'He needs the ground to dry up an awful lot' - six-horse trainer hoping the sun shines ahead of Irish National bid

Max Flamingo: with Denis O'Regan (left) and Francis Casey (right) after winning at Fairyhouse last year

Max Flamingo: with Denis O'Regan (left) and Francis Casey (right) after winning at FairyhouseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Francis Casey hopes the rain stays away for his stable star Max Flamingo as he is geared up for another crack at the Boylesports Irish Grand National (5.00) at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.

Casey, a sheep farmer with six horses in training, saddled the son of Kalanisi to finish seventh in the €500,000 contest last year and he returns off a 2lb lower mark.

The eight-year-old, who ran over hurdles at the Dublin Racing Festival last time, met trouble during the 27-runner Irish National 12 months ago and his trainer felt he did well to finish where he did.

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Conor FennellyReporter and emerging talent award winner

Published on 4 April 2023inIreland

Last updated 17:00, 4 April 2023

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