Cane Brake heads field for Irish Grand National

TOM TAAFFE’S Cane Brake heads the field for the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National, meaning around half his rivals are set to run from out of the handicap at Fairyhouse on Monday.

The participation of the Cheltenham Gold Cup fifth had been in doubt due to the drying ground, but with conditions currently described as good, Taaffe has declared the eight-year-old.

Nicky Henderson’s Juveigneur heads a strong British challenge. Just touched off in the William Hill Chase at Cheltenham, Henderson’s charge has also been placed in the Hennessy Gold Cup and the Welsh National.