Connections of Synchronised have confirmed the Cheltenham Gold Cup hero as an intended runner in Saturday's John Smith's Grand National.

The Jonjo O'Neill-trained nine-year-old ran out a determined winner of steeplechasing's blue riband at Prestbury Park last month, given an inspired ride by champion jockey Tony McCoy.

Golden Miller is the only horse in history to have followed up Gold Cup success with Aintree glory in the same season, securing the double in 1934.

Provided Synchronised pleases in a midweek workout, he will bid to follow in that legendary chaser's hoofprints.

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: "The plan is for him to go. He just has to do a little bit [of work] during the week to make sure Jonjo's happy with him."

Berry also confirmed that last month's Kim Muir Chase winner Sunnhillboy remains on course for the world's most famous steeplechase. "Sunnyhillboy is in good order and he definitely goes to Aintree," he added.

In yesterday's Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse, Lion Na Bearnai provided trainer Tom Gibney and jockey Andrew Thornton with the biggest success of their careers.

A surprise winner of the Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan, the 10-year-old showed stamina in abundance to see off Edward O'Grady's Out Now after the final fence.

Gibney trains only a handful of horses near the track and Thornton is a 3lb claimer, proving that the big races can still be won by the smaller yards.

The winner returned at 33-1 and won by four and a half lengths. Jonjo O'Neill's Alfie Sherrin ran another good race in third, with Paddy Pub fourth.

Other fancied runners such as Allee Garde, Aigle D'Or, Glam Gerry and Lastoftheleaders never featured.