Key trainer quotes and insight for the Grand National Trial

4.20 Punchestown
BoyleSports Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Grade B) | 5yo+ | 3m4½f | RTV

The winner of this long-distance event, which has a first prize of €59,000, qualifies for free entry to the €500,000 BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.

General Principle, winner of the Irish Grand National last year in a dramatic finish, was fifth in the Thyestes Chase on his most recent start and is one of six runners for Gordon Elliott.

The trainer, who was successful a year ago in the race with Folsom Blue, also saddles Don Poli, Monbeg Notorious, Dounikos, Woods Well and Space Cadet.

Elliott said: "General Principle ran quite well in the Thyestes last time and we know he stays well. Our other runners haven't been performing and lack consistency, so it's hard to know what to expect."

Mullins saddles three

Isleofhopendreams came off second best in this race and the Irish Grand National last season, when headed in the final stride by General Principle at Fairyhouse.

He is one of three runners for Willie Mulllins, who is also represented by Some Neck, a faller in the Thyestes Chase last month having won a Grade 2 event over 2m6½f at this track in November, and Orion D'Aubrelle.

Ruby Walsh teams up with Some Neck for the first time, and Mullins said: "Some Neck fell too early in the Thyestes to guess how he might have fared. He's usually a good jumper and seems in good form. The trip shouldn't be a problem.

"Isleofhopendreams ran poorly in the Thyestes last time and we're just hoping he'll leave that behind him. I thought Orion D'Aubrelle ran better than his final placing would suggest in the Paddy Power last time and we think the step up in trip should suit."

Fitzhenry, trained by Paul Nolan for JP McManus, and the Henry de Bromhead-trained Solomn Grundy, finished third and fourth respectively in the valuable Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting and renew rivalry.

Tom Scudamore, who rides regularly for Solomn Grundy's owner Roger Brookhouse, exploits the lack of British racing to ride the nine-year-old.

What they say

Denis Hogan, trainer of Youcantcallherthat
She disappointed over hurdles last time but she's in good form and the trip will suit. She could do with softer ground but I suppose that applies to many of her rivals. We're hopeful of a big run, though.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Solomn Grundy
He's in good form and this race will tell us whether he might develop into a Grand National candidate.

Paul Nolan, trainer of Fitzhenry
He ran well in the Paddy Power at Christmas and didn't get into the Thyestes. I'd like to see rain for him. We'll see how fares over the trip.

Shark Hanlon, trainer of Kilkishen
He'll love the trip, has a lovely racing weight and I'm very happy with him. With a bit of luck he won't be far away.

Philip Dempsey, trainer of Dinnie's Vinnie
He's a few pounds out of the handicap but is in good order and jumps and stays well.

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