 Numbersixvalverde was the fifth Irish winner in the past eight years |
Last year's winner Numbersixvalverde is among the 119 entries for the 2007 Grand National at Aintree on 14 April. Eight of the nine finishers from 2006 have been entered for this year's race including runner-up Hedgehunter, who won the 4m 4f marathon in 2005.
The Willie Mullins-trained 11-year-old has been made the early favourite for the contest although the weights will not be issued until 13 February.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has eight horses in the �700,000 race.
Nicholls is yet to win the famous steeplechase and his challenge this year could be headed by classy stayer Eurotrek.
Leading owner JP McManus is another looking for a first win and the Irishman has nine entries in the race, headed by former runner-up Clan Royal.
Irish-trained horses have won the Grand National five times in the last eight years and there are 33 possible runners from across the Irish Sea this year.
There are also seven French entries, including four from the stable of Francois Doumen.
There will be a maximum field of 40 for the Grand National, with the winner earning almost �400,000.
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