Horseracing: Six Irish horses to run at Aintree

At least six Irish-trained horses look set to contest Saturday's Martell Grand National after recieving the go-ahead from the Government to run at Aintree.

However it also became apparent that the re-start of racing in Ireland has been delayed and will not after all take place at Fairyhouse on April 18.

In February, due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Britain, all racing in Ireland was brought to a halt and trainers were asked not to travel to England.

Just two weeks ago Agriculture Minister, Joe Walsh, confirmed the stance.

But Willie Mullins, chairman of the Irish Racehorse Trainers' Association, said: "The Department of Agriculture has changed its stance and they are allowing horses to go over to Aintree.

"At the moment they won't be allowed back in the foreseeable future."

Ted Walsh, the trainer of last year's Martell Grand National winner, Papillon, was delighted to hear the news that his charge would be able to bid for a repeat success.

He said: "It's been our ambition since last year that if the horse is sound and well, he could come and take his chance again.

"We were expecting not to be coming, Ruby had taken the ride for Ginger McCain on Hanakham.

"But over the weekend I got a phonce call from Charles Barnett to say that they were getting positive vibes and would I declare my horse for the race.

"Before I declared my horse, I rang the Department of Agriculture and I spoke to Jim Beecher, he's the head man there, and he said that the Government had changed some of their restrictions on horses going to Liverpool and that we could go."