Rathvinden primed for Grand National bid

Patrick Mullins is hoping for a big performance from Rathvinden in the BetVictor Bobbyjo Chase ahead of a tilt at the Grand National.

The Willie Mullins-trained 11-year-old is set for his first outing since finishing fourth in a Grade One novice chase at Punchestown last April at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

Patrick Mullins has partnered Rathvinden in each of his last three races, including a victory in the National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham last year, and he says the Aintree showpiece is the ultimate aim.

“He has been in full work all season, so he’s plenty fit enough,” said Mullins. “The Grand National has been his aim all year and we’d be hoping for a good run this weekend to put him right for Aintree.”