All the top contenders, including the favourite Nick Rockett, are still in the running for the BoyleSports Irish Grand National (5.00) on Easter Monday. At the latest confirmation stage, 26 horses remained in contention.
Nick Rockett, who is favoured at odds of 7-2 by Paddy Power, could be one of three horses representing Willie Mullins in this prestigious race. The seven-year-old recently finished second to American Mike in a Navan Grade 2 race last month.
Willie Mullins may also field Grade 1 winner Minella Cocooner and We'llhavewan, aiming for his third victory in the past five runnings of the race. He previously won with Burrows Saint in 2019 and I Am Maximus last year.
Other strong contenders, such as Intense Raffles and Desertmore House, have also remained in the race. However, Intense Raffles will have a new jockey due to Daryl Jacob's collarbone injury. Hartur D'Arc, the hero of the Leinster National, and Yeah Man, the winner of the Haydock Grand National Trial, are also highly regarded and could be the two horses representing Gavin Cromwell in the race.
Gordon Elliott has the potential to saddle up to nine runners, including Grade 2 winner Favori De Champdou. Where It All Began, an impressive winner at Punchestown two races ago and fourth-place finisher in the Kim Muir, is also part of Elliott's strong lineup.
Henry de Bromhead is expected to have only one runner, the promising novice Senior Chief. Ted Walsh's popular veteran, Any Second Now, is still in contention as well. Any Second Now has finished in the top positions twice in the Grand National at Aintree, and now has odds of 12-1 for the Irish equivalent, down from 40-1 earlier this month.
At the latest stage, seven horses were withdrawn from the race: Ontheropes, Tullybeg, Fakir D’Alene, Grandero Bello, Brideswell Lad, Paul Marvel, and Dorking Cork. Additionally, on Fairyhouse's race card, Sir Gerhard, who had a disappointing performance at the Cheltenham Festival, may attempt a comeback in the Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle (3.50).
The nine-year-old will compete in the 2m4f Grade 2 race alongside stablemates Zarak The Brave and Asterion Forlonge. Brewin'upastorm, trained by Olly Murphy, adds an intriguing British entry to the race.