Timber prep for National hope Bays

Cloudy Bays will have a slightly unorthodox prep for the John Smith’s Grand National by running over hurdles at Cheltenham.

The 10-year-old, who has been campaigned over both timber and fences this term, is on course to run in the Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle).

Should he please his trainer Charles Byrnes at next month’s Festival, he will then go for the world’s greatest steeplechase at Aintree on April 14.

“I am planning to run Cloudy Bays in the Grand National. He’s been allotted 11st which is OK – I thought maybe he might get in a bit lighter,” said the Ballingarry handler.

“He will run at Cheltenham first in the Pertemps Final but if he performs well there he will definitely go to Aintree.

“He ran well in a qualifier the other day and showed a bit of sparkle and he seems to be in good form.

“Cloudy Bays is a funny horse – if he’s on a going day then he can stay the trip. It depends on whether or not he settles, but if he gets into a nice rhythm then he could go well.

“The going would not be too much of a concern either as he handles most ground. He certainly wouldn’t be going to Aintree to make up the numbers and at least he is guaranteed to get a run.”

After winning the Listed Wilf Dooly Chase at Tramore on New Year’s Day, Cloudy Bays was eighth to Adamant Approach in a three-mile handicap hurdle at Leopardstown on January 14 on his latest start.