Gifford Considers Bey Options

Joly Bey could warm up for a second crack at the John Smith's Grand National with a run at the Cheltenham Festival

The nine-year-old, 14th to Hedgehunter in the Aintree marathon last April, has had a wind operation since being pulled up before three out when favourite for the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle in November.

'He's not a hard horse to train but he's had a wind operation and that's why you haven't seen him out since Newcastle,' said trainer Nick Gifford.

'He's back in full training now. I'm very happy with him. The plan originally was to run him in the Vodafone Gold Cup at Newbury (on March 4) and then go to the National.

'That may come a bit soon in which case he'll probably have a run at the Cheltenham Festival in either the William Hill Handicap Chase or the Mildmay of Flete and then go to Aintree,' Gifford told At The Races.

Joly Bey, usually ridden by his owner, amateur David Dunsdon, has been allotted 10st 9lb in the National and is a best-priced 50-1.

? PA Sport