HORSES for next year from this year’s race? There are three.

First, Vieux Lion Rouge, who ran a remarkable race as a seven-year-old novice to finish seventh. He was right there with a chance until after the third last fence too. Mr What in 1958 is the last novice to win it (you’re not counting Rule The World as a novice, are you?!) and Bogskar in 1940 is the last seven-year-old. Vieux Lion Rouge should be back again next year, a stronger horse and better equipped for the National.

Second, Gallant Oscar. Tony Martin’s horse was travelling and jumping really well, he was in a lovely rhythm before he got in too tight to the second fence on the second circuit, and unseated his rider, despite Mark Walsh’s gallant attempt to remain on board, which nearly took him all the way to the big ditch.

Gallant Oscar will be 11 next year, but we know that 11 is not too old for a Grand National.

And third, Gilgamboa. He ran a cracker to finish fourth under a superb ride from Robbie Power. J.P. McManus’ horse just tired from the run around the home turn, but it was still a fine performance from an eight-year-old, a second-season chaser.

Again, he should be better set for the National next year as a nine-year-old, and there is every chance that he will be trained specifically for the race from now by Enda Bolger.