Amberleigh House sets out for Aintree

Grand National hero Amberleigh House begins the long road to further Aintree glory tomorrow when he heads for the jmc.it Handicap Hurdle at Haydock.

The 12-year-old has kicked off his campaign in the same race for the past two years when as well as his emotional victory in the world’s greatest steeplechase last season, he has also gone on to record a third in the great race, as well as two seconds in the Becher Chase.

Ginger McCain’s plan will be the same again this time around, with this event over timber designed as a warm-up to the totesport-sponsored Becher on November 21.

“The little horse is very straightforward,” said McCain. “He’s absolutely fine. We have had no hiccups with him.

“This is really to get him ready for the Becher Chase. We are really hoping for a good pop round, and if he finishes in the first half-dozen, we would be delighted.”