Seabass
(Healy Racing Photos)

The nine-year-old was a heavily backed 8-1 joint-favourite for the world's most famous steeplechase and he ran a fantastic race under Walsh's daughter Katie to finish third, beaten just five lengths by Neptune Collonges.

Having had a history of leg problems, Walsh is refusing to look too far ahead with his charge, but is happy with his progress at home.

"He's fine at the moment. He's in one piece but he's not doing a whole lot to put him under pressure," said Walsh.

"There isn't a lot for him at the moment as he's in no man's land with his mark of 154. He's not good enough for a race like the Lexus Chase and he can't get into handicaps like the Paddy Power Chase.

"We're just ticking along with him and hopefully there'll be something for him in late January or early February."

Seabass is a best priced 20-1 to give Walsh a second victory in the Grand National at Aintree in April, having struck gold with Papillion back in 2000.