Hughes strengthens National challenge

In Compliance booked his ticket for the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on April 9 when making all under Paddy Flood for a wide-margin win in the Cashel Chase.

The 13/2 chance built up a decent advantage and, while that was whittled down to about five lengths at the second last, he was far from stopping when odds-on pursuer Quiscover Fontaine (1/2fav) fell at this point after knuckling on landing.

This left the 11-year-old son of Old Vic to come home an easy 18 lengths victor from Rock Street with Northern Alliance a further length back in third.

“He was not really right last year, and it was hard to keep weight on him. He seems to be back to himself, and we put the blinkers on today to sharpen him up. He jumped around Aintree last year in the Topham, and will go for the National now,” said trainer Dessie Hughes.

Hughes will also be represented in the Liverpool spectacular by Vic Venturi, who was fourth in the At The Races Bobbjo Chase at Fairyhouse yesterday.