Greatrex considering Becher outing for Mulcahys Hill

Cheltenham alternative for promising stayer.

Warren Greatrex is contemplating giving Mulcahys Hill an outing over the Grand National fences at Aintree in next month’s Randox Health Becher Chase.

The Grade Three contest is one of two races under consideration for the seven-year-old, along with the mallardjewellers.com Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Mulcahys Hill opened his account over fences when making a triumphant return at Cheltenham last month.

Greatrex said: “He is in the three-mile novice chase at Cheltenham on Saturday and this week he will have an entry in the Becher Chase at Aintree given the way he jumps.

“If we decide to go to Aintree, he won’t run at Cheltenham this weekend. He has been put up 7lb for his last win. We will have a look at the entries this week and see what to do.”

Though Greatrex is yet to make a call on which route he plans to take with Mulcahys Hill, his regular rider Adrian Heskin believes he could be tailor-made for the Aintree fences.

Greatrex added: “The Becher is a big pot and he is the type to enjoy it there and we don’t want to potentially miss the boat with him.

“I know Adrian Heskin thinks he could be just the horse for the Becher. They will go a good gallop there which will suit and his jumping, touch wood, is good.”

The Lambourn handler hopes to have stablemate Emitom, who only lost his unbeaten record when upped to Grade One company at Aintree, back from a leg injury in time for the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.

He added: “Emitom will be back after Christmas. It is just a case of whether he is back in time for New Year’s Day and the Relkeel Hurdle.

“I know that is over two and a half miles, but on soft ground I wouldn’t worry going back in trip.

“If he doesn’t make that, he will wait for the Cleeve at the track on Trials Day.”

“He has been walking and trotting and hopefully we will get the go ahead to start cantering this week.”

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