Punchestown is on the cards for Seabass

Seabass is set for a trip to Punchestown after failing to strike gold in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree.

The 10-year-old finished third in 2012 and was sent off the heavily-backed 11-2 favourite to go a couple of places better in the hands of Katie Walsh this time, despite being saddled with a 5lb higher mark. Ted Walsh’s charge went well for a long way again but was under pressure in the finish, eventually finishing 13th behind Auroras Encore.

Seabass could clash again with National third Teaforthree, as well as Joncol, Chicago Grey, Forpadydeplasterer and Quel Esprit, in the three-mile-one-furlong Punchestown Gold Cup. “I think the extra 5lb was definitely a factor this year. Two fences from home he was thereabouts and then he faded,” said Pat Glynn, who is part of the owning Gunners Syndicate.

“Katie also said the ground was tackier in some places than last year and it just didn’t suit him that well. He ran well, though, and it’s great just to have a horse involved in the race.

“The plan is to go to Punchestown now. He has an entry in the Punchestown Gold Cup and that’s an option there. I don’t know about Aintree for him next year. We may go to Cheltenham instead.”