Paul Townend discusses Willie Mullins’ Irish Grand National hopes

Pairofbrowneyes was very impressive in the Leinster National the last day. He was well fancied for the race last year when I rode but he didn’t get very far.

He is the other end of the weights this time, he’s going to carry a lot of weight but he’s a horse who promises a big day. He side stepped the English National to come here so he’s definitely one of our main fancies.

Total Recall has run a couple of nice races. He was second to Al Boum Photo at Tramore earlier in the year. We had a big day with him in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury last year.

He is well up in the weights but he has a bit of class. He didn’t take to the English National last year but he’s in better form this year so far.

Isleofhopeanddreams ran a cracker in this race last year; probably a career highlight for him. He was second to Pairofbrowneyes but was well beaten in the Leinster National.

10’7 would be a nice weight on his back again but he’s climbing up the handicap the whole time. He’d be an outsider of ours but he definitely has an each-way chance. He likes it around Fairyhouse.

C’est Jersey is a maiden still over fences but he has plenty of experience. The trip will be no worry for him. Novices have a good record in the race but I’m not sure if a maiden over fences has won the Irish National but he’s got an outside chance.

Another I really fancy is Burrows Saint who sneaks down the bottom. He won a Grade 3 over 3 miles in Limerick the last day. He’d be a big fancy of mine for the race for Rich Richie. He’s improving and we haven’t seen the best of him yet.

I’m not sure Acapello Bourgeois will run. He won at Clonmel the other day but I think Willie Mullins might have a different race in mind for him.

Paul.