Etoile to race in Grand National

Accordion Etoile will make his third trip to British shores this season, with trainer Paul Nolan aiming him for the John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle on Grand National day.

A progressive type who landed the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November, Accordion Etoile returned to Prestbury Park for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle last week and was far from disgraced when fourth, just over three lengths behind winner Hardy Eustace.

Nolan told the Racing Post: “I was delighted with his run at Cheltenham and he has come out of the race very well.

“I’m out trying to catch him in a paddock and I’m not having any success yet. We also have Punchestown in mind for him, but that will depend on how we get on at Aintree where I think two and a half miles will suit him.”

Although he has not raced over the distance recently, the six-year-old scored over two and a half miles as a novice in 2003, and he could be set for a rematch with Champion Hurdle third Brave Inca in the Grade One contest.