Bookies are reporting plenty of bets being placed on Gaillard Du Mesnil ahead of the Grand National at Aintree later this month.
The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old was placed in Grade One company at the last two Cheltenham Festivals before winning the National Hunt Chase at Prestbury Park last month after being sent off the 10-11 favourite.
Gaillard Du Mesnil put his stamina to good use and stay on past Chemical Energy in the closing stages of the race after the forward-going Mahler Mission fell at the second last fence.
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Speaking after that success, the trainer said: "I think we were a bit fortunate to be honest with John McConnell’s horse falling, but that’s racing.
"It was a tough three miles and six furlongs and while we were behind, Patrick thought they’d gone fast enough. I’m very happy.
"I don’t know about Aintree, I don’t know if it will come too soon for him so we’ll see.
"I’m thrilled for the owners, Joe and Marie (Donnelly), they were second in the Champion Hurdle, too."
The trainer's son and winning jockey Patrick Mullins added: "He jumped a bit high. I think it was the white fences. We had the put in at home and he jumped them high there, too.
"Over that distance you just want them to pop, not expand energy, but after the first circuit he was better."
William Hill report "a good deal of money" has been placed on Gaillard Du Mesnil ahead of the April 15 race.
William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “We’ve seen a good deal of money today for Gaillard Du Mesnil in the Grand National market, and have been forced to cut him from 16/1 into 14/1 as a result.
“Willie Mullins’ seven-year-old proved himself a strong stayer when winning the National Hunt Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and punters seem to think Mullins could be on course for a second National win to add to Hedgehunter’s 2005 success, as he now shares fourth place in the market with his stablemate Mr Incredible at 14/1.”
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