Enda Bolger is "on cloud nine" following Gilgamboa's tremendous display in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
The eight-year-old was one of the least experienced horses in the field, having had just nine previous starts over fences, but he does not lack for class having landed the Grade One Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse last spring.
Stepping up to beyond three miles for the first time, Gilgamboa ran a fantastic race to finish fourth and, given his tender age, Bolger is hopeful he will have at least one more crack at the Aintree spectacular.
Bolger said: "The horse is in good form, he came out of it well and I'm still on cloud nine.
"He ran a great race and he's something to look forward to for next season. We'll put him away now.
"I was chuffed to bits with how he ran and Robbie (Power) gave him a lovely ride and held on to him.
"The ground went against him, but he was staying on again in the last 150 yards.
"He's home, he's safe and sound and there are a lot of positive things to take out of it.
"He's only a young horse - the third horse was 13 (Vics Canvas) - and hopefully we've a lot to look forward to."
Another Irish trainer, Jim Dreaper, is also looking ahead to the 2017 National after he saddled Goonyella to a fifth-place finish at the weekend.
Dreaper said: "We were delighted that he got round and came back safe and sound.
"He arrived back in at 7.10 (on Sunday morning) and he was certainly a lot fresher than the two men that got off the lorry with him.
"There were a few minor scratches on his hind legs, and he is now out in the field with his mate.
"I tried to be honest as I could before the race - for him to have a chance he would have needed a Red Marauder year (2001) as he needs it bottomless as he is just missing a gear or two.
"He has had a hard race and the owners would prefer it if he didn't run again this season and I don't think there are too many races around now for horses like him.
"If everything goes right, the long-term plan would to be to go back to the National next year."
