Better Times Ahead needs rain for Irish National run Thyestes Chase-runner-up Better Times Ahead is on course for the Irish Grand National on April 6 but trainer Robert Tyner is anxious for rain to ease going conditions. The J.P. McManus owned-and-bred nine-year-old scored twice last November and in January was touched off at the line by Now Is The Hour. Better Times Ahead’s chase rating has climbed to 136 and while is 14/1 joint second-favourite for the Fariyhouse showpiece, is not a certain runner. Kinsale-based Tyner says “there was a very big entry and that’s his target but he’ll need soft ground. We’d be in trouble if it keeps drying out but it might rain again before then. “I was hoping it would dry in early March and then break again before then. “It’s raining so long now though that it probably won’t rain again in time for it.” Quotes from Gary Carson
