As he bids for his first success in the race, Gordon Elliott is responsible for 10 of the remaining 40 horses in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.
Mala Beach and Lord Scoundrel head Elliott’s team while his Cheltenham Festival winner Cause Of Causes also stands his ground and would carry a 12lbs penalty if let take his chance.
Willie Mullins has left just two in the €275,000 event with Tennis Cap and Mckinley set to carry his hopes, as like Elliott, he goes in search of his first win in the event.
Sandra Hughes is also well represented and has left three horses in with last year’s winner Thunder And Roses and Sub Lieutenant heading her challenge.
Successful with Commanche Court in 2000, Ted Walsh could be represented by Foxrock who is the highest-rated horse remaining in the event.
Thyestes Chase winner My Murphy has been left in by trainer Liam Burke while Noel Meade, who saddled The Bunny Boiler to win in 2002, looks set to be represented by Bonny Kate, the winner of her last three starts.
Jim Dreaper is a four-time winner of the Easter highlight and his hopes this year will be carried by Venitien De Mai, so impressive when successful at Naas last time.
British-based trainers have a good record in Ireland’s richest handicap chase and high-flying Kerry Lee could be represented by Russe Blanc, while Jonjo O’Neill, a winner with Butlers Cabin in 2007 and with Shutthefrontdoor two years ago, has left the hat-trick chasing Another Hero in the contest.
Watch live coverage of the BoyleSports Irish Grand National on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player on Monday 28 March from 1430.
