Welsh Grand National next on the agenda for O’Connell

The O’Connell team have their sights firmly set on the Coral Welsh Grand National following his latest big-race victory at Sandown earlier this month.

Winner of the Masters Handicap Chase at Sandown last season for the training partnership of Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith, the nine-year-old again showed his liking for the Esher venue when powering clear in the London National on Tingle Creek day.

Connections immediately identified Chepstow’s December 27 highlight as a likely next port of call and he remains on course for the trip from High Eldwick in West Yorkshire to Monmouthshire over the festive period.

“He’s come out of Sandown fresh and well, we’re really happy with him,” said Parkinson.

“He’s a good old yard stick, I can’t wait to run him at Chepstow. We’re all really excited.

“It’s all systems go, all being well. I think the trip will be perfect, I think the ground will be soft – it normally is – which would suit him.

“We’re off a competitive weight and I think we’re going there with a chance.”

O’Connell is an 8-1 shot for the Welsh Grand National with Paddy Power, who make recent course scorer Jubilee Express their 6-1 favourite.