Holland gets started on National trail Ballyholland makes his first racecourse appearance since winning last year's Galway Plate in the Irish Racing Writers Novice Hurdle at Naas on Saturday. The nine-year-old was a hugely impressive winner of the competitive handicap chase in July, earning him a 14lb hike in the weights. Trainer Colin McBratney is eyeing a tilt at the Grand National at Aintree for his star turn, and is looking forward to seeing him return. "The ground will he heavy enough for him but he seems in good form and looks fantastic, so hopefully he'll run a good race," said McBratney. "He had a good break after Galway and we're looking forward to getting going with him again. "The Grand National is his main target and after tomorrow he might have another run over hurdles in the middle of February and then go for a chase somewhere in March. "Two miles is obviously short enough but he's run well over the trip before and the heavy ground is going to make it a good test. "I've spoken to the English handicapper and he seems to think we'll get into the National all right. "If we go and win a chase beforehand that might put us up another 2lb or 3lb, which would help."
