Hughes prepares national pair

Dessie Hughes may give his two John Smith’s Grand National entries, Vic Venturi and In Compliance, another outing before the big day at Aintree in April following encouraging efforts this week.

In Compliance was an 18-length scorer at Thurles on Thursday while Vic Venturi was fourth in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse a day earlier on unsuitable ground.

Hughes is relying on these two in the world’s greatest steeplechase as last year’s runner-up Black Apalachi is sidelined.

“It was good to see In Compliance back with a win,” said the Co Kildare trainer. “It’s more than likely the Grand National next unless I think he needs another run. He’ll certainly will be going to Aintree but whether he runs again I don’t know.

“I was pleased with Vic Venturi on ground he hated. He doesn’t like it heavy. He stayed well and he jumped well. They just did him for speed over that trip.

“He may run before the National. Paddy (Flood) said he was just a little bit rusty. Another chase might not do him any harm.

“If something suitable came up for the both of them about three weeks before the race I might run them.”