THE early closing entries stage for the 57th running of the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on December 28 has attracted 88 horses representing England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Seven horses currently represent Irish trainers Willie Mullins and Tony Martin with Silver By Nature entered by the Scotland-based Lucinda Russell.

Welsh counterparts Rebecca Curtis, Evan Williams, Tim Vaughan, Peter Bowen, Dai Burchell and Debra Hamer have multiple entries for their yards.

Curtis' duo are Tea For Three and Boyfromnowhere, with the former finishing a gallant second in last year’s epic battle against the Michael Scudamore-trained Monbeg Dude.

Explaining Tea for Three’s seasonal campaign, Curtis said: “Tea For Three was late coming in and to be honest, he’s not likely to run as we would need a prep run ahead of the race, which is only five weeks away.

"We’ll be looking to be ready for January and to line-up once again in the Grand National.

"Boyfromnowhere (14-1 with Coral) will definitely run," she added. "He’ll have a nice break now, which will be ideal ahead of the big race on December 28.”

Somerset trainer Paul Nicholls dominates the entries for the £100,000 Coral Welsh Grand National with seven likely contenders in Tidal Bay, The Minack, Join Together, Rocky Creek, Poungach, Sam Winner and Hawkes Point.

Phil Bell, south west regional director at Chepstow said: “We were delighted to see 88 quality entries from all over the UK and Ireland with plenty of Welsh contenders among them.

"The Coral Welsh Grand National is always a tremendous race and this year looks like it’ll be a particularly competitive renewal.”

Gates open at 10am for Chepstow’s biggest race meeting of the season with a £190,000 total prize-pool. The seven racecard comes under starters orders at 12.05pm with the last race at 3.35pm.

The Welsh national anthem will be sung by Britain's Got Talent finalists Richard and Adam. They will be joined on the day by Welsh sporting legends, celebrating a fantastic year for Welsh sport, and racegoers will be able to have their photograph taken with the Six Nations Trophy, which will be on display throughout the day.

Tickets can be purchased on the day from £20 or visit chepstow-racecourse.co.uk for more information.

Coral Welsh Grand National prices (as of November 20): 12/1 Highland Lodge; 14/1 Boyfromnowhere, Goulanes, Hawkes Point, Merry King, Panther Claw, Rocky Creek, Super Duty, Vesper Bell; 16/1 Alfie Sherrin, Godsmejudge, Goonyella, Mountainous, On His Own, Teaforthree, Tidal Bay, Well Refreshed, Wyck Hill, Victors Serenade, Vintage Star