Entries for the 131st running of the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National due to take place at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday April 1st closed this afternoon. The race, the highlight of the four-day Easter Festival which begins on Sunday March 31st.
Among the likely entries in search of the E107,000 winner's purse could be 2000 winner Commanche Court and runner-up that year Foxchapel King, both of which are set to line up in tomorrow's Tote Gold Cup. Also likely to figure among the entries for the 3m5f stamina test which will be officially unveiled next week are Rathbawn Prince, a gallant runner-up to David's Lad in last year's encounter, and the veteran Dorans Pride.
2000 Aintree Grand National hero Papillon is another possible entry while exciting novices Harbour Pilot, Oa Baldixe and Give Over may also figure. Possible cross-channel contenders include William Hill Handicap Chase victor Frenchman's Creek, Kim Muir hero The Bushkeeper and Gold Cup hopefuls Marlborough and Whats Up Boys.
Filed by Laura Reynolds
