Fairyhouse fireworks: Mullins and Elliott seek Grade 1 domination

Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott are set to cross swords in all three Grade 1 races at Fairyhouse on Sunday, highlighted by a sizzling showdown between Samcro and Irish Grand National winner Burrows Saint in the Drinmore Novice Chase.

The two training superpowers of Irish jumps racing have completely dominated the Baroneracing-sponsored Sunday at Fairyhouse over the last five years, with the pair winning 13 of the 15 Grade 1s.

Only Coney Island in the 2016 Drinmore and Lieutenant Colonel in the 2014 Hatton's Grace have managed to break the dominance of the big two.

It looks highly likely the recurring theme will continue on Sunday as the pair are responsible for 17 of the 28 entries for the three Grade 1s, with Elliott's nine one more than Mullins.

The dominance of the big two

The unbeaten Envoi Allen could strut his stuff in the Royal Bond, while Elliott has also left the speedy Abacadabras in the Grade 1 after he was a late withdrawal from the Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan on Sunday.

Elliott last won the Royal Bond with Mengli Khan in 2017, but Mullins has mopped up four of the last five runnings with Quick Grabim (2018), Airlie Beach (2016), Long Dog (2015) and Nichols Canyon (2014).

Mullins is likely to put his faith in the hat-trick-seeking Foveros to try and lower the colours of Envoi Allen, with Fast Buck also a possible runner.

Apple's Jade, only third favourite in the ante-post betting, will seek a fourth straight success in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle against Benie Des Dieux and Honeysuckle in a potential thriller as the three big guns have all stood their ground.

Samcro (Keith Donoghue) makes a successful chasing debut at Down RoyalCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Perhaps the most interesting clash of all could come in the Baroneracing.com Drinmore Novice Chase, where dual Grade 1 hurdle winner Samcro, who won his beginners' chase in fine style on the first day of the month, could face a real test from Burrows Saint, the impressive Irish Grand National winner in April.

It looks a shrewd piece of placing by Mullins as Burrows Saint loses his novice status on Monday, so it will be his last appearance outside of open company.

Mullins said: "We all know he likes Fairyhouse and he will like the ground, so I felt we should let him take his chance."

The champion trainer added: "Benie Des Dieux definitely runs on Sunday and she is in good order. We have a few in that – Bacardys, Penhill and Killultagh Vic – and they could all turn up. Foveros runs in the Royal Bond."

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