Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama

Old Roan hero Minella Drama will not contest the Grand Sefton Chase back at Aintree next weekend, but a spin over the National fences is not ruled out at some stage.

Donald McCain’s nine-year-old returned to action this term with an endearing front-running success on Sunday, where he took Grade Two honours at 3-1 under Brian Hughes.

It was an eighth victory in a career that has seen the popular gelding finish out of the money just twice in 23 starts over both hurdles and fences.

He does hold an entry for the Grand Sefton on November 9, which would be a first experience of the Grand National fences, but despite coming out of the Old Roan well the race comes too soon and he will be aimed elsewhere.

“He’s very well, he’s cantered this morning and he’s fresh as paint,” said McCain on Friday.

“It was nice for the horse as much as anything, he’s run some really good races and we’ve always thought there was a big day in him.

“It was great for him to have that big day because he deserves it, he’s earnt it.

“He always gives 100 per cent, he’s a star. I’m trying to look for races for him but he’s not easy to place, we’ll make a plan for him and there are one or two options, but nothing is set in stone.

“Even though he’s come back very well and I don’t want to rush to go racing again with him.

“We won’t confirm him for the Sefton, it’s a bit soon to go there but we entered him with a view that it (the Grand National track) would be an option for him. I wouldn’t send him to the old one, but with the modern day National track, I definitely would.”

McCain also provided an update on Maximilian, who showed much promise as a novice hurdler when winning the River Don ahead of Stay Away Fay and placing second in the Sefton at Aintree.

Injury then interrupted his career and saw him miss last season, but he has since returned to the early stages of training and may take to jumping fences this season.

McCain said: “He’s cantering, he didn’t come back in until a bit later so he’s cantering away and, touch wood, at this stage I’m very happy with him.

“It’s highly likely he’ll go over fences I would imagine, but it’s too far away now so we’ll not put a date on it and just focus on keeping him healthy.”