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John Smith's Grand National hero Numbersixvalverde is reported to be in 'A1' condition after completing his journey home from Aintree.

The 10-year-old arrived at trainer Martin Brassil's County Kildare yard late on Sunday evening and a number of local residents were on hand to greet him.

'He's great ? everything is absolutely A1 with the horse,' said Brassil.

'We had a good journey home and then had a bit of a homecoming last night. A few of the locals came down and we had a few drinks and a bit of a chat.'

Numbersixvalverde beat last year's National winner Hedgehunter by six lengths in a thrilling finish to the four-and-a-half-mile marathon.

The local council are set to mark the achievement with a reception on Monday evening and Brassil is also considering parading his stable star at the local point-to-point meeting.

'I think the Kildare Town Committee are planning a reception for him tonight but there are no plans for a racecourse parade at the moment,' he added.

'I'm involved with the local point-to-point and there's a chance we might take him there at the weekend for a bit of a look but we'll decide about that later in the week.

'He will be turned out and given a good break now though.'

Numbersixvalverde was completing a National double at Aintree having already taken the Irish equivalent last season.

? PA Sport