There will be shades of 007 behind the old Iron Curtain, when Risk of Thunder, owned by actor Sean Connery, tackles the demanding Velka Pardubicka, otherwise known as the Eastern European Grand National, in the Czech Republic tomorrow. The Enda Bolger charge is part of a 26-runner field that will have to negotiate 31 fences over an extended four and a quarter miles, including the notorious Taxis ditch fence.

The stamina-sapping nature of the race is further underlined in that a third of the course is ploughed field.

However, Risk of Thunder's cv shows that he can make an impact. An unprecedented four victories in the La Touche Cup at the banks course at Punchestown is certainly a good reference, and a recent win at Listowel is testimony to the adaptable nine-year-old's continuing good form.

Richard Dunwoody has also been sought as rider and his past experience in this race shows that nothing is being left to chance in the Celtic team.

Ferdy Murphy's Irish Stamp (Paul Carberry), second two years ago, and Mark Pitman's Superior Finish (Rodney Farrant), the 1996 Grand National third, have both made the journey from Britain.

The visitors will be heartened by the past victories of British raiders, Stephen's Society (1973) and Its A Snip (1995).

Cipisek and Vronsky, the respective 1996 and 1997 winners, run again this time. Josef Vana, with five winners in this race to his credit, rides the former.

First run in 1874, the race has invariably courted the attentions of the animal rights activists following 46 equine fatalities. This has led to modifications with the Taxis Fence and ditch, the largest obstacle, being lowered by some 20 centimetres.