Tough task for Burrow Saint to win back-to-back Irish Grand Nationals

Despite being crowned Ireland's leading jumps trainer on thirteen occasions, Willie Mullins has had very little luck in the Irish Grand National. The County Carlow-handler had seen each of his first 34 entries beaten in the Fairyhouse contest before Burrows Saint finally put an end to his barren run twelve months ago.

Mullins' lean spell ended in terrific style with a spectacular 1-2-3 in the stamina-sapping content, however last year's victor could struggle to produce a similar display at the County Meath venue off a higher mark when he next walks onto the track.

The versatile seven-year-old went off as the well-backed 6/1 favourite in 2019. Those who'd joined the gamble were rewarded, as the market leader edged clear of stablemates Isleofhopeanddreams and Acapella Bourgeois to help secure his handler's maiden victory in the event.

Lurking on a mark of just 144, the French-bred chaser navigated his way around the course superbly under Ruby Walsh, and will return to defend his crown. However, despite being priced up as the joint 12-1 favourite in the ante-post horse racing odds for this year's yet to be rearranged event, he may struggle to reproduce last year's display off a slightly higher weight.

Burrows Saint looked extremely sharp in the Bet with Tote at Punchestown Hurdle under Rachael Blackmore at the end of 2019, beating stablemate Saglawy by just over three lengths. However, Mullins' charge was disappointing on his return to Fairyhouse at the beginning of December, finishing third of five in a novice chase event.

No horse has won back-to-back Irish Grand National's since Jim Dreaper's Brown Lad in 1976, and despite the prospect of facing another tough set of opponents this year connections are still feeling relatively confident about his chances of success.

A big run is also expected of Ted Walsh's Any Second Now, and the J.P McManus-owned runner will be determined to make amends for last year's slip-up. He fell at the eighth whilst chasing the early pacesetters and should run off a similar mark next time around. The eight-year-old also comes off the back of a classy win at Naas in a Grade 3 event.

Burrows Saint wasn't to be the only representative of the Willie Mullins stable. The experienced handler, who was crowned leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival in March, looks set to send another strong string of runners to the track with Bobbyjo Chase runner-up Bellshill, and Gold Cup entrant Real Steel amongst this year's hopefuls.

Acapella Bourgeois is also likely to return for another crack, whilst Total Recall will be looking to build upon his success in the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase back in January.

Gordon Elliott, who was successful in the 2018 renewal of this race, had a number of potential entrants with top-weight Delta Work generally viewed as his best hope in the iconic steeplechase.

Only twelve runners completed the race in 2019 with the testing ground causing a number of competitors to pull up midway through the contest. Shattered Love, Minella Rocco, Pairofbrowneyes, and 2018-winner General Principle were amongst those who failed to finish. With 24 fences to negotiate, the 3m 5f contest is one of the toughest contests on the National Hunt calendar, and racing fans are looking forward to another hugely competitive renewal.

Burrows Saint has shown a liking for this track, and is likely to give another good account of himself when he gets the chance. After breaking his duck in last year's event, Willie Mullins will be keen to continue his tremendous run of form here, although Burrows Saint has it all to do in his bid for back-to-back Irish Grand National success.