Hughes preparing for Nationalisation Trainer Dessie Hughes has high hopes of a National win over the next few weeks, with Siegemaster lining up for the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday before Black Apalachi and Vic Venturi line-up for the Aintree Grand National on April 9. The Co Kildare handler stated “Siegemaster is in good form, had a bit of a break since his last run at Gowran (third in the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase) and I'm happy with him. He does have plenty of weight though, having been placed in good conditions chases. The ground at Fairyhouse will be very very heavy but he goes on it though.” Regarding Black Apalachi and Vic Venturi's chances in the Aintree showpiece, Hughes stated “There is very little between the two - both are similar horses ground-wise and, with the weight they have, may appreciate goodish ground but if it came up heavy, it wouldn't bother either of them – it was soft when Vic Venturi won the Beecher last season while Black Apalachi also won the Beecher Chase two seasons ago.” “The serious work is done with them now but I couldn't separate either of them – both of them have lots of ability.” Surprisingly, Black Apalachi was Hughes' first ever runner in the Aintree National two years ago.
