Papillon, fourth in this year's Martell Grand National, is hoping to get back to winning ways in the Whitbread Gold Cup at Sandown Park at the end of the month. With a £100,000 bonus on offer to the winner if they were a top four finisher at Aintree, the temptation should prove too strong for trainer Ted Walsh, whose son Ruby was dismounted before getting back in the saddle to finish a disappointing fourth in his defence of the National.
Papillon must remain in the UK because of restrictions imposed by foot and mouth restrictions in Ireland, but is ideally placed to make an appearance on April 28. Smarty, second in the Grand National, is also a candidate for the £100,00 windfall, with Sandown spokesman Brian Clifford confirming: "Papillon and Smarty are the two qualifiers for the bonus. I spoke to Ted yesterday and he is going to consult the owner (Betty Moran) before confirming his participation. Ted's main concern is the horse's well-being and he reports him in good spirits. If he got good or good to soft ground then he might run him."
Filed by Shane Murray
