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.