Find out who remains in contention for Ascot's Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle on Saturday

Strong Leader could attempt to land a second top-level success in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday, with a field of 12 in contention at the five-day confirmation stage.

Trained by Olly Murphy, the seven-year-old ended last season with victory in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in April, before scoring in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle on his reappearance last month.

Last year's winner Crambo was also among the confirmations on Monday as Fergal O'Brien bids to become only the fifth trainer to win the race for a second successive year.

A quarter of the confirmations are representatives from Ireland, with the now JP McManus-owned The Wallpark looking to complete a five-timer for Gordon Elliott after landing a Pertemps qualifier at Cheltenham in October.

Grade 2 winner Hiddenvalley Lake, who finished third behind Strong Leader at Aintree, could make his first start of the season for Henry de Bromhead, while Eagle Fang and Shoot First have been confirmed by William Durkan and Charles Byrnes respectively.

Paul Nicholls, who won the race on three successive occasions with Big Buck's between 2009-11, is responsible for Blueking D'Oroux, who was last seen finishing second to Lucky Place in the Ascot Hurdle last month.

Dan Skelton has confirmed Langer Dan and Kateira, while runaway Berkshire National hero Beauport, the Gary and Josh Moore-trained Botox Has, and Kerryhill also feature at this stage.

Long Walk Hurdle confirmations

Beauport Nigel Twiston-Davies
Blueking D'Oroux Paul Nicholls
Botox Has Gary and Josh Moore
Crambo Fergal O'Brien
Eagle Fang William Durkan
Hiddenvalley Lake Henry de Bromhead
Kateira Dan Skelton
Kerryhill Ruth Jefferson
Langer Dan Dan Skelton
Shoot First Charles Byrnes
Strong Leader Olly Murphy
The Wallpark Gordon Elliott

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