Royal appearance at Bangor

Grand National runner-up Clan Royal could begin his build up to another crack at the world’s greatest steeplechase with a spin over hurdles at Bangor on Wednesday.

The Jonjo O’Neill-trained nine-year-old found only Amberleigh House too good in the Aintree showpiece back in April, travelling like a dream for much of the second circuit before eventually succumbing by three lengths.

He is one of 16 entries for the three-mile Alfa Aggregates Products Handicap Hurdle at the Welsh track.

“He wasn’t back in very early but Jonjo is happy with him and he’s in good form,” Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said today.

“If he doesn’t go there he’ll be out within the next week somewhere. He’ll have a run over hurdles and we’ll take it from there.”

The gelding has shown a real liking for the daunting Liverpool fences, his other two runs resulting in victories, and is a best-priced 20-1 for next year’s renewal.