Irish horses are well represented at the latest forfeit stage for the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on April 8.
Last year's winner Hedgehunter, 2005 Betfred Gold Cup hero Jack High, recent Naas winner Sir Oj, last season's Irish National hero Numbersixvalverde and Garvivonnian, who finished second in the Grade 2 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday for
trainer Ned Mitchell will spearhead the challenge from this side of the Irish Sea.
The latter, who won the totesport Becher Chase at Aintree in November, is now set to go for the National without another run.
"He ran very well at the weekend, when he was meeting the winner Forget The Past all wrong at the weights, and he was having his first run since finishing third over 2m 6f in a Listed race at Tramore on New Year's Day when the distance was too short," said Mitchell, who trains just seven horses at his Co Limerick yard.
"It's straight to Aintree now and he'll be happy going there fresh
hopefully we can keep him healthy until then."
"We would have been second reserve last year, when we had 10st 1lb, but didn't take it and that's why we went for the Becher Chase this time, to not only give him experience over the fences but also so that he would go up in the handicap a little as well. Things have worked out so far and he's got 10st 6lb, which seems an ideal weight."
"I hope Garrett Cotter will be on board, although he has partnered Jack High as well and the ground shouldn't be a worry, he'd go on good or softer."
Ante-post favourite Clan Royal and Saturday's Racing Post Chase hero Innox are just two of a powerful 11-strong J P McManus-owned contingent for the marathon event which has 122 horses still standing.
Martin Pipe still has 20 entries in the world's most famous chase, while Paul Nicholls has nine engaged including last season's runner-up Royal Auclair and Silver Birch, who has failed to sparkle on his last two runs.
Aintree legend Ginger McCain has promised to pass over his training licence to son Donald if either 2004 hero Amberleigh House or Ebony Light provides him with a unique fifth John Smith's Grand National success, while among the less well-known trainers bidding for a victory are Leicestershire-based Ben Pollock, represented by A Glass In Thyne, and Tom George, who oversees the well-backed Lord Of Illusion.
