First Lieutenant set for National chance

Connections look set to send First Lieutenant to Aintree for a shot at the Grand National despite his recent disappointments.

The 10-year-old has been around for a while and has had many outings in some of the top staying races over the years.

However the son of Presenting has never been a regular visitor to the winner’s circle despite being placed on many occasions in his solid career.

The Chestnut’s last victory came in Aintree’s Betfred Bowl Chase back in 2013 and he has struggled this season, with a sixth place finish in the Lexus Chase before finishing eighth of eight in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown.

Trainer Mouse Morris admits that his days of taking on the top horses in Grade One events may now be over and is looking to the world’s top steeplechase for his next outing.

“I think we’ll probably go straight to the National with him now,” he said. “I think he’s probably more of a handicapper these days than that sort of level.

“He’s had a lot of hard races over the years and he’s a horse who gives himself a hard race every time.

“He won’t go to Cheltenham this year. We’ll cheer him up and look to Aintree with him. It will be interesting to see what mark he gets.”