Bose Ikard is one of six Noel Meade trained entries© Photo Healy Racing
Noel Meade looks to hold a strong hand as the entries for this Sunday’s Paddy Power Cork National were released today.
His six entries are headed by Tom Horn and Bose Ikard, second and third in the recent Munster National behind Shanpallas.
Bose Ikard was the very well-backed favourite in that race but was only second best of the Meade team as stable-mate Tom Horn held him by a neck.
The Meade-team also includes Silver Tassie, Ipsos Du Berlais, Protaras and Thomand.
There are two previous winners engaged in Sunday’s feature in the form of last year’s winner, Sword Fish and 2011 victor, The Bishop Looney.
Sword Fish, trained by Christy Roche was a winning spare ride last year for jockey Ben Dalton, when running out an easy winner.The Bishop Looney has an affinity with Mallow racecourse having already registered three wins at the venue.
He has not been showing much in recent runs but can never be dismissed at his favourite track.
Unoccupied will have plenty of supporters after his win over a marathon trip at the Punchestown Festival when last seen. He has also shown good form over the course and distance when second in this race last year and could go well for trainer Eoghan O’Grady.
The weights look set to be topped by ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s Nearest The Pin. The nine-year-old son of Court Cave took a while to break through over fences but has been in good form this season and if he handles the stamina test of this event, he could be a big contender.
There are also some very exciting entries elsewhere on the card including a possible clash of top novices Alelchi Inois, Band Of Blood, Un Beau Matin and Indevan in the Grade 3 Paddy Power Cash Card Click EBF Novice Steeplechase.
Manager of Cork Racecourse, Michael O’Neill said: “This year marks the 17th renewal of Cork National Handicap Chase over three and a half miles. Once again generously sponsored by Paddy Power Bookmakers, the Cork National promises to be another exciting contest with entries including last year’s winner Sword Fish alongside local favourites The Bishop Looney and A Decent Excuse taking on the likes of Ipsos Du Berlais, Rogue Angel and Tom Horn.”
“The seven-race-card sports three graded races and with over €150k up for grabs this looks to be another great renewal of The Paddy Power Raceday here at Cork Racecourse, Mallow.”
