Grey Grand National Horses

Nicky Henderson has stated the Grand National is under serious consideration for Santini with the proviso that he will first be aimed at the Cheltenham Gold Cup and after that a decision will be made if the horse will contend at Aintree. The nine-year-old gelding would be saddled with joint top-weight if he does start in the National but one thing that looks as though it would be in his favour is extra test of stamina that the National provides. Last season Santini was a game runner-up to Al Boum Photo in the Gold Cup going down by just a neck. Nicky Henderson’s charge has always required plenty of assistance for the saddle but this season that trait has been even more pronounced as he had looked outpaced at Kempton and Sandown. Neither of those tracks would be ideal for the horse but it does look as if a sterner test of stamina would suit. Santini was very disappointing in this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup, jumping poorly before being pulled up. His participation in the Grand National must now be in doubt.