FOR once the Irish challenge on the John Smith’s Grand National was foiled, but they are already looking ahead to returning to Aintree. After six wins in nine seasons there was no lucky seven, but three Irish-trained raiders filled the places behind winner Comply Or Die. Connections of King Johns Castle, Snowy Morning and Slim Pickings are already looking to try and do even better in 2009. No grey had won the National since Nicholas Silver, but the bold-jumping King Johns Castle came close under Paul Carberry. He came to challenge Timmy Murphy and Comply Or Die when coming to the Elbow, but he could not manage to haul in the 7-1 favourite. It was another second for big-spending owner and legendary Irish gambler JP McManus, to match Clan Royal’s runners-up spot the last time there was an English-trained winner in Ginger McCain’s Amberleigh House. McManus is still searching for a first National victory. King Johns Castle’s trainer Arthur Moore was naturally delighted but he was realistic about his chances of going close again. Moore said: “For a few strides after the last I thought we might do it, but the winner kept battling and had more reserves than us.” He added yesterday: “He’s in great order, he got back in the yard at 7am. I’m very proud of him and Paul gave him a super ride, he is banging the door down now he enjoyed it that much. He really took to the course and I think he had a foot-perfect round pretty much. “That’s him for this year and I expect he will have a very similar programme next year.” Willie Mullins saddled the third home Snowy Morning, but he saw his 2005 hero Hedgehunter finish 13th in his fifth successive National. Mullins is tempted to send Snowy Morning to Punchestown later this month, but a return to Aintree is chief on his agenda. The County Carlow handler said: “I’m absolutely delighted – Snowy Morning did what I hoped he would do. On the home turn I was hoping but I could tell the winner was going better. It’s a long straight and hope was all I had. Now I’m hoping we can come back next year.” Both horses were fine yesterday and Mullins added: “We were much happier with Hedgehunter when he arrived home, he was a little bit sore after the race. I’m looking to Punchestown with Snowy Morning if everything goes well. “I think he enjoyed himself, he was none the worse after the race or this morning so we’ll see how he comes out of it but we’ll probably head towards Punchestown.” | 
