Racing: Blowing Wind to be aimed at Aintree again

Connections of Blowing Wind are already looking forward to next year's Grand National after the gelding finished third at Aintree for the second year running.

Owner Peter Deal was thrilled with 8-1 favourite Blowing Wind's effort, and for good measure his colours were also carried by Royal Predica, who was a very respectable eighth behind the winner Bindaree

"I cannot claim I am anything but a lucky owner after my two horses were third and eighth," Deal said.

"It was an absolute joy to watch the race - one couldn't have been more excited.

"Blowing Wind was beaten fair and square, but he proved he stays sufficiently.

"When you have the favourite for the National the pressure is really on - I had relatives in South Africa watching the race live - and I was delighted his supporters got a great run."

Deal added: "Of course I am already looking forward to next year when he will no doubt try again. As for Royal Predica, we probably should have run him in the John Hughes but I was still thrilled with him."

Trainer Martin Pipe, who saddled six other runners including Manx Magic, who sadly had to be put down, added: "Blowing Wind ran a great race - he jumped very well and I was delighted with him.

"Manx Magic jumped well until he fell - it was just a bad fall that could have happened anywhere and it was very sad he lost his life."