Notre Pere Tops Irish National weights The weights for the 139th running of the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National have been announced with the Jim Dreaper-trained Notre Pere set to shoulder top weight of 11stone 10 lbs along with UK raider The Tother One, from the Paul Nicholls yard. The Easter Monday showpiece has the makings of a highly competitive affair as the Irish handicapper, Noel O’Brien commented: “There are 64 horses out of an entry of 86 which are in the handicap proper, so it is likely that we will have a very competitive renewal, as it looks as if we will have most if not all likely runners on the day in the handicap under current ratings, adding to the quality of the race. In all there are three Cheltenham winners in the race, along with the Midlands National winner from last Saturday and some other winners of important races throughout the season.” The Cheltenham heroes include Cross Country victor A New Story, third last year in the Powers Whiskey Irish National, who has been allotted 10 stone for Easter Monday. This veteran chaser’s stablemate Church Island, Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National runner up last year, will carry 10-12, which is thirteen pounds higher than last year. The Kim Muir Chase winner at Cheltenham, Ballabriggs (11-3) trained by Donald McCain is joined on the list by the third placed in that race, Galant Nuit (10-6). Another Cheltenham hero Poker De Sivola (10-7) from the Ferdy Murphy stable, may attempt to follow up Granit D’Estruval’ s 2004 Irish National triumph for the same stable. Poker De Sivola, given a super ride by Katie Walsh when winning the National Hunt 4mile Chase at Cheltenham, may renew rivalry with Becauseicouldntsee (10-4), where Nina Carberry may exact revenge as the Noel Glynn-trained gelding will be in receipt of three pounds for a two and a half length defeat at the Cotswolds. Synchronised (11-6), taken out of the 4mile Chase at Cheltenham, reveled in the soft going and triumphed in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter last Saturday, sets up an intriguing clash among these talented staying novices. Willie Mullins has a strong entry of 14 horses headed by Betfair Novice Chase scorer at the Punchestown Festival last year, Equus Maximus (10-12) along with Leinster National winner Ballytrim (10-8). Also representing the Closutton stable is the Troytown Chase winner, Beroni and The Midnight Club, placed in hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival last year and again last week, who have been allocated 10-7 and 10-9 respectively for the Fairyhouse showpiece. Other notable entries include Paddy Power Chase winner Oscar Time (10-10) while the UK raiders, former Grade One winner Air Force One and 2007 Welsh National victor Miko de Beauchene have been both allotted 11 stone.
