National hope Doire back on Sunday

Dun Doire is likely to begin his build-up to another crack at the John Smith’s Grand National with a run over hurdles at Punchestown on Sunday.

Trainer Tony Martin is happy with the progress of the nine-year-old, who has not run since he was pulled up in the Aintree showpiece last April.

“He runs on Sunday and I’m very pleased with him,” said Martin.

Dun Doire holds an entry in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock on February 16 in which he also has put in Newbay Prop. The latter was third in the Thyestes Chase on his latest start.

“Newbay Prop might get to Haydock, but it would come a bit too quick for Dun Doire if he runs on Sunday as he’d only have a fortnight,” Martin went on.

Dun Doire and Newbay Prop are among Martin’s entries for the Grand National.

Royal County Star is another but he is being targeted at the Irish equivalent at Fairyhouse on March 22.

“The intention is to run him in the Irish National. He’s back after a break and he may run first over hurdles at Punchestown in about three weeks,” said Martin.

Patsy Hall is another Martin entry for Aintree and he is pleasing after unseating his rider in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury in early December.

“I probably made a mistake and should not have gone to Newbury with him,” he continued.

“I m quite happy with him now and he’ll run in about three to four weeks.”