Cunha waits on weather ahead of return to Aintree with Mahons Glory

After providing Dylan Cunha with one of the most enjoyable experiences of his career when fourth in the Grand Sefton last month, Mahons Glory could be back at Aintree to tackle Saturday’s William Hill Half A Mill Becher providing conditions on Merseyside do not turn testing.

The Newmarket-based South African is on weather watch ahead of his top jumps performer heading to the north west and is relishing his charge stepping up in trip to tackle the Grand National fences once again after a fine performance behind Colonel Harry in Liverpool last month.

“It’s probably the most enjoyable thing to do with a horse so far and I got more of a thrill out of finishing fourth in the Grand Sefton than I have winning many races,” said Cunha.

“I would say he’s going to run at Aintree and I will declare him. I don’t want it going heavy and if it stays soft, good to soft in places that’s fine, but if it goes heavy I’m not sure he’ll get home as it’s a long way round there.

“He’s stepping up in trip which is obviously the worry but he jumps beautifully and he schooled well over the practice fences last Friday and seems in really good form.

“I’m hoping the rain doesn’t come as I think he’ll run well and he showed last time he loves the fences and was really good. I’m enjoying having runners over the fences and it’s really good fun.”

Mahons Glory also holds an entry in the Sky Bet Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon 24 hours later, but that appears very much a “back-up” in case the ground dictates a diversion from Aintree.

“The Peterborough Chase is there as a back-up if too much rain came at Aintree and if only two or three declared,” explained Cunha.

“It’s a really strong race but you are getting plenty of prize-money for finishing second or third and really it’s a terrible race for him as he will be out of the weights, but if he can earn good money in a small field you have to have a go.”