THERE were many horses to take out of the Irish Grand National. The winner was obviously one. The handicapper has raised Burrows Saint by 12lbs to a mark of 156 for Monday’s win, but he merited a significant hike and, still just a six-year-old, he has the potential to be even better than his new rating.

Susannah Ricci’s horse was racing for just the sixth time in his life over fences on Monday, so he still has lots of scope for further progress as a staying chaser. Ruby Walsh mentioned next year’s Grand National as a potential target, and that makes lots of sense. Seven-year-olds do not have a good record in the Grand National, the last seven-year-old winner was 79 years ago, but not many six-year-olds win the Irish Grand National.

The Aintree seven-year-old stat is mitigated significantly by the fact that Burrows Saint was able to win an Irish Grand National at six. And with the formidable Tiger Roll in the race, a mark of 156 would leave Burrows Saint with around 11st to carry, which would really be fine.

TRAVELLED

Snugsborough Benny was another horse to note. Liam Cusack’s horse travelled well in rear for Denis O’Regan, as is his wont, but it was a race that did not suit his hold-up style of racing. In the circumstances, he did well to keep on as well as he did to take fourth place. He was the only hold-up horse to get into the first six.

The handicapper dropped him by 1lb to a mark of 144, and he will be of interest off that mark in another big staying handicap chase, perhaps ideally on a right-handed track again, perhaps on easier ground.

Bellow Mome also ran better than the bare form of the race suggests. It looked like he would be a player as he moved easily with his stable companions in behind the leader over the sixth last and fifth last fences, but he tired in the home straight, and his left-leaning tendencies became more pronounced as he did.

That was just his third run this season, and he should do better back down in trip and perhaps at a left-handed track.

And Whisperinthebreeze ran a cracking race. Jessica Harrington’s Leopardstown Chase winner is only six, like the winner, and his attacking style of racing should be seen to best advantage back over a shorter trip.