Colnel to pull rank!

IRELAND has an enviable recent record in the world’s greatest steeplechase and that looks set to continue in the John Smith’s-sponsored Grand National at a packed-to-the-rafters Aintree today.

Bobbyjo in 1999, the heavily-backed Papillon in 2000 and Monty's Pass two years ago have all taken the most coveted prize in jumps racing back to Ireland, and Colnel Rayburn can repeat the performance.

The nine-year-old is in the capable care of Paul Nolan, one of the rising stars of the training ranks and who most certainly knows what is required to lay one out for the big day.