Eight in frame in new era for Fontwell's richest race

The Grade 2 £50,000 National Spirit Hurdle is being supported by the Loch Lomond Group, an independent distiller and blender of some of the rarest scotch whiskies in the world who also produce vodkas and gins.

Eleven-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls has won the NSH three times including with Celestial Halo ten years ago. This year he has entered the highly regarded McFabulous, winner of the Grade 2 Unibet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow last October.

Also entered is the 2019 Grade 1 Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle winner Cornerstone Lad from the Micky Hammond yard and If The Cap Fits, successful in the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in 2019.

The eight entries also include Ballyandy, Brewin’upastorm, Call Me Lord, Molly Ollys Wishes and Reserve Tank

It’s 20 years since dual Stayers’ Hurdle winner, Baracouda, won the National Spirit Hurdle for owner JP McManus and trainer Francois Doumen.

The seven race card starts at 2.10pm and is live on Sky Sports Racing.

Other races on the card are being sponsored by Champagne PIAFF, The official Champagne of The Open golf. The company’s chairman is racehorse owner Ashley Head, who has horses in training with Gary Moore, Colin Tizzard, Tom Lacey and Sheena West.