Boylesports Irish Grand National Preview

Hi all,

It’s Easter Monday, and the headline act is the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. ITV Racing will broadcast the big race live, alongside action from Kempton and Plumpton, making up a nine-race programme. Fairyhouse hosts a strong supporting card, including two Grade 2 contests and a competitive handicap hurdle.​

Inside today's main piece are my thoughts on some of the day's big races.

Fairyhouse

3:15 – Handicap Hurdle – 2m 6f

Oscar’s Brother ended 2024 in excellent form, winning a Cork Listed novice hurdle before finishing a head third of 20 on handicap hurdle debut at Navan (3m 1f) the following month. The drop back in trip shouldn’t be an issue, and back from a short break, he’s the one to beat.​

3:50 – Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle (Grade 2) – 2m 4f

Eagle Fang must be respected on his seven-length third of eight to Home By The Lee (Bob Olinger, second) in the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan three starts back. Not disgraced on either start since, and if the application of first-time blinkers has the desired effect, he’s got good each-way claims.​

4:20 – Jack McInerney Memorial Fairyhouse Chase (Grade 2) – 2m 4f

Heart Wood is the form pick on his nine-length second of nine to Fact To File in last month’s Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham. Steadily progressive over fences, he drops in class here and is the one to beat. The one who can serve it up to him is the Willie Mullins-trained Blood Destiny. A lack of race fitness rather than stamina got him beaten on his seasonal reappearance in a Grade 2 (2m 5f) at Thurles in January. No issues with testing ground, and he’s more than capable of winning a race like this over fences. The yard has won this race four times since 2018.​

5:00 – BoyleSports Irish Grand National Chase (Extended Handicap Chase) (Grade 3) – 3m 5f

As promised last week here are some of the key race trends that have found the last ten winners of the race.

Contenders:

Kinturk Kalanisi was travelling well and about to challenge the leaders when unseating his rider two out in the Leinster National at Naas last month. Off the same mark here and should be suited by today’s stamina test. Looks set for a good run for last year’s winning yard.​

Haiti Couleurs was well suited by the step up to 3m 6f when winning the National Hunt Chase Novices' Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Maybe capable of better over fences given the quality of his jumping, but better ground might be preferable.​

Gavin’s Strong Hand

Gavin Cromwell has a strong hand in the race, saddling seven of the 30 declared runners. Three of he's of interest are Bioluminescence, Now Is The Hour, and Mint Boy.​

Bioluminescence was trying to give away a 10lb penalty when runner-up in a Mares’ Listed Chase (2m 6f) here on her latest start. Testing ground suits the mare, and if her stamina holds up, she’s a big player.​

Now Is The Hour improved for the step into handicap company for the first time last time. He was just two lengths behind and about to challenge Haiti Couleurs when falling two out in the National Hunt Chase. Testing ground suited over hurdles, and he’s a strong contender.​

Mint Boy was in the process of running a big race when unseating his rider at the 15th in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase won by Daily Present at Cheltenham last time. He remains with potential in staying handicap chases and isn’t out of this.​

Daily Present and Johnnywho were separated by a neck when finishing first and second in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase. Johnnywho should probably have won as he made a mistake at the last.

Panda Boy ran to form when a seven-length third of 14 in the Leinster National at Naas last time. Runner-up in last season’s Paddy Power Handicap Chase. Not handicapped out of this and could outrun big odds.​

5:40 – Handicap Chase – 3m ½f

Better Times Ahead was runner-up in last year’s race, will like underfoot conditions, and should go well. Folly Master made it two from four over fences when winning a Punchestown handicap chase in December. Back from a short break, he’s a progressive young handicap chaser who should stay three miles and is the one to beat.

Good luck with your Easter Monday bets.

John