Could be lucky 13 for Elliott
FOLSOM BLUE is one of 13 runners for Gordon Elliott in today’s Boylesports Irish Grand National and one of his famous owners hopes the veteran can help his trainer claim a first title.
The Fairyhouse showpiece could go a long way to deciding who will be crowned this season’s champion National Hunt trainer in Ireland, with a total prize fund of €500,000 up for grabs.
Elliott, who already holds a significant lead over Willie Mullins, is throwing everything at the feature in an effort to break the Closutton maestro’s stranglehold.
Folsom Blue has found a new lease of life this year after being bought for £21,000 by a syndicate which includes At The Races presenter Gary O’brien, winning twice from four starts, including the Grand National Trial at Punchestown in February.
O’brien said: “He’s been brilliant for us this season and it would be great if he could get into the shake-up – everyone’s very excited.
“It’s a plus that he’s run well in it a couple of times already, when Conor (O’dwyer) and Mouse (Morris) had him, and the ground has come right.”
Both Elliott and Mullins are bidding to claim the Fairyhouse showpiece for the first time.
Mullins has a small team compared to his major rival with just four, but both Bobbyjo winner Bellshill and Pairofbrowneyes, who made a successful debut for the yard in the Leinster National at Gowran Park, are towards the head of the market.
Mullins also runs the novice Kemboy and Isleofhopendreams, second to Folsom Blue in the Trial.