Aintree the long term target for Roses Sandra Hughes believes Thunder And Roses could be a realistic contender for the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree in a year's time following his emotional triumph at Fairyhouse on Monday. The seven-year-old fought off fellow Gigginstown-owned runners Rule The World and Band Of Blood to clinch Irish Grand National glory in the hands of Katie Walsh in a poignant victory for his trainer, who took over the training licence following the death of her father, Dessie, in November. Thunder And Roses is set to be roughed off for the season following his Easter exertions and Hughes sees no reason why a trip to Merseyside next spring should not be a target. She said: "The horse is very well. There's not a bother on him. "We had a quiet enough night. We were all very tired after a very long an emotional day, so I just had dinner with my mother and daughter and that was it. There will be a party at the end of the season. "I'd imagine that's him finished for the season. I don't think there's any need to run him again. "I suppose what we do (next season) depends what the handicapper does, but I'd be happy to take a chance with him at Aintree. "He's a horse that stays all day and I don't think another mile would be a bother to him."
