Racing: Commanche faces tough test at Fairyhouse
Ted Walsh may have ruled Papillon out of next weekend’s Martell Grand National at Aintree, thereby foregoing the chance of recording a quick double from his charge in the marathon event.
But the ultra-smart Kill trainer can still land a notable double when he sends Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Commanche Court across to Fairyhouse in a bid for his second victory in the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National.
The nine-year-old, who finished second to Best Mate at Cheltenham, is lumbered with top weight of 12st as he tries to repeat his win of two years ago when he carried 11st 4lb to a 10 lengths victory over Foxchapel King.
The last horse to win two successive Irish Nationals was Brown Lad. He struck in 1975, 1976 and again in 1978.
But as the class act, Commanche Court has been installed 5-1 favourite with Irish bookmakers Paddy Power.
Walsh gave the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up the go ahead on Friday to try and win the three miles, five furlong test for a second time.
After walking the Fairyhouse course he said: ‘‘I’d say it was yielding at the moment the slow side of good. If it stays this way he’ll run.’’
Commanche Court will have to give upwards of 20lb to his rivals, headed by last year’s second Rathbawn Prince, who is next in the handicap on 10st 8lb.
Walsh’s son Ruby, the reigning champion jump jockey in Ireland, will be in the plate on the nine-year-old.
Only two other horses are in the handicap proper. They are Rathbawn Prince, runner-up to Davids Lad last year, on 10st 8lb and Arctic Copper on 10st.
Rathbawn Prince will have plenty of assistance in the saddle from Barry Geraghty, who this week spent two days in bed with a respiratory infection.
It was that infection which gave him the opportunity to be on board the Dessie Hughes-trained 10-year-old as, had he not been struck down, he may have been in the middle of a 12-day ban imposed at the Cheltenham Festival.
The problem meant Geraghty’s appeal against the ban could not be heard until next week (commencing April 8) at the earliest thereby ensuring his Fairyhouse participation.
‘‘I’ve been on strong antibiotics and I’m feeling a good bit better,’’ he said when the ride was announced. ‘‘Rathbawn Prince is a great ride to pick up. I think he has a big chance.’’
Hughes also saddles National Hunt Chase runner-up Timbera and Delgany Royal, joining Noel Meade with the largest representation from the training ranks.
Meade saddles Arctic Copper, Oa Baldixe and Midlands Grand National hero The Bunny Boiler.
The sole British-trained runner is the Venetia Williams-trained Trouble Ahead. He is 8lb out of the handicap.
Brian Crowley takes the ride on the 11-year-old as Norman Williamson is set to partner Takagi.
Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National betting:
Paddy Power: 5-1 Commanche Court, 8-1 Rathbawn Prince, 10-1 Cregg House, Timbera, 11-1 Takagi, 12-1 Ellenjay, The Bunny Boiler, Arctic Copper, 14-1 Champagne Native, Oa Baldixe, Trouble Ahead, 16-1 bar.
