THE weights for the Aintree Grand National often spark debate, due to differences in opinion between the British and Irish handicappers on raiders’ ratings.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Spanish Harlem is among the latest to divide, having left us wondering what could have been when falling at the final fence with a two-length advantage in the Thyestes Chase last time out.

It was the reason behind Martin Greenwood, the British Horseracing Authority’s Chase Handicapper for races staged over two miles and seven furlongs and further, rating Willie Mullins’ eight-year-old at 159; 5lb higher than his Irish rating. Greenwood explained: “I have taken the view that he would have won the Thyestes Chase whereas they say he would have only finished third.”

Whether Greenwood or the Irish handicapper is correct will become clearer later today, as Spanish Harlem returns in the Bar 1 Betting Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse. Stablemate Grangeclare West currently heads the market, chosen as Paul Townend’s ride, as he aims to beat Ruby Walsh’s record of four wins in the Grade 3 test.

Mullins is the race’s most successful trainer at 14 runnings, with three having subsequently scored at Aintree - I Am Maximus, Nick Rockett and Hedgehunter.

Nick Rockett came off the back of a Thyestes win, while Hedgehunter had won the Gowran feature 12 months prior and was running a fine race in third next time out at Aintree, only to fall at the final fence.

Danny Mullins has won the Bobbyjo twice - landing back-to-back runnings aboard Acapella Bourgeois in 2020 and 2021 - and bids to land a third aboard Spanish Harlem today.

The pair combined to win the Guinness Kerry National last September, and Danny is hopeful of another smart performance at Fairyhouse.

“I suppose the Bobbyjo will suit him quite well,” he told The Irish Field. “The test of stamina is going to really bring out his strengths and, fingers crossed, he runs a big race. He was very unfortunate the last day, but showed a great level of form.

“I suppose maybe Grangeclare West is weighted to win the race, but the Grand National weights are already out, so we’ll have a pop at him and try beat him.”