Court heads Irish National field Commanche Court, a gallant runner-up to Best Mate in the Gold Cup, heads a field of 19 declared for the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday.Also in the line up is Midlands National scorer The Bunny Boiler, one of three Noel Meade-trained runners along with Arctic Copper and Oa Baldixe.Curragh trainer Dessie Hughes also launches a three-pronged assault on the ?106,580 winners prize, principally with Rathbawn Prince and three-time course winner Timbera and also stable companion Delgany Royal, twice a winner at the venue.Arthur Moore, successful with Feathered Gale in 1996, is two handed with More Than A Stroll and the grey Ellenjay while Venetia Williams sends sole British raider Trouble Ahead bidding to become the first British-trained winner since Mudahim and Jason Titley scored for Jenny Pitman in 1997. Paddy Mullins, who has won the Irish Grand National four times, his latest success coming compliments of Luska in 1981, is represented by Cregg House, a creditable runner-up to Royal Auclair in the Cathcart Chase at Cheltenham over two weeks ago.'The going is currently good to yielding and by this evening I expect it to be good as it is another fine drying day. The latest weather forecast suggests we may escape the rain on Monday but not on Sunday,' said course manager Dick Sheil at lunchtime Friday. The big race is due off at 3.50pm on Monday afternoon and will be the highlight of RTE`s extensive Fairyhouse racing coverage.
