03.04.08 - THE GRAND NATIONAL, RACING AT AINTREE

Elliot happy with Harper

Irish trainer Gordon Elliott, successful in last year’s John Smith’s Grand National with Silver Birch, was happy with the effort of Harper Valley, who finished 20 lengths third behind Binocular and Celestial Halo in the Grade One John Smith’s 250 Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle.

Elliott said: "Harper Valley has run a blinder, it was just his jumping that has let him down a bit today.

"He will probably go to Punchestown now and then that will be it for the season.

"Next year, he will be back over hurdles and he could maybe have some runs on the Flat over the summer.