Enjoy D'allen and Conor Orr © Photo Healy Racing
Connections of Enjoy D’allen believe he has what it takes to run a big race in the Randox Grand National and the Ciaran Murphy-trained gelding will be campaigned with the world’s most famous race in mind.
The son of Network won twice over fences last season and relished an extreme test of stamina when third to Freewheelin Dylan in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National.
He again made the frame last time in a highly competitive handicap when third to School Boy Hours in the Paddy Power Chase and Murphy has his eyes now firmly set on Aintree.
“We were delighted with his run in the Paddy Power. He ran a cracker, jumped brilliantly and stayed on great. He was giving the first two plenty of weight and it is encouraging going forward with him,” said the Mullingar handler.
“We know now that he can run well as a fresh horse. He had plenty of racing last year but was always going to have a light campaign this season.
“The Aintree National would be the main target. He’s 148 now so he’s going to get in. He’ll probably have a run over hurdles and then go straight there.
“We think we have the right profile for the race going on horses that have won it other years and what he has done. We’ll have a crack at it and hope for the best.
“We’ll pop one or two of the National fences at the Curragh but I can’t see it as a problem. He jumps well and loves the hustle and bustle of a race.
“He was lucky a few times in the Paddy Power that he didn’t get brought down. Conor (Orr) is very good on him and gets a lovely tune out of him.”
