Racing: Commanche in weight control

Commanche Court heads a field of 19 for the Irish Grand National as he attempts to win the Fairyhouse feature for the second time on Monday. Final declarations for the race were made yesterday and the presence of Ted Walsh's stable star means that only two other horses are in the handicap proper.

The nine-year-old, who finished second to Best Mate in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last time out, tries to emulate Brown Lad in winning more than one Irish National. Brown Lad, a very tough act to follow, was the winner in 1975, 1976 and again in 1978.

The sole British runner is the Venetia Williams-trained Trouble Ahead, who is 8lb out of the handicap. Brian Crowley takes the ride on the 11-year-old as Norman Williamson is to partner Takagi. Other interesting runners include Noel Meade's The Bunny Boiler, winner of the Midlands Grand National, and Cheltenham runners-up Timbera (National Hunt Chase) and Cregg House (Cathcart Chase).

With so many kept out of the handicap, Commanche Court has been installed 5-1 favourite with Paddy Power, who then go 8-1 Rathbawn Prince.

Paul Carberry has been booked to ride the favourite, Ad Hoc, in next week's Grand National, it was confirmed yesterday. Carberry has been out of action since damaging tendons in his hand at the Cheltenham Festival, but is to resume riding at Fairyhouse tomorrow.

Barry Simpson, racing manager to Ad Hoc's owner, Sir Robert Ogden, said: "Paul tells me that his hand feels good. He has ridden out the last couple of days and is in good shape."

Carberry won the National on Bobbyjo in 1999 and has completed the course in four out of six attempts.