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Pendra could be aimed at Grand National

Pendra could be aimed at AintreePendra could be aimed at Aintree
© Photo Healy Racing

Connections of Pendra could consider a Crabbie's Grand National run next April.

While there are no set plans in place for the seven-year-old to make the trip to Aintree, trainer Charlie Longsdon believes it is a race that may come under consideration.

After running well without success at the past two Cheltenham Festivals, the Old Vic gelding finally delivered on the promise he has always shown with victory in a Grade Three handicap chase at Ascot on last month's seasonal return.

Longsdon said: "We decided not to go the Hennessy as it can be a tough, gruelling race, although if Coneygree had stayed in he would have only carried 10st 1lb and with him giving it a miss, it makes a big difference.

"Last season we started on the back foot with him and we were always playing catch up, but this year we have started with a clean bill of health and on the front foot.

"I think we will go to Ascot just before Christmas for a similar race to the one he won as he seems to like it there.

"We did give him entries in Ireland, but we decided to give those a miss. He is, though, a horse that could be for one for the English, Irish or Scottish National, or the bet365 Chase at Sandown.

"People had doubts over him staying three miles, but he did at Ascot and I know the owner (JP McManus) likes the idea of the Irish National but he always has a few in the English National and I've got no reason to believe he wouldn't jump an Aintree fence.

"The spring is an open book for him and I am not quite sure what the second half of the season holds yet until I sit down and have discussions with JP (McManus) and Frank Berry."