30 Irish Trained Entries in 2004 Martell Cognac Grand National.

A total of 122 entries were unveiled yesterday for the 2004 Martell Cognac Grand National, worth #600,000 and run at Aintree on Saturday, April 3, with one of the highest-class fields ever set to line up for the world?s most famous chase this year.

Two previous Martell Cognac Grand National winners, last year?s scorer Monty?s Pass and the 2002 victor Bindaree, are engaged again with the entries including six of last year?s first eight finishers.

Those entered include the French-trained First Gold, runaway winner of last season?s Martell Cognac Cup at Aintree, last season?s AON Chase victor Valley Henry, 2003 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup third Harbour Pilot, Tripleprint Gold Cup winner Fondmort, Peter Marsh Chase scorer Artic Jack, the 2002 Martell Cognac Grand second What?s Up Boys, as well as Swansea Bay, whose four wins this season include the Edward Hanmer Chase at Haydock.

Rince Ri, an eyecatching second at Fairyhouse on Sunday, and the 2002 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup second Commanche Court, are part of a 30-strong entry from Ireland and their trainer Ted Walsh - successful in the 2000 Martell Cognac Grand National with Papillon - is hoping to run both horses at Liverpool.

'I definitely hope that Commanche Court and Rince Ri run at Aintree in the Martell Cognac Grand National,' said Walsh. 'I just hope that the handicapper is kind to them and am of course looking forward to the race. One of them will come over to England this weekend (for the Pillar Property Chase at Cheltenham) - probably Rince Ri.'

Ireland?s challenge also includes the progressive What Odds, who races in the same ownership as Monty?s Pass, Willie Mullins? seven entries include the novice Rule Supreme, Trevor Hemmings? Coral Welsh National third Hedgehunter, who ran in yesterday?s Thyestes Chase, while Davids Lad and Timbera, winners of the Irish National in 2001 and 2003, add further weight to the challenge from across the Irish Sea.

Clan Royal, one of nine entries for owner J P McManus and a winner at Aintree on his last two starts and the Ginger McCain-trained Amberleigh House, who finished third last year, came first and second in this season?s thrilling Tote Becher Chase over the National fences at Aintree. The 2003 fourth Gunner Welburn is another with strong claims while an intriguing entry is Royal Altalza, a half-brother to Royal Rosa with winning form in France now owned by the flamboyant Terry Ramsden, one of the best-known racehorse owners in the 1980s, whose Mr Snugfit finished fourth in 1986. Charles Barnett, Aintree?s Managing Director, commented: 'We are delighted with the entry and in particular the quality. It is clear from the 30 Irish entries that after three victories in the last five years, they are keen to capture the prize again.

'Looking through the entries it is already clear that there are many great stories that could unfold, as always seems to be the case with the Martell Cognac Grand National.'

THE MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL.