Legion of supporters set to follow leading festival contender Maughreen over to Cheltenham

Leading Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle fancy Maughreen will have a legion of supporters roaring her on at Cheltenham as 80 members of the Closutton Racing Club will descend on the Cotswolds to see their star mare in action for what would be an emotional success for those who knew her namesake, the late Maureen O'Brien.

The syndicate suffered a blow 12 months ago as the unbeaten six-year-old was ruled out of the festival with a late setback when favourite for the Champion Bumper after creating a huge impression when darting 11 lengths clear in a Punchestown bumper.

Following a year off the track, Maughreen made a successful return in excellent style when landing a mares' maiden hurdle by five lengths in January and the well-bred daughter of Walk In The Park, whose dam is a half-sister to the legendary Faugheen, is a 7-2 chance to give trainer Willie Mullins his first win in the race since Concertista in 2020.