Naas prep for National hope

TOM O’Leary reports Preists Leap to be in rude health ahead of his tilt at John Smith’s Grand National glory.

The nine-year-old won the valuable Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park for the second year in succession last month and his County Cork handler has been delighted with his homework since.

He is likely to run just once more before his date with destiny over the giant fences at Aintree on April 4, with an event at Naas currently being eyed up by his trainer.