Jockey Paul Townend will ride Cabaret Queen for his boss Willie Mullins in today’s Guinness Kerry National.

Townend has chosen her ahead of stable companion Robin Des Foret and is happy that his mount (a half-sister to fellow Kerry National contender Internal Transfer will give a good account of herself in one of the most competitive handicap chases of the season.

“Its always a tough choice in these big races. You’ve to factor in a lot of things, but she ran a cracking race in the Galway Plate (third to Early Doors).

"She was a good winner of the Munster National (at Limerick) last year and was well-fancied for the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury, so hopefully she can put up a good performance.

“She probably got it her own way a bit in the Galway Plate which was a help for her. She probably won’t get that here in the Kerry National but it was nice to see her put up a good run there and if she can build on that she should give a good account of herself.

“She has a nice weight on her back and I don’t think the weather is going to worry us too much with her. She seems to adjust to whatever type of ground (now Soft).

“She got a good hike in the ratings after the Munster National but it was nice to see her put in a nice run at Galway off her new mark. She was running well in Leopardstown one day (Paddy Power Chase) when she tipped up with me which was very unlike her.

“It’s as competitive as ever and I think she has as good a chance as any.”