By the dozen: Elliott set to launch 12-runner assault on Irish Grand National

Gordon Elliott could have as many as 12 runners in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National on Monday – his biggest-ever challenge for Ireland's richest steeplechase, which he will be attempting to win for the first time.

Leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival for the second consecutive year, Elliott ran nine in the Fairyhouse event a year ago when Bless The Wings, who had lost out by a short head in the 2016 running, again finished second.

After the forfeit stage on Wednesday, Elliott has 12 horses in the top 30 – the maximum field allowed – and apart from Bless The Wings, who is one of those guaranteed a run, all are likely to line-up.

BoyleSports Irish Grand National Chase, card, form and betting

Elliott said: "We haven't decided if Bless The Wings will have another shot at the race. He's also in the Randox Health Grand National but will need a few to drop out. We'll think about it between now and declaration time for the Irish National on Friday."

Three of Elliott's acceptors – Outlander, Dounikos and Squouateur – ran at the Cheltenham Festival. The first-named pair were pulled up in the Gold Cup and the RSA Chase respectively and Squouateur finished third in the Kim Muir Chase.

OutlanderCredit: Alain Barr

"The three who ran at Cheltenham seem in good form and are intended runners. Rob Jones will claim 7lb off Outlander, who has top weight," Elliott said.

Monbeg Notorious, winner of the Thyestes Chase in January, the 2016 Galway Plate winner Lord Scoundrel and Folsom Blue, who landed the Grand National Trial at Punchestown last month, will also be in Elliott's team.

Like Elliott, Willie Mullins has yet to train an Irish National winner. He has six in the top 30, including Bobbyjo Chase winner Bellshill, and Pairofbrowneyes, who won the Leinster National on his first start for Mullins at Gowran Park this month.

The pair are 8-1 joint favourites with the race sponsor ahead of Monbeg Notorious, on 10-1, and Kim Muir Chase runner-up Mall Dini and Folsom Blue on 12-1.

Elliott confirmed Cheltenham Festival winners Shattered Love and The Storyteller are intended runners in the Grade 1 Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The ground at Fairyhouse remained soft to heavy on Wednesday and the forecast for the next few days is unsettled.

The final declaration stage for the Irish Grand National is on Friday morning.

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