Trainer Martin Brassil is looking forward to sending Longhouse Poet back to Aintree Racecourse for a another crack at the Randox Grand National on April 15.
The nine-year-old ran well on his first attempt at the world's greatest steeplechase 12 months ago. Under Darragh O'Keeffe, he took to the famous Aintree obstacles and was still up in the firing line until the second last fence. He eventually tired to finish sixth behind winner Noble Yeats. But he will head back to Aintree a year older, in good form and carrying 4lb less than last April. He is currently among the market leaders at a best-priced 16-1 with William Hill, Coral, Betfred, BetVictor and Unibet behind general 8-1 favourite Corach Rambler.
Longhouse Poet won a 2m4f contest over hurdles at Limerick on Boxing Day, and although he unseated jockey JJ Slevin at the first fence in the Bobbjo Chase at Fairyhouse, he bounced back with victory over fellow Grand National entrant Roi Mage in a 3m2f chase at Down Royal last Friday.
