LAST YEAR'S winner, Flashing Steel, headed the list of 22 runners for Monday's Jameson Irish Grand National at the final declaration stage yesterday.
Although four horses are set to cross from England to attempt the three mile, five fur long Fairyhouse marathon, both Suny Bay, trained by Charlie Brooks and the Gordon Richards trained Tartan Tyrant will only run if ground conditions chant.
"We would look silly if we didn't declare to run and then they had an inch of rain there on Sunday," said Brooks. "In my opinion good ground is not ideal for him and I shall go over early on, Monday to look at the course".
The main English challenge, should Suny Bay defect, will come from 1992 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Jodami, who returns after suffering from illness.
Apart from Flashing Steel, the home team also includes the English Midlands Grand National winner Another Excuse and Son Of War, who unseated his rider at the 24th fence in the Aintree Grand National.
While this pair are both quoted at 10 to 1, Lord Singapore, the mount of Richard Dunwoody, is rated an 8 to 1 chance.
Charlie Swan will ride Go Go Gallant for Fergie Sutherland, trainer of Gold Cup winner Imperial Call.
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