Jimmy Moffatt 'immensely proud' of Becher Chase third Highland Lodge

Jimmy Moffatt is in no rush to finalise future plans for Highland Lodge after his fine effort in defeat in the Becher Chase at Aintree on Saturday.

Winner of the race in 2015 and beaten just a short-head by Vieux Lion Rouge in last year's renewal, the 11-year-old ran another commendable race to finish third behind hot favourite Blaklion and 2016 Grand National runner-up The Last Samuri.

Highland Lodge, who has run just five times for Moffatt, was pulled up in last season's Grand National and his trainer will discuss with his owners whether to aim for the world's most famous steeplechase again or head elsewhere.

"He's absolutely A1 and I just feel very privileged to be associated with a horse like him," said the Cartmel-based trainer.

"I'm immensely proud of the horse. We had a great day two years ago and last year was tough to take, but I can't be anything but proud of him after his run on Saturday.

"He doesn't take much racing, so for him to go and run like that on his first run in a while was great.

"He's run into a very well-handicapped horse in Blaklion and he'd had a few battles for the lead before he came with his challenge. We'd seen them all off and only cried enough when Blaklion came.

"If Blaklion hadn't been in the race, I think we might have beaten The Last Samuri."

Asked about future targets, Moffatt added: "The director from Cheveley Park Stud is coming up next week so we'll have a long chat and come up with a plan.

"Whether we aim at the National again or the Topham, or Henry (Brooke, jockey) even mentioned the cross-country race at the Cheltenham Festival.

"We might even run him in late January or early February, but we'll have a chat about it next week and go from there."