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A Toi Phil joins Gary Moore

A Toi Phil in winning action at Listowel recentlyA Toi Phil in winning action at Listowel recently
© Photo Healy Racing

A Toi Phil is likely to have a second crack at the Randox Health Grand National after being sold to join Gary Moore’s West Sussex team for £70,000 as part of the annual Gigginstown House Stud dispersal at Goffs UK September Sale.

A Toi Phil, who landed a timely victory over fences at Listowel last week, completed the course in 12th place in last season’s Aintree spectacular won by Gigginstown’s Tiger Roll for the second successive year.

“A Toi Phil will go into training with Gary Moore,” said bloodstock agent Richard Ryan, who purchased the horse on his behalf.

“He ran a lovely race last week, showing he still retains a lot of zest. He ran a cracking race in the National considering he was hampered and was almost put out of the race at Becher’s last year.

“He got round quite happily and he arguably should have been a bit closer but for that hiccup. On the basis of that and with his current rating qualifying him quite clearly for the race in 2020, that is the likely plan.

“He was fifth in the Pertemps Final (at Cheltenham) as well. He’s got a fair amount of ability over hurdles and fences.

“He’s a clean horse, light on his feet and has been very well minded by connections. He may well have a careful preparation to lead to Aintree next spring.”

The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding was among 28 Gigginstown lots that went under the hammer and were sold for more than £370,000.

Other Gigginstown horses sold including Mitchouka, a Grade Three juvenile hurdler scorer at Fairyhouse, who went for £42,000 while three-time Grade One winner Valseur Lido fetched £27,000 and Tombstone, a Grade Three victor over hurdles and fences, for £26,000.