Wishmoor
Wishmoor ran a big race to finish second in the BoyleSports Grand National Trial. Send to the front from early by Andrew Ring, Joseph O'Brien's horse was taken on by the loose-running Arkwrisht on the run down the side of the track towards the back straight, which wasn't ideal, and he was impeded a little when his stable companion came across him on the approach to the second fence in the back straight. Even so, he got back into a nice even rhythm in front and, while he was passed by fellow Gigginstown House horses General Principle and Dounikos on the run to the final fence, he fought back gamely up the run-in to get back up for second place past General Principle.
A dual winner over fences for Mouse Morris, this was Wishmoor's best performance for Joseph O'Brien, on his fifth run for his new trainer. It was a career-best from him, racing over the longest trip over which he has ever raced, and the Irish Grand National looks like a fair target for him now. The handicapper raised him by 3lb to a mark of 133, which was fair, and his new mark is just 1lb higher than his previous peak. He might struggle to get into an Irish National off that mark, you needed to be 135 or higher to get into the race last year, but he will be of interest wherever he goes next, as long as the emphasis is on stamina.
Punchestown, 10th February 2019
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