Martin and punters see Star shining

Racing:  Royal County Star's trainer Tony Martin is happy with his charge ahead of Monday's Irish Grand National but faces fierce competition from ante-post co-favourites Cailin Alainn and Pomme Tiepy, as well as Beef or Salmon.

Michael Hourigan's stable stalwart will attempt to become the first horse since Flashing Steel in 1995 to carry top-weight to victory in the feature race at Fairyhouse.

As usual, Willie Mullins holds a strong hand and along with his five-year-old mare Pomme Tiepy, a faller at Cheltenham last week, Alexander Taipan, Arbor Supreme, Ballytrim, Gilligans Hall, Homer Wells, Irish Invader and Livingstonebramble could all go to post.

There are five British entries with Arnold Layne, Azulejo, Flintoff, Juveigneur and The Outlier all possibles.

However, it is Martin's Royal County Star who has been all the rage with Paddy Power and is now down to 5-1 from an opening price of 8s.

"Royal County Star ran over hurdles three weeks ago and ran quite well and I'm happy with him. Hopefully everything will be OK for Monday," the County Meath trainer said.

"He was a bit unlucky in the Kerry National and was third or fourth at the time and looked to have a great chance when he unseated Robbie (Colgan).

"But he gained good compensation in the Troytown when Robbie was very good and it all worked out."

Martin could also run Newbay Prop, winner of the valuable Paddy Power Chase in December but pulled-up at Cheltenham last week.

"I thought he would run well at Cheltenham, but he ran into himself and pulled a shoe off," explained Martin. "It was only half-way and he only went a mile so I intend running him at Fairyhouse."

The trainer knows exactly what is required to take an Irish National, having saddled Davids Lad to take the 2001 renewal, but is under no illusions about the enormity of his the task.

He added: "The Irish National is the most competitive chase in Ireland for the year and I've got two horses realistically with chances — they've been running well and done well."

Irish Grand National; Paddy Power: 5-1 Cailin Alainn, Pomme Tiepy, Royal County Star, 12-1 Notre Pere, 14-1 Alexander Taipan, Beef Or Salmon, Preists Leap, 16-1 Ballycullen Boy, Homer Wells, Juveigneur, Newbay Prop, Well Tutored, 20-1 bar.