Scotsirish chasing Fairyhouse spoils

Willie Mullins is on something of a learning curve with Scotsirish ahead of his run in the Grade Two Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The eight-year-old ran second in a moderate event at Thurles on his penultimate start at Thurles but showed marked improvement to win Cork’s Hilly Way Chase by 16 lengths last time.

He faces an even sterner test at the weekend and although he has slight ground concerns, Mullins is keen to see how he fares against a high-class field.

“It wouldn’t really be our ground but we were very pleased with how he won the last day so we’ve decided to let him take his chance at this trip again,” said Mullins.

“Ruby (Walsh) said the ground was quite testing last time but it will be even more testing on an undulating track and I’m not sure that will suit or not, but we will know more about him after this.”

Mansony and Thyne Again share top-weight for the Grade Two contest, while veteran Watson Lake takes his chance for Noel Meade.

Don’t Be Bitin, Coolpotts and Tumbling Dice complete the seven-strong line-up.