NumberSixValverde aiming to retain Aintree title

NumberSixValverde is to bid for a repeat success in the 2007 John Smiths Grand National at Aintree next April.

The horse is back in full training as is expected to make his seasonal reappearance at Leopardstown over Christmas- probably over hurdles.

His route back to Liverpool is likely to include the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, also at Leopardstown, in February.

His trainer, Martin Brassil said that while it will be difficult to defend the title, he feels his horse has a good chance.