Rare Bob takes scenic route back to Aintree

The 12-year-old finished fifth in the 2013 Grand National to Auroras Encore

Rare Bob jumping back in 2011 (Getty)

Rare Bob takes a step on the road to Aintree when he has his first run for Patrick Griffin in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham today on the opening afternoon of the International meeting.

A Grade One-winner for the late Dessie Hughes, the 12-year-old finished fifth in the 2013 Grand National to Auroras Encore.

“Rare Bob was a top-class horse in his day, and he’s still got plenty of ability,” said Griffin yesterday. “We had planned to run him at the last Cheltenham meeting but the ground wasn’t right. I just hope it’s not too quick this time as he’s a big horse. He’ll be getting an entry for the Grand National.”

The David Pipe-trained Kings Palace, who made an impressive start to his fencing career at the course last month, renews rivalry with the runner-up that day, Sausalito Sunrise, in the opening novice chase.

At Bangor, the smart hurdler Melodic Rendezvous will make his debut over fences, also in the opening novice chase.