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Morris proud of Irish National duo

Band Of Blood and Rule The World jump the last alongside eventual winner Thunder And Roses (white cap)Band Of Blood and Rule The World jump the last alongside eventual winner Thunder And Roses (white cap)
© Healy Racing Photos

Mouse Morris declared himself proud of the efforts of Rule The World and Band Of Blood after the pair made the frame in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday.

Three runners for Gigginstown House Stud jumped the final fence as one in the Easter highlight, with Rule The World and Band Of Blood upsides the eventual winner Thunder And Roses.

Morris admits it was frustrating to come up just short in one of the highlights of the season, but hopes there is plenty to look forward to with his two relatively inexperienced chasers.

"They didn't make a show of me anyway. They both ran good races," said the trainer.

"It's disappointing to get chinned. Coming to the last with the two of them, I didn't care which one won. Unfortunately they found one too good.

"They're both novices and Rule The World is still a maiden (over fences), so you have to be happy."

Asked whether either or both horses could run again this season, Morris said: " The jury would be out on that. They'll probably get entries at Punchestown, but we'll see."

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.