Irish Grand National: A Runner-by-Runner Guide too Fairyhouse’s Steeplechase
The BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse promises a thrilling spectacle. here’s a detailed look at the contenders, analyzing their strengths and chances in this demanding race.
Top Contenders to Watch
Several horses stand out as potential winners, each with unique attributes suited to the marathon distance and challenging conditions.
Better Days Ahead: This Gordon Elliott-trained novice boasts impressive form, including a Grade 2 win and a strong showing at Cheltenham.The horse thrives in soft conditions, and the extended trip could unlock further potential. Although burdened by top weight, the rider’s claim offers valuable relief.
Quai De Bourbon: Another promising novice from Willie Mullins’ yard, Quai De Bourbon has displayed considerable talent. Despite recent unlucky runs, this young horse retains notable potential. Stamina is the question mark, but the horse’s build suggests suitability for the distance, and Paul Townend’s choice to ride further boosts confidence.
Johnnywho: Trained by Jonjo & AJ O’Neill, Johnnywho has shown consistent progress this season, culminating in a near-miss at the Cheltenham Festival’s Kim Muir. A subsequent weight increase poses a challenge,but the horse’s upward trajectory suggests competitiveness.
Challengers and Dark Horses
Beyond the favorites, several entrants could surprise with strong performances.
Bioluminescence: this mare, trained by Gavin cromwell, secured a Grade 2 victory earlier in the season and has performed well in subsequent graded races.A proven stayer, the prevailing ground conditions favor her chances.
Harry Des Ongrais: Henry de Bromhead’s charge impressed in a beginners’ chase, demonstrating an affinity for soft ground.The step up in distance could further enhance the horse’s prospects.
Duffle Coat: Already a National winner, Duffle Coat has proven stamina and class. Although hampered by a fall at Cheltenham, if the ground doesn’t get too soft, this horse remains a threat.
Favori De Champdou: Gordon Elliott trains this horse who ran out an impressive winner last time out. Favori De Champdou fell in last year’s irish national, but goes into the race in better form this year. the fitting of blinkers for the first time, replacing cheekpieces, could bring about further improvement.
other Entrants
Where It All Began: Third in the Leinster National, Gordon Elliott trains this horse who seems to be more of a handicap. He will wear cheekpieces for the first time.
Intense Raffles: Trained by Thomas Gibney, this horse won the Porterstown Handicap Chase and was supplemented for this race. He has stamina but may not have the class.
Any Second Now: Ted Walsh trains this horse, winner of the Bobbyjo Chase. He will be wearing blinkers on.
Churchtown Bridge: Third in a handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival.
Gevrey: Foundered badly in the Leinster National.
I Am Maximus: Won the Bobbyjo Chase; he is a high-class horse who unseated in the Grand National at Aintree last time.
Senior Chief: Won the Kim Muir at Cheltenham.
Minella Cocooner: Runner-up in the Irish National last year.
Velvet Elvis: Pulled up in the Grand national at Aintree.
Denny’s Wrap: Won the Leinster National.
Diol Ker: Needs to improve from his run in the Leinster National.
El Barra: Pulled up in the Grand National at Aintree.
Frontal Assault: Fifth in the Irish National last year; another from Gordon Elliott’s yard who will run.
Dunboyne: Winner of the Ulster National at Downpatrick; also trained by Gordon elliott.
Lord Lariat: Winner of the Irish national in 2022.
Arvico Bleu: Has not been in form of late, but he has some good form.
Defi Bleu: Not been in very good form this season.
Irish Grand National: Key Contenders and Expert Analysis
As anticipation builds for the Irish Grand national,several contenders stand out as potential winners. The grueling race demands stamina,jumping ability,and a touch of luck. Here’s a look at some of the key horses and their chances:
Top Contenders to Watch
Search For Glory (Gordon Elliott/Sam Ewing)
Showed promise in the Ultima Chase at Cheltenham. A dual Grade 3 winner over three miles on heavy ground as a novice hurdler,suggesting potential improvement over this longer distance and in testing conditions.
Sequestered (Paul Gilligan/Jack Gilligan)
Dominated a three-mile handicap chase at Leopardstown during Christmas and followed up with a strong second-place finish at the Dublin Racing Festival. A previous run at Cheltenham was less impressive and stamina over this extended trip remains a question mark.
Desertmore house (Martin Brassil/JJ Slevin)
Details for desertmore House not provided.
Malina Girl (Gavin Cromwell/Sean Flanagan)
Demonstrated admirable resilience with a third-place finish in the Ultima Handicap chase at Cheltenham, overcoming a stumble early in the race.Enjoys soft ground and has proven stamina, winning a handicap chase at Cheltenham over almost three and a half miles last season. Potential handicap limitations might potentially be a factor.
Panda Boy (Martin Brassil/Ricky Doyle)
Consistently performed well in major handicap chases,including a fifth-place finish in the 2023 Irish Grand National (behind I Am Maximus) and multiple placings in the Paddy Power Chase. Recent third in the Leinster national suggests readiness. Trained and ridden by a team familiar with irish National success.
Yeah Man (Gavin Cromwell/Kieren Buckley)
Won the Grand National trial at Haydock last season and placed third in the Troytown Chase this season. Unseated his rider in the Haydock Grand National Trial two months ago. A previous run below form in the Kim Muir suggests a need for improvement. Conditions shoudl suit, and a change in headgear (blinkers) could provide a spark.
Haiti Couleurs (Rebecca Curtis/sean Bowen)
A significant contender after winning three of four chases this season,including the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. Appeared to have more in reserve at Cheltenham and now races off a favorable handicap rating. Proven stamina and ability on soft ground add to the appeal. trainer and jockey are both enjoying excellent seasons.
Now Is The Hour (Gavin Cromwell/Conor Stone-Walsh)
Fell in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham but was still in contention.Meets the winner on more favorable terms. Yet to win over fences but is a Grade 2 winner over hurdles, indicating class. A significant rise in the handicap doesn’t exclude the possibility of a well-handicapped horse. Will appreciate the ground.
Shecouldbeanything (Gordon Elliott/Jordan Gainford)
Data about Shecouldbeanything not provided.
Irish Grand National 2024: Top Horses to Watch in Thrilling Steeplechase
FAIRYHOUSE, Ireland – The 2024 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse promises another exhilarating renewal of this historic steeplechase. With a grueling distance and competitive field, picking the winner is no easy feat. stamina,jumping ability,and a bit of luck will be crucial for success.
Experienced runners Headline the Field
Several seasoned campaigners are set to line up, each with their own distinct strengths and weaknesses.Any second Now, a 13-year-old veteran, stands out, having placed second in this race last year and boasting multiple top-three finishes in the aintree Grand National. His trainer is known for expertly preparing him for these big races, and the recent rain will be to his advantage. Mark Walsh’s choice to ride him speaks volumes.
Home Turf Advantage for Lord Lariat?
Lord Lariat caused a significant upset in 2022, winning at odds of 40/1. After missing last season, he returned in February with a promising run. Trained locally, with a trainer who has multiple wins in the race, this horse could be one to watch.
Contenders Showing progressive Form
Intense Raffles has displayed remarkable progress this season, securing four consecutive wins. While proving stamina over this extreme distance on soft ground remains a question, his recent third in the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham suggests he is in good form. Sa Majeste is another progressive chaser who finished third in the Kim muir at Cheltenham. A switch back to a right-handed track should be favorable.
Kim Muir form Worth Considering
Daily Present impressed in the Kim Muir, winning decisively. While his Irish handicap rating is higher than his British mark from that win, he enters this race in better form than last year, where he was pulled up. Keep an eye on Mint Boy, who was well-regarded in the Kim Muir market before unseating his rider early on; he remains unexposed as a staying chaser.
Could Stuzzikini Repeat Troytown Heroics?
Stuzzikini delivered a career-best performance to win the Troytown Chase at Navan. Although his subsequent runs haven’t matched that level, a repeat of that form would make him a serious contender.
The Wildcard: Dunboyne
Dunboyne is a mercurial talent who recently scored a surprising win in a handicap hurdle at Navan, followed by a victory in the Ulster National. Despite an increased handicap, he remains below his peak rating and could be a major player if he’s in the right frame of mind.
Fairyhouse Racecourse gears up for the Irish Grand National, with a field of contenders vying for the prestigious title. Stamina, form, and ground conditions are key factors. Check out expert analysis of some of the top contenders.
Irish Grand National: Kinturk Kalanisi Leads the Charge
- Kinturk Kalanisi: Trained by Tom Gibney and ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe, this young chaser shows promise.Despite unseating his rider in the leinster National, he remains on a mark of 135 with potential for more. The soft ground suits him, and this race may be a primary target for Gibney, who has won it before.
-
Haiti Couleurs: Another strong contender.Showed stamina and jumping ability, making him a serious threat.
- Bushmans Pass: Trained by Oliver McKiernan and ridden by Philip Enright, he won the Leinster National in cheekpieces. A 6lb hike in the weights means he needs to improve again, but he is in good form and has won at Fairyhouse before.
- Final Orders: From the stables of Gavin Cromwell and with Patrick O’Brien in the saddle, this adaptable runner showed stamina in the Ulster National. The softer ground will test his reserves, but he races off his Ulster National mark of 135.
- Noble Birth: Also trained by Gavin Cromwell and ridden by Daniel King, this 125-rated hurdler won a novices’ chase at Fairyhouse. With only four runs over fences, he has the potential to progress.
-
Another Choice: Trained by Matthew Smith and ridden by Sean O’Keeffe, this horse won at Downpatrick and finished second in the Porterstown Chase at fairyhouse.Stamina for the trip is proven, but further improvement is likely needed.
- Will Do: Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Harry Sexton, he hasn’t won over fences but finished second in the Punchestown Grand National Trial and third in the National Hunt Chase. He stays well and handles the ground.
-
Moonovercloon: Trained by matthew Smith and ridden by Ben Harvey, hasn’t run since October. Goes well fresh,but needs to prove his stamina for this trip and prefers better ground.
HORSHAM, West Sussex — Trainer Harry Des Ongrais has successfully appealed a three-month suspension for breaching anti-doping rules, according to a recent decision. The suspension, initially handed down for the presence of a prohibited substance in a horse under his care, has been overturned, paving the way for ongrais to resume his training activities sooner than expected.
The specifics of the prohibited substance and the horse involved were not immediately available. Though, details regarding the reasons for the successful appeal remain limited.
Ongrais, based in Horsham, West Sussex, has expressed relief at the outcome. He looks forward to focusing on upcoming races and the future success of his stable.
Here is a list of horses in his stable to watch out for:
1. Little Boy Blue
2.Never Say Never
3. Better Days Ahead
4. Bioluminescence
5. Harry Des Ongrais
Note: this article provides details regarding trainer Harry Des Ongrais’ appeal and the reversal of his suspension. Further details will be provided as they become available.
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about yoru gambling, please call the National Gambling helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
What impact could a first-time application of blinkers (like with Favori De champdou) have on a horse’s performance?
Irish Grand National: Key Contenders and FAQs
Hear’s a breakdown of teh key contenders for the Irish Grand National, along with answers to common questions:
Q&A
What are the key factors that determine success in the Irish Grand National?
Stamina, jumping ability, and a bit of luck are absolutely crucial. The grueling distance and challenging fences demand horses that can stay the course, jump cleanly, and avoid any mishaps. Ground conditions also play a huge role.
Who are the top contenders based on the articles?
Based on the articles, several horses are highlighted as top contenders:
- Better Days Ahead (Gordon Elliott)
- Quai De Bourbon (Willie Mullins)
- Johnnywho (Jonjo & AJ O’Neill)
- Haiti Couleurs (Rebecca Curtis)
- Any Second Now (Ted Walsh)
- Kinturk Kalanisi (Tom gibney)
Which horses are known for their stamina?
Horses like Duffle Coat, and Bushmans Pass have proven stamina, having already won National races. Panda Boy and Will Do are others known for staying the trip.
How do ground conditions affect the race?
Soft ground favors horses that handle it well, often those with proven stamina. It can make the race even more challenging and can impact the performance of horses that prefer firmer ground. The articles mention many horses that do well in soft ground.
What do blinkers and cheekpieces do?
Blinkers restrict a horse’s vision, helping them focus. Cheekpieces are less restrictive and assist horses in paying attention. These are frequently enough added to improve a horse’s performance as seen with the horses such as Favori De Champdou who will be wearing blinkers for the first time.
Who is Harry Des Ongrais?
Harry Des ongrais is a trainer who has had a three-month suspension overturned after an appeal. He has several horses in his stable to watch out for, including Little Boy Blue, Never say Never, Better Days Ahead, and Bioluminescence.
what does it meen when a horse “unseats” its rider?
It means the jockey has fallen off the horse during the race, usually due to a jump or a stumble. This eliminates the horse from contention.
Where can I find help if I have a gambling problem?
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the national Gambling helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133. further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
With the Irish Grand National promising excitement, keep these insights in mind as you watch the race, and remember to gamble responsibly!
