FAIRYHOUSE General Manager Peter Roe was delighted with the final field for Monday’s Irish Grand National which he said “looks like a really classy race.”

The 30-runner field is headed by the Gordon Elliott-trained Lord Scoundrel, one of 10 representatives for the Meath-based trainer who also has leading contenders Noble Endeavor, General Principle and last year’s second Bless The Wings amongst his ranks in a bid to win his first ever Irish Grand National.

In contrast, Willie Mullins, also trying to win this race for the first time and to chase down Elliott in the trainers championship, will only be represented by three runners of which Haymount, the choice of Ruby Walsh, appears his best chance.

“It looks like a classy field all around,” Roe commented, “It has taken a rating of 137 to get in which just goes to show you.

“I am delighted Bless The Wings has got in given he just missed out on Aintree and went so close here last season.

“You have Our Duke in there and he could be anything next season and it is great to see the three previous winners of the race (Shutthefrontdoor, Thunder And Roses and Rogue Angel) all come back to have another crack.”

Roe was also happy with the fields declared for the two Grade 1 contests tomorrow. Yorkhill, fresh from his impressive win in the JLT Chase at Cheltenham last month, will likely start favourite for the Ryanair Gold Cup.

“Yorkhill won his beginners chase here and we’re delighted to have him back,” Roe said. “It looks a quality field with Road To Respect and Ball D’Arc who won the Dan Moore here in January.

“The mares’ Grade 1 looks like a high-quality affair as well with the Grade 1-winning pair Let’s Dance and Airlie Beach set to take their chance. I wouldn’t rule out Shattered Love either. She won here in good style last month as well.”

The ground is currently good, good to yielding in places with selective watering taking place.

“Our aim is to produce safe National Hunt ground and the situation will be monitored with a few showers forecast over the weekend,” Roe added.

Racegoers at Fairyhouse can expect to see new facilities set up for the Easter meeting, notably a festival marquee tent beside the parade ring where there will be live music during and after racing.

Roe also revealed that the racecourse has been working hard with Meath County Council and Tayto Park to ensure traffic moves as efficiently as possible in and out of the course.

There will be signs placed on both the N2 and N3/M3 roads directing towards the racecourse.