Flood ‘hopeful’ of National repeat

GVA Ireland is out to become the first horse to win the John Smith’s Midlands Grand National Chase twice when he lines up for the Uttoxeter marathon today.

Last March, the Fran Flood-trained gelding won by four lengths from Ossmoses but has yet to trouble the judge in four outings this winter.

However, Flood remains “hopeful” of a repeat victory in the extended four-mile mile handicap, for which 18 horses were declared.