Fry looking forward to Fletchers Flyer's raid Harry Fry believes his previous successful visit to Ireland will stand Fletchers Flyer in good stead when he takes on the might of the Gigginstown House Stud battalion in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday. Fletchers Flyer lifted a competitive handicap chase over three and three-quarter miles at the Punchestown Festival last April and has been specially prepared for the Easter Monday showpiece. Rested until December, Fletchers Flyer has just had the two starts this season and arrives at the Co Meath venue a fresh horse. "It's been the plan all season," said Dorset-based Fry. "He's been in great form at home. Obviously there are 30 runners and races don't come more competitive than this, but he relished the step up to three miles and five furlongs last year at Punchestown so he should handle the trip no problem at all. "We're looking forward to the challenge." The only other British-trained runner in a maximum field, dominated by 14 horses wearing the Gigginstown colours, is the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Shutthefrontdoor, who lifted this prize in 2014. He is one of three runners owned by JP McManus, along with Minella Foru and Oscar Knight, who gets in the race after Double Seven was declared a non runner. Like Fletchers Flyer, Shutthefrontdoor has had a light campaign and has not raced since struggling on soft ground at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. "He last ran on soft ground in Cheltenham and he didn't like it. It pulled him around and he's a little delicate these days, so he wants good ground for Monday," said the Jackdaws Castle handler. "He's in good form and fresh and well in himself. He's won it before so we know he gets the trip there. At Aintree he gets to the Melling Road and that's as far as he goes. He is a few years older, but we are hopeful." Ellmarie Holden is excited at having her first runner in this prestigious race and, in Abolitionist, it is certainly no false hope. "I'm delighted he got in and we're really looking forward to it," said the Co Kilkenny trainer. "The horse is in flying form and if he runs the same as he has the last twice and gets a bit of luck, he won't be far away. "There's obviously a lot of runners and I just hope he can stay out of trouble. "Ideally the ground is yielding - we'd like a bit of cut. "Rachael (Blackmore, jockey) is obviously flying and it would be a dream come true to win a race like this."
