Mitchell targeting Becher repeat
Garvivonnian is set to try for back-to-back victories in the Becher Chase at Aintree in November after his disappointing run in the John Smith’s Grand National.
The 11-year-old was one of the best-backed horses on the day but never ran his race after getting worked up in the preliminaries and then being affected by the false start.
Although prominent early on, he was never travelling well and was pulled up by Garrett Cotter before the runners went out onto the second circuit.
However, he was reported to be none the worse by his trainer Ned Mitchell.
“He’s fine, perfect. He got too excited and the false start made it worse. It was all too much for him,” said the Kilmallock-based handler. "He’s settled down now and he’s out in the field.
“We’ll probably let him down now a bit and bring him back for the Kerry National (at Listowel in September) and then go back for the Becher Chase.
“There’s a slight possibility he could run again this season if it rained but there’s nothing for him at Punchestown.”
