Prince De Beauchene: is a general 9-1 chance to land the Grand National
PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)Prince ride likely for
Walsh in Grand National
PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE is likely to be partnered by Ruby Walsh in next month's John Smith's Grand National at Aintree although his trainer Willie Mullins has yet to decide riding plans with his stable jockey.
Owned by Graham Wylie, Prince De Beauchene shot to the head of the National market after winning the Grade 2 At The Races Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse last month and is a general 9-1 favourite for Aintree.
With Neptune Collonges the only possible runner for trainer Paul Nicholls, Walsh, who is 10-1 to win the Grand National with Ladbrokes, is likely to have the choice between Mullins's two main hopes Prince De Beauchene and On His Own, although his father Ted's Seabass also holds an entry for the race.
"I imagine Prince De Beauchene and On His Own will run. We'll just see closer to the time what will go but I'll be happy to get Graham Wylie's two horses there. They would be a nice team on their own just going," Mullins told At The Races on Wednesday.
"I haven't asked Ruby yet what's he going to ride, but I imagine it's always nice to ride a favourite."
Sunnyhillboy was the biggest mover in the market for the Grand National on April 14 after his victory at the Cheltenham Festival left him 10lb 'well in' following the BHA handicappers' decision to raise his official mark.
The Jonjo O'Neill-trained nine-year-old was cut across the boards to a general 16-1 chance (from 20-1) to land the prize.
