National winner primed for hero's reception

Grand National hero Numbersixvalverde is reported to be in "A1" condition after completing his journey home from Aintree.

Grand National hero Numbersixvalverde is reported to be in "A1" condition after completing his journey home from Aintree.

The 10-year-old arrived at trainer Martin Brassil's County Kildare yard late on last night and a number of local residents were on hand to greet him.

"He's great - everything is absolutely A1 with the horse," said Brassil. "We had a good journey home and then had a bit of a homecoming last night. A few of the locals came down and we had a few drinks and a bit of a chat."

Numbersixvalverde beat last year's National winner Hedgehunter by six lengths in a thrilling finish to the four-and-a-half-mile marathon.

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The achievement is set to be marked by a reception this evening and Brassil is also considering parading his stable star at the local point-to-point meeting.

"I think the Kildare Town Committee are planning a reception for him tonight but there are no plans for a racecourse parade at the moment," he added.

"I'm involved with the local point-to-point and there's a chance we might take him there at the weekend for a bit of a look but we'll decide about that later in the week.

"He will be turned out and given a good break now though."

Numbersixvalverde was completing a National double at Aintree having already taken the Irish equivalent last season.