Trainer Donald McCain reports Grand National hero Ballabriggs in rude health following his encouraging comeback performance at Kelso on Saturday.

The 11-year-old finished second in the Premier Chase 12 months ago before going on to claim Aintree glory, and although beaten a little further into fourth in this year’s renewal – his first start since the National – McCain was happy with him on Sunday.

“He’s grand this morning, thankfully, and we were chuffed with his run,” McCain said.

“He ran as well as he did at Kelso last year. Jason (Maguire) actually thought he ran a bit better so we’re all happy.

“I tried to warn people and tell them that he would come on for the run.

“He’s where we want him to be at this stage and he’s absolutely fine this morning, so we’ll kick on from here.

“He’ll go for a racecourse gallop somewhere between now and Aintree.”

Maguire was equally thrilled with the performance.

“Last year when he got beat (at Kelso) I was a bit disappointed, but Donald said don’t be worried about it,” he told At The Races.

“This year I felt he probably travelled longer and he ran just as good if not better.

“He travelled real well and jumped well, apart from the ditch. He’s quickened up well and going to the elbow it looked as though he would go and win, but he’s just got tired and I haven’t knocked him about.”

Ballabriggs is at 16-1 with most bookmakers to defend his Grand National title with Prince de Beauchene the 9-1 favourite.