Mullins pleased with Club effort Willie Mullins was pleased with Grand National favourite The Midnight Club after he finished in sixth place. Mullins' charge was sent off favourite for the Saturday's race under Ruby Walsh and was far from disgraced in finishing sixth after an early mistake. The champion trainer also saddled Arbor Supreme, who was beaten when falling three from home, and Dooneys Gate, who was fatally injured when coming to grief at Becher's Brook first time round. "The Midnight Club is obviously a bit tired, but he's fine," said Mullins. "I was happy enough with his run. He got round and picked up some good prize-money. I'd imagine he'll be back there next year, all going well. "We'll just see how he is before we make any plans. There are options for him - he could go to Fairyhouse or Punchestown - but we'll see. "David Casey was happy enough with how Arbor Supreme jumped until he came down. He just never had the bounce of the ball, he was interfered with a bit and one thing and another. "He'll probably go back next year as well - there's no reason not to. "I don't think he'll run again this season as he's got a bit of a cut and won't be ready for Punchestown "I wouldn't use the ground as an excuse for either of them. "What happened to Dooneys Gate was obviously really disappointing. He was jumping fantastic and giving Patrick (Mullins) a great spin. "He was probably jumping too well and you don't want to be like that going down towards Becher's." Gordon Elliott believes the ground was too quick for Backstage. The nine-year-old was given a quiet preparation for Liverpool, winning a point-to-point, but his trainer believes he would have fared better in the race itself had the forecast rain materialised in the lead up to the meeting. "He's come out of the race fine and got round. The ground was probably a bit dry for him on the day - he'd have been better with a bit of juice," said Elliott. "He's jumped round and finished sound, so we're all happy. "It would be nice to go back next year on ground a bit softer. "I haven't discussed future plans with the owners yet." Last year's Irish National heroine Bluesea Cracker completed the course on her first attempt over the fences, passing the post in 14th place. Her trainer James Motherway also feels conditions were against his mare. "She has one or two cuts, bruises and battle scars, but she's fine," said Motherway. "The ground was just too quick. The ground staff did all they could but it was such a hot day it was drying out all the time and it was a growing concern. "Andrew (McNamara) said she jumped round like a bunny, but they just went too fast for her on that ground. She was on her head most of the way. "But she's taken to the fences and acquitted herself well, so we're very happy. She could go back next year and hopefully the ground will suit her better. "I'm not sure if she'll run again this season. "She's in the Irish National again but it comes up plenty quick enough, so we'll see."
