Bellshill and David Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
There's been plenty of chat in recent times about Bellshill s prospects for the Grand National, and he bolstered such talk when impressive on his return from a 346 day break in the Grade 3 At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.
The three mile one furlong event lost some of his lustre when Mala Beach was withdrawn on account of the ground.
However, Bellshill was really good under David Mullins, on his first start since an RSA third placing, asserting on the run-in for a four and three parts of a length win over A Genie In A Bottle. Lord Scoundrel was keeping on at the one pace chasing the leader when making a mistake and unseating Rachael Blackmore at the last.
Paddy Power are now 14/1 from 25s about the Andrea and Graham Wylie-owned and Willie Mullins-trained Bellshill for the English Grand National.
"He's much stronger this year and he's been going nicely at home but on their first run back you never know," said Mullins.
"He did it very well. He jumped very well, jumped economically, and came there very strong two from home. He just got a bit idle when he hit the front.
"I was very happy with him. I think he is in all the big handicaps, the English National, Irish National and at Cheltenham. We'll see where we go now.
"I'm looking more at the big handicaps with him. Coming back here to Fairyhouse might be the thing to do on a track that he's shown that he's really at home on.
"The Irish National is early this year and it might be the one."
The Stewards interviewed Gordon Elliott, trainer of Mala Beach, in relation to the excuse offered and timing of the withdrawal(3.06 pm) of his charge from this race.
Evidence was heard from the trainer, who stated that it was his intention to run all along, but the owner in consultation with D.N. Russell, rider, felt that the ground was too fast for his charge, who has a past history of knee problems.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards accepted the reason for the withdrawal, but did not accept the timing of the withdrawal and therefore found Gordon Elliott in breach of Rule 194(iv) and fined him €200.
(GC & EM)
