Bob Mahler's recent run at Cheltenham has put him in line for the 2021 Grand National, according to trainer Warren Greatrex.
Bob Mahler lined up for the Class 2 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase at Prestbury Park earlier this month and in a high-class field managed to finish third in the 3m 2f contest.
It was a promising performance from the Bolingbroke, Bunch, Howard & Sutton-owned charge, who had triumphed at Musselburgh prior to his trip to Cheltenham, and Greatrex is now lining up a shot at next year's Grand National.
“Out of all my runners at Cheltenham, I fancied him most and he proved me right. He was just outpaced at two out and then he stayed on better than anything after the last,” he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“He has been progressive all season and all roads will lead to the Grand National. We might look at the Becher next season to give him a look over the fences first.
“He does need to go up a few pounds to get in, but he is unexposed and is a dour stayer that is a good jumper, and if ever I've had a horse for the race, it is him.”
Bob Mahler was expected to go for National glory this year before the race was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic that has been hitting the sporting world hard over the past few weeks.
