Building up for the National

Cheltenham run bodes well for Aintree

Last updated: 2nd January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

character building

Character Building: Aintree aim.

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Character Building remains on course for the John Smith's Grand National after another solid run at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

Despite being given the top weight at Prestbury Park, John Quinn's nine-year-old produced a spirited charge before being forced back into third by Rambling Minster and Alexanderthegreat.

And Quinn believes the run bodes well for the National in April.

"He came out of the race absolutely fine," said the North Yorkshire handler.

"He ran another good race so we are on track with him.

"You hope down the line he'll be running in the Grand National, he stays well and gets every yard of long trips.

"The Eider at Newcastle and the Red Square Vodka Chase at Haydock are obvious races that we'll be looking at with him.

"He jumps great so you'd think if he did get to Aintree he should be able to cope."