Hello Bud set for Aintree farewell

Veteran Hello Bud is likely to make his final racecourse appearance in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree in April.

Despite having recently turned 14 years of age, the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained gelding has run two creditable races since the turn of the year, most recently finishing fifth in the Classic Chase at Warwick.

He was fifth in the 2010 Grand National and also won that year's Becher Chase over the famous fences, giving owner Seamus Murphy hope that his pride and joy can end his racing career on an incredible high.

"He ran a very good race in Warwick and we've decided to go for the English Grand National with him," said Murphy.

"That will probably be his last run. He'll have a bit of a break now and go straight to Aintree.

"He's probably the most consistent jumper in the UK and he's won the Becher Chase round the Aintree fences.

"I think if we got a bit of luck, he could win the National and there would be some party that night if he did!"