Denis O'Regan hopes to land another big race success when he partners Preists Leap in the Irish Grand National.
O'Regan hoping to continue successful run of winners in Irish National.
Denis O'Regan hopes to land another big race success when he partners Preists Leap in the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National on Monday.
O'Regan has enjoyed superb success in his first year as Howard Johnson's retained jockey, most notably when claiming a first Cheltenham Festival winner with Tidal Bay's fine Arkle win.
O'Regan was also in the saddle and gave a great ride on board Inglis Drever as he made it a record-breaking third World Hurdle victory.
Trainer Thomas O'Leary has jumped in to claim O'Regan's services for Thyestes Chase winner Preists Leap in the Irish National.
"I started looking for Denis earlier in the week and I'm delighted he has committed to ride our horse on Monday," said O'Leary.
"The ground the last day at Thurles was just too dry for him and the trip on the short side, but he has an ideal racing weight (10st 4lb) and is in super shape, so all being well I'm expecting him to run a big race on this more testing ground."
O'Leary should get his wish, as clerk of the course Joe Collins confirmed.
"The going is now soft throughout on both the chase and hurdle track and we'll be using fresh ground every day on the hurdle track and also fresh ground for the Grand National on Monday."
Veteran out
Nicky Henderson will not be sending his veteran chaser Juveigneur for a second crack at the Irish National as he feels he is not quite ready.
Henderson says his charge, who was pulled up in the race last year, will most probably head for the Scottish equivalent instead.
"He won't run as he's not quite ready," said the Lambourn trainer.
"I think we'll have a look at the Scottish National instead."
Amazingly, Juveigneur has just two victories to show for his time with Henderson, one being in a weakly-contested Plumpton novice hurdle, the other in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival.
