Chris Bealby took Surface To Air on a ramble round the Lincolnshire countryside on Monday as part of his preparation for the Grand National.
The 10-year-old is on course for the Aintree showpiece on Saturday week, although he only returned to action at Market Rasen earlier this month after suffering from tendon problems following his victory in the Summer National at Uttoxeter in June 2008.
He is now in line to be Bealby’s first runner in the Grand National and the Grantham-based handler is certainly varying the horse’s training regime.
“He’s enjoyed the sunshine and he’ll do another bit of work on Wednesday. Everything’s going as it should, touch wood,” Bealby said.
“He needed that first run back after nearly three years off the track. Obviously he didn’t have the speed to cope with those hurdlers on a sharp track, but staying is what it’s all about with him.
“Hopefully it will be a different matter at Aintree. It will be great to get there really as he’s had tendon trouble on and off since he won the Summer National.
“It has been difficult as it’s been so dry everywhere, but he jumps twice a week over various obstacles.
“We haven’t as yet jumped an Aintree-style one, but we’ve got our own fences that are full size. We might just chuck a bit of fir tree and birch on. He’s a good jumper and enjoys it.
“He’s an intelligent horse and seems to take to most things we ask him to do.
“The plan is for Tom Messenger to ride him. He usually does but Noel Fehily won the Summer National on him as Tom was suspended. He rides him at least one day a week at home.”
Surface To Air is a 66-1 shot for Aintree glory with several bookmakers.
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