Officials at Sandown Park are
hoping that Martell Grand National fourth Papillon will line up for the Whitbread Gold Cup at the end of the month, it emerged today.
There is a stg£100,000 bonus up for grabs for any horse who finishes in the first four in the Grand National and goes on to win the Whitbread on April 28th.
The Ted Walsh-trained Papillon was remounted to finish fourth at Aintree and due to Government foot and mouth restrictions cannot return to Ireland.
"Papillon and Smarty (second in the Grand National) are the two qualifiers for the bonus," said Sandown spokesman Brian Clifford.
"I spoke to Ted yesterday and he is going to consult the owner (Betty Moran) before deciding.
"Ted`s main concern is the horse`s well-being and he reports him in good spirits. If he got good or good to soft ground then he might run him.
"We are forecast a dry spell up to the Whitbread."
But Lambourn trainer Mark Pitman has ruled Smarty out of bidding for the Whitbread.
PA