Strong Irish challenge for Grand National

Ireland are odds-on to claim their first John Smith’s Grand National in six years following the first entry stage for the Aintree showpiece.

Irish-trained horses have landed the near-four-and-a-half-mile contest on no less than six occasions since Bobbyjo struck for the Carberry family back in 1999, but have not struck gold since Gordon Elliott’s Silver Birch claimed Aintree glory in 2007.

That could all change this year, however, with Ladbrokes offering just 4-6 the most valuable prize in National Hunt racing does go to Ireland on April 6.