Mark Bradstock is concerned that sticky ground could hamper Hennessy Gold Cup hero Carruthers as he bids for a big-race double in the Coral Welsh National on Tuesday.

The eight-year-old, from Bradstock’s Letcombe Bassett stables, near Wantage, was among a field of 33 to stand their ground at the latest confirmation stage for the Chepstow marathon.

And the trainer confirmed that his charge, a best-priced 10-1 chance, is set to make the trip across the Severn Bridge.

“He seems in great form and he’s schooled great, so certainly at the moment that is what we are planning,” said Bradstock.

“Our only concern is that if it gets very gluey – and, as Chepstow is clay, that is a big concern – because he doesn’t have the physique to cope with very gluey ground.

“Fingers crossed it’s another big day.”

Historically, the Welsh National is often run on very testing ground, and yesterday the going was described as heavy (soft in places).

Carruthers is set to carry 11st 8lb following his fairy-tale success in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

And Bradstock added: “He has gone up 6lb and he is probably back to what he was when he finished fourth in the Gold Cup.

“That is fair enough. You are always going to get something off 10st that is going to take him on, but he goes a fair gallop and the actual time in the Hennessy was very fast.”

Meanwhile, Bradstock and his wife, Sara, have been thrilled by the reaction to Carruthers’ Hennessy triumph.

“I think it has been brilliant,” he said. “I think it is a bit of a fairy-tale in the sense of a cheap mare (Plaid Maid), who proves more than we were expecting, and then has this first foal, so it is fairly extraordinary really.”

To add to the heartwarming story, Carruthers was bred and is part-owned by Bradstock’s father-in-law, Lord Oaksey, the well-known former amateur rider, writer, broadcaster and brainchild behind the Injured Jockeys Fund, who has been suffering from ill health.

And Bradstock added: “It is great with Sara’s dad not being well and all he has done with the Injured Jockeys Fund, it has been fantastic.

“And you never know it might get us a few more horses because it shows we can play with the big boys.”