McCain to step up Ballabriggs’ National preparations

BALLABRIGGS is about to have his work schedule stepped up a gear in preparation for one or two outings before bidding for back-to-back successes in the John Smith’s Grand National.

The 11-year-old’s trainer Donald McCain has pinpointed Kelso’s Premier Chase on March 3 as Ballabriggs’ last run before his April 14 date at Aintree, as it was ahead of his 2011 National triumph under Jason Maguire.

But Haydock’s Rendlesham Hurdle could precede that if McCain feels two runs are necessary for Ballabriggs to be at his absolute peak as he tries to become only the eighth horse in history to win the National on more than one occasion.