Beef given Fairyhouse option

Beef Or Salmon is set to tackle the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on March 24.

Michael Hourigan’s popular veteran, a 10-time Grade One winner, appeared among 87 horses entered for the valuable staying handicap, in which Point Barrow, Royal County Star, Sir Frederick and Snowy Morning also feature.

“He’s a 12-year-old now and the time has come to let him take his chance in the Irish National at Fairyhouse,” confirmed County Limerick-based Hourigan.

“Whatever concession the handicapper makes will be very much welcome.”

Although Irish assessor Noel O’Brien has yet to disclose specifics, he anticipates giving Beef Or Salmon a slight helping-hand.

O’Brien said: “To take a separate view of this race, particularly as it’s over a considerable distance of three miles and five furlongs, isn’t unreasonable, so I intend dropping Beef Or Salmon a little from his current mark of 163.

“After all, this horse was allotted top weight for the Aintree Grand National but his owner and trainer have decided to aim him for the Irish equivalent, which is a testament to the quality of the Fairyhouse race.”