Duke and Endeavor head market for Easter spectacular

The BoyleSports Irish Grand National is now Ireland's richest jumps race and, speaking at the launch of the Fairyhouse Easter Festival at House in Dublin city centre on Wednesday night, racecourse manager Peter Roe said the 2017 running will "definitely be the best yet".

There are still 101 horses entered for the €500,000 Easter Monday marathon, and Our Duke – representing the Gold Cup-winning team of Robbie Power and Jessica Harrington – is the sponsors 10-1 joint-favourite.

Gordon Elliott, who would surely clinch the trainers' title with victory in the race, is responsible for almost a quarter of the entries with 25 possibles. Outlander and Empire Of Dirt head the weights but the market suggests his best chance of glory is with the other 10-1 joint-favourite Noble Endeavor, who finished third behind Un Temps Pour Tout in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

"Given the quality of entries I'd definitely say this year's Irish Grand National will be the best yet," said Roe.

"The presence of some British-based runners adds further spice to the dish and I'm absolutely delighted with the depth of entries. There are some fantastic supporting races too, and to have all 22 races over the three days is terrific."

Leon Blanche from BoyleSports said: "This is going to be the best Irish Grand National yet. To have a race worth half a million is terrific for Irish racing.

"It's great for owners and trainers, and we've been 'non-runner no bet' on the race since last Monday, so it's great for punters too. That means they are able to have a bet on the race safe in the knowledge if their horse doesn't run they'll get their money back."

The Fairyhouse meeting runs from April 16 to 18, with the National on day two.

BoyleSports Irish Grand National card