Colbert Station s preparations for the Aintree Grand National took another small step forward with a win over hurdles, under Tony McCoy, at Punchestown today, in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier).

Seventeen times Champion British Jump Jockey McCoy was bagging his second consecutive Sunday winner in Ireland on the Paddy Power Chase winner who was made to work hard before defeating Clashnabrook and 20 other opponents in grueling conditions.

Afterwards winning trainer Ted Walsh stated “I wouldn't say he was mad about the ground but he jumps and stays. If he is going to run at Liverpool we'll have to keep him ticking over and today served its purpose.

“We'll be looking at races like the Bobbyjo Chase, the Racing Plus Chase and the Red Mills Chase for him next but his only minus is his inexperience and he's only had five runs over fences. I'd say a horse has never won the National with only five runs over fences.”

Boylesports have Colbert Station unchanged at 20/1 for the Aintree National, while Stan James go 16/1 for the Liverpool showpiece.

Quotes from Alan Magee