Seddon and Ben Harvey win the Magners Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in March. © Photo Healy Racing
Cheltenham festival winner Seddon still has the American Grand National very much in his sights after a spin on the flat at the Killarney August meeting recently.
The John McConnell trained 10-year-old has proven a revelation for owners Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate over the past year or so, winning his four most recent starts over jumps.
After placing on his first two runs, the gelding opened his account for new connections in a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in October.
He then switched back to chasing to gain an impressive success at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, before gaining his biggest win when taking the Magners Plate at Cheltenham in March.
The Stowaway gelding ended a fruitful campaign with a further win over hurdles at Punchestown in April. Following a summer break, he returned on the flat at Killarney earlier this month, finishing fourth or five in a Qualified Riders race.
“We were very happy with him. He had a blow two out, got a second wind then and stayed on well," John McConnell reported.
“There is a possibility that he might have another Flat run. It's still all go for the American Grand National.”
That latter race, which was won last year by the Shark Hanlon trained Hewick, takes place at Far Hills racecourse on 21st October. Hewick is also on track to defend his crown in this years renewal.
Quotes by Gary Carson
