8:34pm Monday 8th February 2010
Sean Curran has reported Iris De Balme to be in fine fettle after his John Smith’s Grand National hope made an encouraging return to action at Wetherby.
Curran, who trains the ten-year-old at Hatford, near Stanford in the Vale, gave his 2008 Scottish Gand National winner a clean bill of health after he finished fifth behind Babysitter in a novices’ hurdle over two miles and six furlongs on Saturday.
A 50-1 shot for Aintree glory, the gelding, who had been off the track through injury since finishing fourth in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown two years ago, was among five horses in line at the second-last flight, and was beaten only nine and a quarter lengths at the line.
“He ran a cracker at Wetherby and he seems fine,” said Curran.
“Tom Siddall gave him the perfect ride and rode him to win.
“We'll now go for the Eider Chase at Newcastle (February 27) and then on to Liverpool.”
Meanwhile, Curran sent out Ray Mond to post a runaway success at Southwell on Monday.
The nine-year-old stormed to a 21-length victory from Noble Bily in a conditional jockeys’ handicap chase over an extended two and a half miles under David Bass.
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