WILLIE MULLINS has entered a raft of superstars including multiple Cheltenham Festival heroes for Plumpton's Sussex Champion Hurdle.
The Irish trainer is going all out in his bid to win a second British jumps trainer title in a row.
He closed the gap to Dan Skelton to just £1,431 over the weekend thanks to a .
And now it appears he is taking aim at a slighter lesser Champion Hurdle than he is used to contending.
Mullins has entered a whole load of big names in Plumpton's Sussex Champion Hurdle on Sunday.
The £75,000 contest is worth £39,022 to the winner – an amount that could prove huge come the end of the season despite the millions and millions up for grabs.
Among ‘ entries is multiple Grade 1-winning superstar Sir Gerhard.
The two-time Cheltenham Festival winner – who claimed the Champion Bumper and Ballymore – won a charity race in February but hasn't finished better than third under rules in three runs this season.
If he retains his old class then he could still prove too hot to handle even at the age of ten.
Former County Hurdle king Absurde, along with this year's winner Kargese, have also been entered.
They were both entered in the Scottish Champion Hurdle last weekend but didn't run.
The much talked-about Kopeck De Mee could make it third time lucky.
He has been entered after disappointing in the Martin Pipe despite being backed off the boards before the off, and finishing second in an Aintree Grade 3 on Grand National weekend.
Mullins has also entered Grade 3 winner Daddy Long Legs, Royal Bond winner Tounsivator and Lot Of Joy.
Expect to see more of his big names over here in the coming weeks, including the likes of Lossiemouth.
She could run at Sandown on their big jumps season finale on April 26, with Mullins recently saying it's not out of the question.
His battalion of superstars will also be on show in Ireland, where the big Fairyhouse Easter meetings and Punchestown Festival are fast-approaching.
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