O'Brien proud of veteran Vics Canvas

Talk of retirement for evergreen veteran Vics Canvas has been put on hold for the time being according to connections following his game effort in defeat in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree.

Despite his advancing years, the 13-year-old defied his odds of 100-1 to put in a career-best performance to finish third.

The Dermot McLoughlin-trained runner did well to finish as close to the front as he did after his rider Robbie Dunne performed miracles to stay aboard him after slipping on landing at Becher's Brook on the first circuit.

Part-owner Gary O'Brien said: "I've not spoken to the trainer yet, but the horse was coming back on the ferry last night. I did see the horse back in the stables after the race and he seemed nice and bright, so hopefully he will have taken the journey well.

"The way he ran yesterday it is probably hard to think about retiring him as in the run-up to the race all the talk was about it being one of the strongest ever Grand Nationals and if he had not made that mistake at Becher's first time round he might have been closer.

"To be honest as soon as that happened I more or less wrote him off as when something like that happens in a race that competitive it is hard to get back into it, let alone get back in and have a chance of winning, and that speaks volumes about the horse.

"From just inside the elbow and inside that last furlong I think that is where he felt the effects of that mistake the most. I am absolutely proud of the horse, and the trainer has done a brilliant job to get a 13-year-old to run the race of his life.

"It will all be down to the horse and what signs he is giving out and we will see how he comes out of this first of all. If the trainer is happy to go again, we will go with whatever he says."

Reflecting on the showpiece contest, the At The Races presenter, who was part of the BBC Radio Five Live team commentating on the event at Aintree, claimed he just about managed to keep his emotions under control.

He said: "There was just a moment when he jumped the last and he headed The Last Samuri for two or three strides that I thought he might win, but then I looked behind and I could see Rule The World in the slipstream of the two of them.

"I was the third out of the four commentators and I had not covered the bit where he made his mistake and when he came by me he was out the back first time round. When they came round second time I gave him a mention, but certainly no extra attention.

"It is always exciting commentating on the Grand National, but my heart was beating that extra bit faster when he came by me on the second circuit. When I handed over to John Hunt I was relatively calm at that stage, it was only when they jumped the last that I allowed myself one or two seconds to let go a little."