Comply aimed at National repeat bid

David Pipe looks to have a strong hand as he bids to join the elite list of trainers to have won the John Smith’s Grand National more than once.

The handler revealed at a stable visit for members of the media organised by Aintree Racecourse that last year's John Smith’s Grand National winner Comply Or Die is all set to try and become the first horse since Red Rum in 1974 to win the world’s greatest chase for a second time.

The David Johnson-owned gelding stayed on strongly to defeat King Johns Castle by four lengths in 2008 and is due to be joined again by Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup winner Madison Du Berlais, who travelled well before falling at the Canal Turn on the first circuit.

Since his Aintree victory, Comply Or Die has failed to sparkle in two appearances at Cheltenham this season but his trainer is hopeful that the 10-year-old can return to form prior to a second crack at the famous chase over four and a half miles and 30 fences.

Pipe said: 'We are intending to give Comply Or Die and Madison Du Berlais an entry in this year’s John Smith’s Grand National.

'Comply Or Die seems to be in good form at the moment. He has obviously been very disappointing so far this season and there hasn’t appeared to be any reason for his lacklustre efforts.

'We may look at some of the decent long distance chases around but it is unlikely that he will make an appearance at Cheltenham prior to Aintree. He is rated too high for the totesport Eider Chase again but there still other options available to him. The blinkers will be put him on at some stage.

Milan Deux Mille, who finished 15th last season, will also be entered by the Pipe team.

'The John Smith’s Grand National is the obvious target but it is going to be harder for him having won it last year. It would be great just to see him run a decent race beforehand.'

While Comply Or Die has yet to hit form, Madison Du Berlais has enjoyed an excellent start to the current campaign, following up a sixth in a competitive handicap chase at Ascot at the start of November with a superb three-length victory over Air Force One in Newbury’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at the end of the same month.

Entries for the John Smith’s Grand National, which has a maximum field of 40, close on Tuesday, 27 January and the weights will be revealed in London on Tuesday, 10 February.