Imperial Call won't run in the Jameson Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse next Monday despite the fact that he was left in at yesterday's forfeit stage.
Trainer Raymond Hurley said yesterday: "Imperial Call definitely doesn't run at Fairyhouse. He was left in today by mistake."
This means that the weights for the race will rise 25lb with Papillon, trained by Ted Walsh, carrying top weight of 12 stone. This would bring all six British acceptors into the handicap proper. Kim Bailey said yesterday that he hadn't yet made up his mind whether or not to run Cariboo Gold or Druid's Brook, and, thanks to the defection of the top weight, Philip Hobbs now intends to run Full Of Oats.
"When I learned that Imperial Call was still in the race I was going to have second thoughts," admitted Hobbs.
The full list of British acceptors are Cariboo Gold, Druid's Brook, Celtic Giant, Fanfaron, Full Of Oats and Rightsaidfred.
The Punchestown festival, which is extended to four days this year, will carry record prizemoney of £923,000. The meeting opens on Tuesday, April 27th, when the feature race will be the BMW Chase.
