Elliott bidding for first Irish Grand National

Cheltenhm Gold Cup-winning trainer Gordon Elliott has 10 of the remaining 40 horses in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday next as he bids for his first success in the showpiece of the Easter Festival at the Meath track.

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 12lb penalty if let take his chance.

Noel Meade saddled The Bunny Boiler to win in 2002 with Ross Geraghty on board and this year looks set to be represented by Bonny Kate, the winner of her last three starts.

Jim Dreaper is a four-time winner of the race and his hopes this year will be carried by Venitien De Mai, so impressive when successful at Naas last time.

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 which is the highest-rated horse remaining in the race.

Thyestes Chase winner My Murphy has been left in by trainer Liam Burke.

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 Shutthefrontdoor two years ago, has left the hat-trick chasing Another Hero in the contest.

Fairyhouse Racecourse manager Peter Roe said, “It looks like being another competitive BoyleSports Irish Grand National with the prospect of another fairytale looking very probable. The ground is currently good to yielding with rain forecast for Thursday and Saturday but mainly dry thereafter.”