Esprit tops Irish National weights

Quel Esprit was revealed as top-weight for this year's Ladbrokes Irish Grand National at a launch for the Fairyhouse Easter festival held today in the yard of last year's winning trainer Tom Gibney.

The Irish Grand National is one of few prizes to have eluded Willie Mullins and as well as the top-weight he is also responsible for eight other entries.

Other notable names from Closutton include Back In Focus, winner of the four-miler at Cheltenham, and Boston Bob, who looked unlucky when falling at the last in the RSA.

Tofino Bay, who finished second in the four-miler to Back In Focus could reoppose.

Last year's third Alfie Sherrin heads a strong team for owner JP McManus along with the Conor O'Dwyer-trained Competitive Edge, an impressive winner at Gowran last time.

The famous green and gold hoops could also be carried by Galway Plate hero Bob Lingo and Grand Annual winner Alderwood.

Other names to note include Thyestes winner Jadanli, Bobbyjo Chase winner Roi Du Mee and Rich Revival, who completed a hat-trick in the Leinster National recently.

Senior National Hunt Handicapper Noel O'Brien gave his views on some of the field after the weights were unveiled:-

“There are 82 entries although unfortunately Bog Warrior was injured at Cheltenham. He would have been an interesting one.

“Heading them is Quel Esprit, a Grade 1 winner in the past and he had a very encouraging run at Leopardstown last time. He's dropped from his high to a rating of 157.

“Unless you are rated above 130 it doesn't look like you'll get a run. Lion Na Bearnai got a very stiff penalty of 27lb prior to the race last year but wouldn't have got in but for that and went on to win.

“Boston Bob was unlucky at Cheltenham and is toward the top end.

“Alderwood started off last season winning at Killarney before going on to score at three festivals and looks to be heading the same direction after a good win at Cheltenham.

“Bob Lingo won last year's Galway Plate and Forpadydeplasterer is a great old servant. Boston Angel ran quite well in the cross country at Cheltenham.

“Competitive Edge was impressive last time. Rich Revival will be one of the favourites while Romanesco ran very well at Cheltenham.”

“It looks a high-class renewal and very competitive.”

Fairyhouse General Manager Peter Roe is looking forward to the action and reports the ground in good nick:-

“Last year was a great success for Lion Na Bearnai and there is a great story to the race every year.

“The ground is currently soft although there was three inches of snow on it this morning.

“The forecast is a bit unsettled and Thursday and Friday are set to be horrible days.

“We would like a bit of warmth for the grass but we have fresh ground as it hasn't been used since Easter last year.

“The track staff have done a great job and we were lucky that we had a dry three weeks in February which let us get a lot of work done and put us in a very good position.”

Labrokes sponsor the event for the third year and their representative Hayley O'Connor said:-

“Bookmakers have done particularly well in the race for the past few years and there have been four 33/1 winners in the past decade so hopefully that will continue!

“It's great for the public because whether you are a walking formbook or just pick a name you have an equal chance of picking the winner.

“It's a fabulous race and we're delighted to be associated with it. There have been some great fairytales and it's ingrained in the fabric of the Irish heritage.”

Ladbrokes Irish Grand National prices: