Pere set to miss Irish National Notre Pere looks set to miss Monday's Irish Grand National with the ground likely to be on the quick side at Fairyhouse. Trainer Barry Potts, who also had to miss Aintree with his charge, is enduring a frustrating time with the veteran due to the dry spell. The Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown, a race he won in 2009, is next on the agenda for the ten-year-old although that is very much ground dependant. “It looks highly unlikely that he'll run on Monday,” said the Co. Derry handler today. “There is the Punchestown Gold Cup but we'll play it by ear with him as it's not looking good at the moment. It's one of the dryest springs I've seen in a while. “We won't abuse him on quick ground and if we look after him we'll have him for next year. We'll look at staying chases next season – the likes of the Welsh Grand National (a race he won in 2008).” Gary Carson
