No British raiders in Irish Grand National after Harry Fry rules out American

There will be no British involvement in next Monday's BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse after Harry Fry confirmed on Monday morning that American – who had been a general 20-1 chance for Ireland's richest jumps race – would not take part.

Irish Grand National entries

The news follows on from Lambourn trainer Warren Greatrex ruling out his entries Missed Approach and Keeper Hill, who were around 25-1 chances for the €500,000 event.

Those three and the Harry Whittington-trained Vinnie Lewis were among the only original entries from Britain for the Irish National – a situation described as disappointing by Fairyhouse manager Peter Roe, who also pointed to the race coming before the Randox Health Grand National as another factor in the low turnout.

"It's slightly disappointing but it just screams how competitive Irish racing is right now," Roe said in February, when the entries were revealed.

American, who was ninth in the Gold Cup last time out, was taken out of the Aintree highlight as well last week.

The Willie Mullins-trained pair of Bellshill and Pairofbrowneyes head the betting at around 10-1 for the Irish National, which a British-trained raider last won when Shutthefrontdoor struck for Jonjo O'Neill in 2014.