 2015 and a fascinating contest is in store. Mikael D'Haguenet (2009) and last year's scorer Briar Hill are among the champion trainer's previous winners and heading this year's team is Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite Douvan, so impressive on his Irish debut at Gowran Park. The imposing Tell Us More, who like Douvan also holds an entry in Saturday's Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown, Black Hercules, Killer Crow and Mckinley complete the master of Closutton's formidable hand. Gordon Elliott is also well represented, with Navan Novice Hurdle winner No More Heroes joined by unbeaten stable companion Free Expression, as well as Fort Smith and Lord Scoundrel. Other interesting contenders include the Margaret Mullins-trained Martello Tower, Tony Martin's Marinero and On Impulse from Ted Walsh''s yard. Tom Ryan, manager of Naas, commented: "Year after year graduates from this race have tasted success at all the major festivals. "Champions such as Briar Hill, Champagne Fever, Very Wood, Rule The World, Lyreen Legend, Mikael D'Haguenet, Monksland, Trafford Lad and Venalmar, as well as the 2014 Crabbie's Grand National winner Pineau De Re have run in this race and with such strong entries from the leading trainers in Ireland we look forward to seeing what stars will be unearthed this year."
