Punchestown still a possible for Grand National fourth Anibale Fly

Anibale Fly could be seen again this campaign following his excellent run in defeat in the Randox Health Grand National.

With Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins responsible for the first three home, the Tony Martin-trained Anibale Fly completed a clean sweep for Ireland by filling fourth place.

Third in the Cheltenham Cup, the eight-year-old covered himself in glory off his big weight of 11st 8lb for owner JP McManus.

"He was a bit tired afterwards, but he's fine today. He ran a blinder," said McManus' racing manager Frank Berry.

"You couldn't be happier with him. He jumped great, he had every chance but just met two or three too good for him.

"We'll see how he is before we make any decision about whether he goes to Punchestown or not."

McManus' two other runners, Carlingford Lough and Pendra, were pulled up after and before the last respectively.

"They are both getting on a bit and struggled from some way out, but they are fine today," said Berry.

Next year's National is on the agenda for Seeyouatmidnight, who had every chance until an interrupted preparation caught up with him from the third-last fence and he weakened to finish 11th of the 12 finishers.

He was found to be lame on his left-fore afterwards, but trainer Sandy Thomson was happy to report he was sound again on Sunday morning.

"He's a bit weary this morning," said the Berwickshire handler. "He came off the lorry fine and he's sound enough. Just the preparation and the ground probably caught up with him a wee bit.

"Brian (Hughes) said what a spin he gave him. He jumped from fence to fence.

"He missed the one before Becher's second time and from the third-last he was just running out of oxygen."

Thomson has ruled out Seeyouatmidnight making a quick reappearance in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday.

"He won't be going to Ayr, obviously. We'll just get through this week," he said.

"We'll speak to the owners once we've had a day or two to digest it. The owners definitely want to go back with him next year."

Blaklion will also bypass the Scottish National after he was brought down at the first fence, but trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has not dismissed the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown on April 28.

"He was brought down at the first, not good," said the Naunton handler.

"He was caught straight away and he's fine today. He may go to Sandown. We'll see how he is."