Clonmel opener for National hope Goonyella

Crabbie’s Grand National entry Goonyella is to have his first start of the year in Thursday’s Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle at Clonmel.

Trainer Jim Dreaper’s hand has been slightly forced with his chaser, who has never run over hurdles but is appearing in a Grade Three event which features a few useful youngsters like Don Poli, The Job Is Right and Railway Zira.

Goonyella’s season had been mapped out towards the Coral Welsh National, but due to bad weather he had to spend a few days in Chepstow and only finished eighth in the end.