Alderwood is poised to contest the Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown following his run at Aintree on Saturday.

This season's Grand Annual winner finished a staying-on third to compatriot Special Tiara in the Maghull Novices' Chase on Grand National day.

Although trainer Tom Mullins felt the Maghull trip contributed to his defeat in Liverpool, Alderwood will remain over two miles in the Punchestown Grade One on April 25.

"He was a little bit tight afterwards, but I thought he ran well enough," said the County Kilkenny handler.

"He was only beaten four lengths, but I think the track, trip and ground were responsible for him not winning.

"I'll never run him over two miles at Aintree again - everything was a little bit too sharp for him.

"It won't be as sharp over two miles at Punchestown, so we'll go there now. Next year we'll think about stepping up to two and a half miles."