Castle set for Aintree test

KING JOHNS CASTLE is on course for a second crack at the John Smith’s Grand National following a belated return to action at Naas on Saturday.

The 10-year-old grey, trained by Arthur Moore, was seventh in a 19-furlong handicap hurdle which he won 12 months ago on the way to finishing second to Comply Or Die at Aintree. It was thought a tendon injury would rule him out for the season but recovered sooner than expected.

“He’s come out of the race fine. All being well he’ll go straight to Aintree now, that’s the plan,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.