Hughes pair on track for Aintree Dessie Hughes is looking forward to the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree next month after Vic Venturi and Black Apalachi completed their public preparation for the famous race by finishing first and second in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse yesterday. Both horses have already won over the National fences in the Becher Chase, with Saturday's scorer Vic Venturi successful in November and Black Apalachi 12 months earlier before unseating his rider at Becher's on the second circuit when leading in the big one itself. "They are both perfect this morning and on track for Aintree," said Hughes. "They ran to the pound. Black Apalachi was giving him 5lbs and was beaten eight lengths, there's not much between them. Black Apalachi's last run before the National last year was when he won the Bobbyjo. We'll just keep them ticking over." "I didn't have a horse for the Grand National for 30 years, now I've got two. You need a lot of luck on the first circuit, then you need a lot of ability on the second circuit." Hughes has not given too much thought yet to jockey bookings. Roger Loughran rode Black Apalachi on Saturday while Denis O'Regan has been in the saddle for the horses' last two runs at Aintree. Paddy Flood was aboard Vic Venturi on Saturday and won the Becher on him. "It's a bit early to be thinking about jockey plans. We'll just have to wait and see," he added. Both are on offer at around 16/1 for the world's greatest steeplechase on April 10.
