Martin sounds Lacha doubts

Tony Martin has revealed it is “doubtful” that Lochan Lacha will travel from Ireland to contest Saturday’s Coral Welsh National at Chepstow.

The 10-year-old is as short as 14-1 for the famous staying prize but as he is currently not guaranteed a place in the field, Martin is weighing up whether it is worth crossing the Irish Sea.

“It’s doubtful he’ll run. He needs seven to come out in front of him in the ballot and there’s no point shipping him over if he’s not going to get in,” the trainer told At The Races.

“We’ll know in the morning and if we can get him out fairly quick, there is just a chance we might run him, but it’s only 50-50.

“He’s a fair horse and a proper Welsh National horse as the further he goes the better.

“Anything less than three miles is too short and he just jumps and gallops. He’s a proper old fashioned horse and the deeper the ground the better.”