O’Regan in demand for Apalachi
O’Regan has ridden the Dessie Hughes-trained gelding twice before, when unseated at Becher’s Brook in last year’s National and when winning the Becher Chase in 2008.
Black Apalachi fell at the second fence in the previous season’s National for Andrew McNamara. Now 11, he was second to stablemate Vic Venturi on his most recent start in the Bobbyjo Chase.
Owner Gerard Burke said: “It’s up to Dessie, but as far as I know Denis O’Regan is riding him again.
“The horse seems in very good form, so we’re hoping for the best.”
Jimmy Mangan is keeping his fingers crossed Whinstone Boy makes the cut as the Thyestes Chase winner still needs 14 to come out to make the maximum 40-strong field.
“He’s in super form and we’re really looking forward to it, we are keeping our fingers crossed. We hope he gets in,” said the Co Cork trainer.
“If not, he might still go to Aintree for the three-mile hurdle.
“His stable companion, Conna Castle, is also in great form and he’s guaranteed to get in the National.”
