Horseracing: Papillon rarin' to go again after National slog
Papillon was reported fit and well just 24 hours after being remounted to finish a weary last of four in the Martell Grand National.
Indeed, Ted Walsh reckons the gelding took less out of himself than when winning the Aintree showpiece 12 months previously.
Papillon was remounted by Ruby Walsh after being hampered at the 19th fence on Saturday.
With the foot-and-mouth restrictions preventing his return to Ireland, Papillon will remain at Liverpool.
"There is no plan for him at the moment - just to come back next year," his trainer said.
"He will stay at Liverpool, there is no problem with that. He is absolutely perfect today and as fresh as paint - it took less out of him than last year as for the last mile and a half he was going at his own pace."
Martin Pipe also reported that all 10 of his horses in the race returned safely home.
"We had a quarter of the runners and filled a quarter of the places," he said.
"Everybody got home safe and sound and it was a very exciting race, I've no doubts that it was right to go ahead.
"The National is always an exciting race and this year's was no exception, everybody loves to have a horse that's good enough to compete.
"I don't know if we'll have 10 next year, it was just because without much racing, there haven't been many chances to run the horses."
Pipe was particularly pleased with the performance of Blowing Wind who, along with Papillon, remounted after being brought to a standstill at the 19th fence, eventually finishing third.
"It was very lucky that they could jump back on and they just popped over the last few fences," Pipe said.
"He was still full of running at the end and he really enjoyed himself.
"I don't know where he'll go next, it's too early to say, but he's fine this morning like the other nine."
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