BOBBYJO ON COURSE FOR FAIRYHOUSE REPEAT Bobbyjo has been given the green light to run in the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday, for which 27 horses were declared today. Tommy Carberry, the 10-year-old's trainer, walked the course this morning before deciding to let Bobbyjo, who will shoulder 12st, take his chance in a race he won two years ago. On his latest start Bobbyjo finished unplaced in the Martell Grand National when bidding for back-to-back wins in the Aintree spectacular. He was badly hampered at the second Becher's but is reported none the worse for the run. The trainer's son Philip said: "There's been not a bother with him since Aintree and he's in good form. "Father walked the course this morning and thought it was good - it wasn't too bad at all so Bobbyjo's going to run." Carberry junior rides Native Status for his father in the National and he added: "He's in good form as well but he's a bit out of the handicap. We are still hoping for a good run." Among Bobbyjo's opponents are eight challengers from Britain including the Coral Welsh National winner Edmond (11st 10lb), who will be trainer Henry Daly's first runner in Ireland and will be ridden by Richard Johnson. The Ferdy Murphy-trained Ackzo, the ante-post favourite since his win in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter, carries 11st 2lb. Other British-trained runners are Red Marauder (Norman Mason), Jocks Cross (Venetia Williams), Lancastrian Jet (Daly), Golden Drum (Venetia Williams), Avanti Express (Charlie Egerton) and Sweep Gently (Sue Smith). Ted Walsh, who won the Grand National with Papillon, has withdrawn Rince Ri and relies on Commanche Court, who was held when brought down three out in the Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival on his latest start. Another leading local hope is Jim Dreaper's Saxophone. The seven-year-old finished a good third to Alexander Banquet last time and would appreciate more rain in the Fairyhouse area. However, conditions for the 29-furlong contest remained unchanged this morning following only a light shower overnight. Racecourse manager Dick Shiel said: "The going is still good to yielding. "We had a mild night with no wind and just a shower. Some parts of the course got wet but other parts stayed dry. There was no heavy water just typical April showers."
