UPDATED 10:05AM, APR 10 2021
There will be a Tiger Roll-shaped hole in Saturday s Randox Grand National, but the world s greatest steeplechase is shaping up to be as competitive as ever, with the likes of Ladbrokes Trophy hero and clear ante-post favourite Cloth Cap, Welsh National winner Secret Reprieve, Burrows Saint and Kimberlite Candy among the 68 possibles remaining for the race.
Will one of those horses etch their name into the history books? Or could this be the year of another shock to rival the likes of Auroras Encore, Mon Mome and Foinavon? Our experts give their thoughts on the illustrious race.
UPDATED 8:21PM, APR 4 2021
A few years have passed since Jody McGarvey was enjoying the ride of his life on a certain headbanger by the name of Great Field.
They teamed up to win five races together, including a Grade 1 at the 2017 Punchestown festival, and nothing was ever boring when they rolled into town.
The excitement of being associated with that headline horse died down a long time ago but, in his own words, McGarvey’s fallow period “makes you appreciate the good times that bit more”.
Sunday at Fairyhouse was not just a good day, it was McGarvey’s best day in the saddle.
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final (Grade 1) | 2m4f | 4yo+ | RTV
It is fair to say there is no standout here. Atlantic Fairy is the obvious place to start given connections opted to sidestep Cheltenham in a bid to bring a fresher mare to Fairyhouse.
However, all of her best form is on heavy going, and given she is by Jeremy, does she want spring ground? Possibly not. Henry de Bromhead won the last running of this with a certain Honeysuckle and, along with Atlantic Fairy, is represented by Brave Way here.
She may not be at the forefront of the market but Brave Way would have solid each-way claims if back to her best.
Dream come true for Jody McGarvey after Grade 1 double at Fairyhouse | Horse Racing News racingpost.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from racingpost.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Patrick says itâs like they have taken away my dignity (Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
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