'It might never happen again' - Judge to lead Fahy team in Scottish National

Pat Fahy has admitted winning the Coral Scottish National is a lifelong ambition, and the trainer who sent out Mister Fogpatches to finish third in the race last year will launch a two-pronged attack at Ayr on Saturday with Danny Mullins set to partner Stormy Judge.

The dream dates all the way back to 1994 when he was responsible for the ante-post favourite Nuaffe, but had to withdraw him on the day because of quick ground.

Last year Mister Fogpatches was the subject of an ante-post plunge and finished third to Mighty Thunder. The eight-year-old is again the shortest price runner from the Fahy stable, but the trainer thinks it might come too soon after his Kim Muir exertions and is likely to wait for the BoyleSports Irish Grand National next month instead.

That means his full-brother Stormy Judge will lead the charge, along with History Of Fashion.

Fahy said: "I'd absolutely love to win the Scottish National. We had the favourite for it a long, long time ago in Nuaffe. We went over and we were all excited, but we had to come back again without running because the ground was like the road.

Scottish Grand National possible runners and betting

"A lot has changed at the track since then and I couldn't believe how well watered it was last year. They did an unbelievable job."

On his team for next Saturday, Fahy said: "It's unbelievable to think that a small stable like ours is responsible for three of the fancied runners. It might never happen again.

"I'm not sure whether Mister Fogpatches will make it, though. It might come too soon for him after Cheltenham, so we'll let him hand the baton over to his brother, Stormy Judge.

"I've had the race in mind for a while for Stormy Judge. I thought that was a serious run from him in the Leinster National at Naas. He nearly jumped too well and that jumping took him to the front too soon. He needed that run and it should leave him spot on.

Stormy Judge: could realise Pat Fahy's Scottish Grand National dreamCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

"He seems in great form now and I think Danny Mullins will ride him as there is no jump racing in Ireland next Saturday.

"The plan is definitely for History Of Fashion to join him. In all his races, he seems to be only getting going when it's all over, so you'd imagine the trip would certainly suit him.

"I told one of his owners that he could even pull up early at Navan the last day on that ground, but he ended up running a hell of a race. He comes into his comfort zone in the latter part of races. Phillip Enright rode him the last day and I'd imagine he'll ride him again."

Mister Fogpatches is 10-1 second favourite with sponsors Coral, while Stormy Judge is 16-1 and History Of Fashion 20-1.

Read more:

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'We're not afraid to run more than one' - Christian Williams eyes next big prize

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