Two past Killarney National winners set to face off in open renewal

Tote Killarney National Handicap Chase | 3m2f, 5yo+ | RTV

Auvergnat, winner of this race in 2017 and third 12 months ago, faces 12 rivals in Monday night's renewal including the John Ryan-trained Icantsay, who landed the prize last year.

Enda Bolger, trainer of Auvergnat, will be seeking a third win in the event and is also represented by Josies Orders, who is better known for his cross-country exploits at Punchestown and Cheltenham, where he finished second to Tiger Roll in the Glenfarclas Chase at this year's festival.

Bolger said: "Auvergnat didn't perform for some reason in the Irish National but is in good form and has done well in this race in the past.

"Josies Orders has never run in a handicap chase for me, but he came out of his two bank course races at Punchestown in good order and we know the trip won't present any problems."

Auvergnat roared home to win at Leopardstown last DecemberCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Scoir Mear, unlucky to be brought down four out at the Punchestown festival on his most recent start, represents Tom Mullins and will be bidding for a second valuable handicap success following his victory in the Irish Stallion Farms Novice Final at Navan in March.

Another runner attempting to make amends for a Punchestown lapse is Jessica Harrington's Walk To Freedom, who blundered and unseated Robbie Power at the eighth fence in the Pat Taaffe handicap chase.

Walk To Freedom teams up with Robbie Power in the Killarney NationalCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

JP McManus, owner of Auvergnat, Josies Orders and Scoir Mear, is also represented by Michael Hourigan's The Gatechecker and Uisce Beatha, one of two runners for trainer Joseph O'Brien.

Rachael Blackmore, successful on Icantsay a year ago, partners the James Motherway-trained Na Trachtalai Abu.

What theysay

John Ryan, trainer of Icantsay
He picked up an injury when he won the race last year and has run only twice since. He's very well and I'm very happy with him. He's at least as good as he was 12 months ago.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Wishmoor and Uisce Beatha
Uisce Beatha ran well last time and is in good form. He's stepping up in trip so we'll have to see how that goes. Wishmoor is very hit and miss, but if he strikes one of his good days he'd have a chance.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Swingbridge
The ground and the trip will suit. He ran a good race at Punchestown last time and if he reproduces that level of form he should have a good each-way chance.

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