TONY McCOY’S mount Wichita Lineman faces the prospect of carrying topweight in Easter Monday’s Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National if ground conditions rule out an attempt on the €250,000 feature by Notre Pere.
Jim Dreaper will be keeping a close weather-watch over the weekend, having already described as “unlikely” the chances of Notre Pere starting unless there is some rainfall at the Fairyhouse track before Monday.
With a forecast of just showers over the weekend, and the going good to yielding, the current topweight may yet not participate.
“We had no option but to declare him as we are three days from the race,” Dreaper said yesterday. “The lads will ride round on Sunday and they will be able to tell me what the ground is like.”
If Notre Pere does come out it would result in an alternative handicap coming into play, with Wichita Lineman being raised 7lb and faced with carrying 11st 7lb in the big race.
A maximum field of 30 were declared at the final stage yesterday. Champion trainer Willie Mullins is represented by three horses, including Emma Jane, who is disputing ante-post favouritism with Wichita Lineman.
Emma Jane can also earn a €50,000 bonus if she wins on Monday.
