Any Second Now has Leinster aim ahead of potential Irish National bid

Any Second Now could bid to become the first 13-year-old to win the Irish Grand National in over 70 years if pleasing his connections at Naas next month.

Now a teenager and well into the twilight of his glittering career, Any Second Now has won seven times so far for trainer Ted Walsh, including two Webster Cups, a Bobbyjo Chase and a thrilling Kim Muir success at the Cheltenham Festival in 2019.

He is also well known for his two placed efforts in the Grand National at Aintree, but last year attentions were turned to home soil as he headed to Fairyhouse rather than Liverpool in the spring, chasing home the younger legs of Intense Raffles for a brave second in the Easter feature.

Despite his advancing years, he could now be given another chance to crack Fairyhouse’s marathon contest having reappeared at the track in a rated chase won by Sa Majeste recently.

Overshadow in 1953 was the last 13-year-old to claim the Irish Grand National, and Any Second Now will now tackle the Bar One Racing Leinster National on March 9, aiming to book his ticket to the April 21 event.

“He will have a run at Naas in a couple of weeks in the Leinster National and if he runs well enough there, I think we’ll let him take his chance again in the Irish National,” said Walsh.

“He would be unlikely to win at Fairyhouse and there’s not many horses at 13 who win an Irish National – it can be done but not very often.

“It’s great to see him still showing enthusiasm and he has been to Cheltenham and Aintree on plenty of occasions and given us some great days.”