FOLLOWING his fine run when second to Imperial Call in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Rough Quest has been given top weight in the Jameson Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday, 1lb ahead of last year's winner, Flashing Steel.
The 10-year-old is extremely unlikely to take up the challenge, however for he is a warm ante-post favourite for Saturday's Aintree Grand National. If he were to make an early Aintree exit there might be a change of plans, although as he is set to meet Life Of A Lord on 19lb worse terms than on Saturday, the possibility must be a remote one.
Peter Beaumont has declared his former Gold Cup winner, Jodami, as a probable runner. The 11-year-old, whose season has been badly hit by illness, has third top weight of 11st 11lb.
Last year's brave second, Rust Never Sleeps, has been given 10-0 and with Flashing Steel or Jodami the probable top weight, he will at the most have only to carry a few pounds more than last year when he led from three out until surrendering the lead in the dying strides.
Another Excuse, winner of the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter for Eugene O'Sullivan, is on 9st 12lb, while Edwards O'Grady's Loving Around, successful in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, is on the 9-0 mark. The minimum weight to be carried is 10st.
