Saint Are homeward bound following Grand National fall

Saint Are is expected back at Tom George's yard after the veteran had a "comfortable night" at Aintree following his fall in the Randox Health Grand National.

Saint Are was brought down at The Chair at Aintree on Saturday (PA)

The Tom George-trained 12-year-old, who was placed in the 2015 and 2017 renewals, was brought down at the Chair in his fifth appearance in the world's most famous steeplechase.

After initially being treated on the track, he was taken back to the stables for further assessment and George was pleased to provide an upbeat report on his well-being on Sunday morning.

"He had a good, comfortable night. They looked after him well at Aintree. His lad stayed up with him and the vets checked him every few hours," said the Slad-based trainer.

"He's eaten his breakfast and he's ready to come home. It's good news.

"He walked out brighter this morning. I just think he was a bit shaken.

"He's feeling good about it and we're looking forward to getting him home."

Saturday was a day of mixed fortunes for George as he had been on a high following the victory of Black Op in the Grade One Mersey Novices' Hurdle.

The seven-year-old will be put away for the season and George is looking forward to sending him novice chasing next term.

"He's come out of the race nicely. He's out in the paddock now," he added.

"He got a bit of a cut on his hind leg. It's nothing to worry about. Then we'll just give him a quiet week.

"We might just give him a pop over the fences before he goes on his summer holidays."