Morris: scrap penalties for Fairyhouse showpiece

Mouse Morris believes Ireland should follow the example of Britain by having no penalties for the BoyleSports Irish Grand National.

He said on Tuesday: "Once the weights are published for the Randox Health Grand National a horse cannot incur a penalty for the race, and I think it should be the same story for the Irish National.

"As matters stand the Irish handicapper can issue a discretionary penalty for the Fairyhouse race for any horse who wins after the day the weights are published.

"But as the Irish National is now the most valuable jumps race in the country I can't see why we don't have a similar situation here as they have for the Aintree National."

He added: "Even if there were set penalties it wouldn't be too bad, but I'm not in favour of discretionary penalties."

Morris has sent out two winners of the Irish National in Hear The Echo in 2008 and Rogue Angel last year.

They both ran in the silks of Gigginstown House Stud, who own the trainer's five entries for this year's renewal on April 17 – Rogue Angel, Thunder And Roses, First Lieutenant, Alpha Des Obeaux and Folsom Blue.

BoyleSports Irish Grand National entries