Rain concerns for Frederick ahead of Irish National

Liam Burke does not want to see much more rain at Fairyhouse ahead of Sir Frederick’s bid for glory in the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National on Monday.

The eight-year-old won the valuable Galway Plate back in August but has only been seen twice since, and to little effect.

Burke is convinced his charge runs best fresh but he is also concerned that most of his better form has been on a firmer surface.

“He’ll run but it’s raining today again and I don’t want any more rain,” said Burke.

“He’s a better horse on nicer ground but we’ll take our chance anyway, it might dry up.

“He had a bit of a setback, he ran twice after Galway and he just wasn’t himself.

“He was checked out at Christmas and everything is OK again, and he’s a better horse fresh.

“The handicapper hasn’t relented at all but that’s what happens when you win a Galway Plate, he’s quite hard to place now.

“He’s in good order at the minute but the ground could be against him. He’s on a nice racing weight though.”

Sir Frederick is a 16-1 chance with Paddy Power.