The Irish challenge for next week ’ s £1million Crabbie ’ s Grand National looks like being eight strong after trainer Robbie Hennessy confirmed Rubi Light a definite runner . The grade one winner over two and a half miles schooled over Aintree-style fences on Saturday under big race jockey Andrew Lynch . Rubi Light had the option of running Friday ’ s shorter Topham Chase but Hennessy said : ‘ He is going to run . There is only one National . One of his runs over three miles was when he was second in the Lexus Chase to Synchronised and he went on to win the Gold Cup that season . Irish trainer Robbie Hennessy confirmed Rubi Light is a definite runner in the Grand National . ‘ Rubi Light is not as fast as he used to be but his jumping has been fantastic this year and he is in great form. ’ The Irish challenge also includes Jim Culloty ’ s Lord Windermere ( Robbie McNamara ) and Spring Heeled ( Nick Scholfield ) , Willie Mullins-trained Ballycasey ( Ruby Walsh ) , Mouse Morris ’ s First Lieutenant ( Nina Carberry ) and Gordon Elliott ’ s Cause Of Causes ( Paul Carberry ) . On Saturday Maurice Phelan confirmed Portrait King ( Davy Condon ) an intended starter while Peter Fahey said Owega Star ( Robert Power ) also runs . Ruby Walsh riding Mon Parrain clear the last to win Handicap Steeple Chase at Sandown . Meanwhile , Richie McLernon has been confirmed for the mount on Emma Lavelle ’ s Court By Surprise while condition jockey Sean Bowen has a chance to pick up the one steeplechase win he still requires to be qualified to partner Paul Nicholls-trained Mon Parrain at Aintree when he rides Virak in the 888sport.com Handicap Chase at Haydock on Sunday afternoon . But Nicholls denied he had deliberately identified the opportunity to put Bowen up . The trainer said : ‘ I am not thinking about the Grand National , just that Virak has top weight and I am taking five pounds off . The 2014 Gold Cup winning Lord Windermere has been confirmed as a runner for the Aintree Grand National . The Irish challenge also includes Jim Culloty ’ s Spring Heeled who will be ridden by Nick Scholfield . ‘ He is not over big and we thought it was ideal to claim off him . ‘ I also have something that Sean could ride on Monday and we will try to get him the winner he needs but if it doesn ’ t happen , it doesn ’ t happen. ’ Joseph O ’ Brien , who is battling to reduce his weight so he can continue to ride regularly on the Flat , has his first rides on the level at Cork on Sunday afternoon . He rides East India ( 9st 6lb ) and Hans Holbein ( 9st 5lb ) for his father Aidan . Joseph O ’ Brien ( left ) is set to ride for his father at Cork on Sunday afternoon despite struggling with weight .
Rubi Light has been confirmed as a definite runner for the Grand National . Grade one winner had the option of running in the shorter Topham Chase . The race is run over two miles and starts at Aintree Racecourse on April 1 with the first heat taking place on Saturday May 3, followed by the second heat on Sunday June 5. Hennessy 's horse is one of eight Irish-trained horses targeting the race .