The Real Whacker handed Aintree Bowl mission

Patrick Neville is targeting the Aintree Bowl with The Real Whacker after scratching his stable star from the Randox Grand National.

Despite being unsighted and consequently making a significant error at the first fence, the nine-year-old was not disgraced in finishing fifth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last week and is now being readied for an appearance on Merseyside.

A tilt at the world’s most famous steeplechase had been under consideration, but Neville has decided to put that particular plan on the back burner until next season.

Reflecting on his Gold Cup performance, the trainer said: “We were happy and we were disappointed because he never ran his true race because he never saw the first fence.

“He never got into his rhythm jumping after that, he was just careful and wasn’t letting fly. Looking back at it, Brian (Hughes) did well to stay on him as the horse in front of him (Banbridge) just crossed him at the last second and he said he never saw the fence. He was lucky he didn’t come down.

“He’s back in one piece and out in the field with the sun on his back. He’s in good form, so we’ll freshen him up and go to Aintree with him.”

He added: “I scratched him from the National and put him in the Bowl, so that’s where he’ll go. We’ll test whether he likes the track and we can aim him at the National next year.

“Brian minded him the other day when his chance was gone in fairness to him. He was thinking of Aintree when his chance had gone and he picked up a few quid for finishing fifth.

“It was a great experience and everyone that was involved enjoyed it. It was great that he got around and we’ll rock on to the next day, that’s all you can do.”