Sky Bet non-runner no bet on the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival.

Sponsors Sky Bet are now betting non-runner no bet on the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the opening race of the Cheltenham Festival.

The Leeds-based bookmaker are in their second year of sponsoring the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

The first running was won by Vautour, trained by Willie Mullins and owned by Mrs Susannah Ricci. 

The same connections are responsible for this year's hot favourite in Douvan who is unbeaten in two starts for Ireland's Champion Trainer.

Mullins has a stranglehold on many of the novice events at next month's Cheltenham Festival and is responsible for the ante-post favourite for each of the three novice hurdles.

Sky Bet Racing PR Manager Michael Shinners said: "We are delighted to announce that we are now non-runner no bet on the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle as well as the four Championship races.

"It's now a case of counting down the days until the famous roar goes up when the runners set off for the Sky Bet Supreme and we're pleased to offer this concession to our customers.

"Willie Mullins has incredible strength and depth to his team, including four of the top six in our betting for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, but his running plans aren't usually finalised until the last minute.

"Punters will now be able to back their fancy safe in the knowledge that they will get their stakes refunded if their fancy decides to swerve Douvan and run elsewhere."

Douvan is the 7/4 favourite for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

The firm then bet: 4/1 L'Ami Serge; 8/1 Jollyallan, Nichols Canyon; 12/1 Shaneshill; 14/1 Alvisio Ville; 16/1 Qewy and 20/1 bar.