Brake handed weighty Irish National burden

CHELTENHAM Gold Cup fifth Cane Brake has been allotted top-weight of 12st for the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.

Tom Taaffe’s charge had previously won the Troytown Chase and Paddy Power Chase before running a fine race behind the brilliant Kauto Star.

Next in the list is William Hill Chase runner-up Juveigneur on 11st 8lb, who heads a strong British presence that also includes Reveillez (11st), Hoo La Baloo (10st 13lb), Wild Cane Ridge (10st 10lb) and Aces Four and New Alco (both 10st 9lb) from Ferdy Murphy’s yard.