Published: Thursday, 18th March, 2010 6:46pm

Entries for Fairyhouse National revealed

by John Donohoe

Pic by==: 97

The entries for this year's Fairyhouse Grand National include last year's runner up Church Island, and last year's third and Cheltenham winner A New Story, both trained by Michael Hourigan.

The main feature of the three day 2010 Fairyhouse Easter Racing Festival is the 139th running of the Powers Whisky Irish Grand National on Easter Monday, which this year boasts an entry list of 85 and a prize fund of €250,000.

Jim Dreaper, trainer of three time Irish Grand National hero, Brown Lad, will be relying on former Welsh National victor, Notre Pere to return National glory to his Kilsallaghan yard.

The Willie Mullins stable is the most represented with 14 entries headed by recent Leinster National winner, Ballytrim, along with Punchestown scorer, Equus Maximus. Powers Gold Cup winners Aran Concerto and One Cool Cookie, along with Paddy Power Chase runner up, Siegemaster adds plenty of experienced talents to the entry list.

Of the other pretenders entered to stake a claim for Ireland's biggest National Hunt prize include recent Cheltenham runner up, Becauseicouldntsee, Troytown Chase winner Beroni, Paddy Power Chase winner Oscar Time and the Thyestes Chase runner up, Hangover. The blue riband of Irish jump racing has also attracted 16 British trained entries including another Cheltenham hero, Poker De Sivola, trained by Ferdy Murphy, who has tasted success in this contest in 2004 when Granit D'estruval was victorious. Jonjo O'Neill, victorious in 2008 with Butler's Cabin, has four entries including his promising novice Synchronised, while other notable potential visitors include Grade 1 winner Air Force One and 2007 Welsh National winner, Miko De Beauchene.

The three day event kicks off on Easter Sunday, 4th April, when the main feature of the first day will be the €100,000 Powers Gold Cup. The Easter Festival concludes on Tuesday 6th April featuring the €90,000 Ladbrokes.com Handicap Hurdle over two miles.

The weights for the Powers Whisky Irish Grand National will be released on Monday 22nd March, 2010 at 2pm.

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