Harrington not going to push Our Duke into Grand National defence

Jessica Harrington is not going to rush Grand National winning hero Our Duke back into action, despite the showpiece event of the Irish racing calendar coming looming in the next couple of weeks.

Our Duke ran poorly at Cheltenham last week, struggling to keep pace in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and jockey Robbie Power has said that the Kildare trainer will not rush one of her star horses back.

Writing on his Boylesports blog, Power said;

“There’ll be no decision made until next week as to whether he’ll run in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National or not.”

“I’m in the same boat really. I’m not sure what I’m going to ride in the race as it all depends on Our Duke. Jury Duty is in there also and I’ve won a few for Gordon Elliott this season. He took a heavy fall at Cheltenham so Gordon won’t be making a decision on him until next week either.”

Power does mention two live contenders he feels will go very close in the race should they take part on Easter Monday; Bellshill and Snow Falcon.

“I think Snow Falcon has a live chance if he goes for the race. He’s got some decent novice form and he was a very good hurdler when he was third behind Supasundae at Aintree last year. He’s a very classy horse and he could be extremely competitive in the BoyleSports Irish Grand National.”