National big guns in Bobbyjo showdown
The Willie Mullins-trained Prince De Beauchene was a hugely impressive winner of one of Ireland’s biggest National trials 12 months ago, with the champion trainer’s Hedgehunter winning both races in 2005.
An injury suffered during last year’s race ruled Prince De Beauchene out of a trip to Aintree, but he appeared as good as ever when winning on his seasonal reappearance over hurdles at Limerick in December.
Mullins said of Prince De Beauchene: “He won last year and came into the winner’s enclosure 100%, but by the time he got back up to the veterinary unit he was lame and he just got lamer and lamer.
“He pulled some type of ligament or something and I hope he can get through that this year.
“He had a nice run over hurdles down in Limerick and was fine afterwards, so let’s get the Bobbyjo out of the way and then look to Aintree.
“The way he did it at Limerick did surprise me a bit, but he had been working well at home.”
Should Prince De Beauchene make the trip to Merseyside in April, he will have to carry the not inconsiderable burden off 11st 3lb, but the champion trainer is not overly concerned.
“He’s got plenty of weight but he’s a huge horse and built to carry it,” Mullins said.
“Taking last year into account, I’m happy if I get him there. I don’t want any last-minute problems.
“He’s one to look forward to with his style of jumping and the size and scope that he has.”
Among his rivals is Ted Walsh’s Seabass, who ran a superb race under the trainer’s daughter, Katie, when third in last year’s Grand National.
He ran well over hurdles at Fairyhouse on his return earlier this month and aims to enhance his own Aintree claims.
After a slightly disappointing start to the campaign, Colm Murphy’s dual Grade One-winning chaser Quito De La Roque looked more like his old self when beating the Roi Du Mee comfortably at Thurles a month ago.
Murphy said: “We were delighted with his performance the last day and hopefully if he can reproduce that, he’ll run a big race.
“He’s got to give a bit of weight away, but hopefully he’s up to it and this race will tell us a lot about where we’re going.
“He’s in the Gold Cup and the National and there is also the three-mile race at Aintree and Punchestown later on, so we’ll see how we go.”
