Racing:Dessie Hughes is considering a trip to Aintree for Rare Bob after his fine effort in defeat in the Leinster National at Naas yesterday.
The eight-year-old ended the last campaign with a Grade One success at the Punchestown Festival but finished last of five on his belated comeback at Fairyhouse in January.
He caught the eye of many a good judge when working after racing at Leopardstown last month and while he was ultimately well beaten at the weekend, Hughes feels there could still be a decent prize to be won with his charge in the spring.
"We went into the race thinking he'd need the run and he has just blown up, but I'm happy enough with how he's run," said Hughes.
"It's a shame it's getting a bit late in the season but he's had one or two hold-ups since we hobdayed him and at least we have him right again now.
"We have a couple of options for him and he'll either go to Aintree for the Bowl or run in a conditions race at Navan on March 27th (An Uaimh Chase).
"I'll have a talk to the owners but it will probably be one of those and while it is a bit late in the season, if we can get to Punchestown with him again I'll be very happy.
"He did work well at Leopardstown the other week and everybody saw that, but I suppose Sunday shows the difference between a piece of work and a real race."