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Cheltenham Festival 2026

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National Hope Booked For Fairyhouse

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Garvivonnian will bid to galvanise his John Smith's Grand National claims by catching the eye at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

Edward Mitchell's 11-year-old will take his chance in the Grade Two Osmosis Ireland Limited Bobbyjo Chase before heading to the blue riband at Aintree in April.

The totesport Becher Chase winner, a staying-on third over two miles, six furlongs at Tramore last time, is as low as 25-1 to win the National, where he has been allotted 10st 6lb and is likely to be partnered by Garrett Cotter.

'He'll definitely run at Fairyhouse and is very well,' said County Limerick handler Mitchell.

'The one of Michael O'Brien's (Forget The Past) looks the one to beat but if mine runs respectively we'll be very happy.

'He should be there or thereabouts at Aintree with a bit of luck and I am very happy with the weight he's got.

'Garrett will hopefully ride him in the National after he won with him in the Becher Chase.

'But Martin Ferris will be on on Saturday so he'll be shaving 5lb off in the weights.'

? PA Sport

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