IRISH GRAND NATIONAL: Commanche Court, runner- up in the Gold Cup only 18 days ago, is almost certain to start favourite to win the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse for a second time today.
The Ted Walsh-trained star carried Dermot Desmond's colours to Easter Monday glory two years ago but it is 24 years since Brown Lad became the last horse to regain the National crown.
Nevertheless, Commanche Court was shortened in the betting yesterday and is now a 9 to 2 favourite despite having to carry topweight.
Only Flashing Steel (1995) and Desert Orchid (1990) have won under 12st in recent years.
"I hope he jumps as well as he did at Cheltenham but you would have to be a bit worried with 12st on his back," Walsh said yesterday.
A total of 18 horses are scheduled to face Commanche Court, including the sole British raider, Trouble Ahead, who represents Venetia Williams. Mudahim five years ago was the last winner from there.
Commanche Court's presence means just two other runners are in the handicap proper for the €107,000 first prize.
They are last year's runner up, Rathbawn Prince, who is one of three Dessie Hughes-trained horses in the race, and Arctic Copper, who is one of the Noel Meade-trained trio.
Arctic Copper is owned by the Grand Alliance Club, a syndicate made up of 17 politicians that includes five Government ministers.
However, it was another Meade runner, The Bunny Boiler, who was the market mover with Paddy Power yesterday and the Midlands National winner is now one of the 10 to 1 shots.
Possibly the most popular winner would be Cregg House, who represents 83-year-old trainer Paddy Mullins.
He has won the National four times, the last one being Luska in 1981.
If Commanche Court is to be beaten, however, there will be many siding with Dessie Hughes to upset the top weight.
Timbera and Rathbawn Prince have won on the track three times each but if the ground remains "good to yielding" like yesterday, Rathbawn Prince could be the popular fancy.
Feathered Gale was runner-up in 1995 before winning the following year and Rathbawn Prince is only 2lb higher rated than 12 months ago.
Just two runs in eight months means he will be a fresh horse; he is running off his correct mark, and jockey Barry Geraghty fancies Rathbawn Prince's chances.
