Lewis Has National Hopes

Jim Lewis, owner of three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate, hopes Impek might line up in the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree.

Having returned to the fray with a success in a Grade Two handicap at Exeter back in October, the gutsy campaigner sustained a season-ending injury.

The gelding is reportedly doing well in his recovery, however, and while Lewis is mindful that he is now getting on in years, he hopes retirement is not beckoning just yet.

'He won the William Hill Gold Cup at Exeter and then we originally thought there was something wrong with his shoulder,' he explained.

'It was actually a hairline fracture of his cannon bone so he's obviously had to be laid off but he's doing well and, all being well, he'll run in November.

'He might follow the same pattern but he has age against him now as he's 11,' Lewis told At The Races.

'But he'll hopefully be back and who knows, he's already jumped two and a half miles at Aintree so if I can persuade Henrietta, then he might well turn up for the Grand National next year.'

(C) PA Sport