By Sam Turner For The Daily Mail
Published: 22:31 BST, 21 April 2019 | Updated: 23:09 BST, 21 April 2019
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Conditions for Monday afternoon's Irish Grand National could barely be more contrasting than 12 months ago and the clement weather may benefit Snugsborough Benny.
Atrocious ground last year ensured that just eight of the 30 runners completed and those that crossed the line resembled revellers returning from the first night of a particularly well-oiled stag party.
The first two home, General Principle and Isleofhopendreams, return for another crack at the title, but the prospect of a better surface could play to the strengths of Snugsborough Benny, who warmed up for a tilt at the £235,000 prize with an impressive course win in February.
Snugsborough Benny wins the Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Steeplechase
The nine-year-old, trained by Liam Cusack, looked as though he had jumped into the race at the bottom of the straight that day as he arrived full of running at the third last fence for rider Denis O'Regan before powering to a six-length defeat of Call It Magic.
Call It Magic was subsequently sent off a well-backed fancy for the Topham Chase at Aintree before capsizing, and third-home Measureofmydreams was made favourite for the Kim Muir Chase at Cheltenham, which suggests form students believe the form has substance.
Snugsborough Benny appears to be a happier horse going right-handed, as he will on Monday, with five wins from 14 starts comparing favourably with his statistics racing left-handed. He has also won twice in big fields, including in a competitive Galway handicap last summer, which increases confidence.
History suggests big weights have been difficult to carry in this event, so although
