Maggio primed for National bid

Connections of Maggio are eyeing a crack at the Aintree Grand National next year, with co-owner Douglas Pryde full of confidence.

Pryde was speaking after seeing his horse overcome top weight to win the Grosvenor Casinos Handicap Chase at Perth on Wednesday, holding on to claim victory by half a length from Kilbree Kid, with Bless The Wings back in third.

And Pryde, who tasted Aintree glory with Auroras Encore two years ago, believes that Maggio has done enough to earn a starting spot for the biggest race on the National Hunt calendar.

He said: “We had three options for him, but decided to come here and it’s turned out perfectly.

“He was third reserve so just missed out at Aintree last year, but he should get in now after this.

“The plan now is to keep him mainly over hurdles to protect his handicap mark and his next race over fences will be the conditions cross country chase at Cheltenham in October.

“It was a wonderful experience to win the National and I’d love to do it again.”