FOR the first time in seven years no Irish-trained horses finished in the first four of the John Smith’s Grand National.

But Irish handlers, whose horses did complete, are looking forward to renewing rivalries next year.

Willie Mullins, who won the race with Hedgehunter in 2005, is already eyeing the Aintree showpiece in 2010 with both Snowy Morning and Irish Invader.

Snowy Morning, third to Comply Or Die last year, made a few too many errors but stayed on to finish ninth. While eight-year-old stablemate Irish Invader ran superbly and was among the leaders for much of way until fading into 11th.

Mullins said: “I was pleased with both horses and both were given fantastic rides.

“Snowy Morning made a few errors but did well to finish as close as he did, while Irish Invader jumped great. I doubt Snowy will run again this season and we will just see with Irish Invader, I will have a look at what is available for him when I get home.

“Both could head to Aintree again next year but we will see.”

Ted Walsh, also a National winner with Papillon nine years ago, just felt the ground was too fast for Southern Vic, who was eighth. He said: “He ran a good race and there is not a bother on him this morning. He is on the ferry on his way home at the moment. I’m not sure if he’ll run again this season.”

Gordon Elliott, another Irishman who has tasted National glory, said his 2007 winner Silver Birch was fine after he came down at Becher’s Brook second time around on Saturday.

The 12-year-old has been running a big race, until his mishap, and his County Meath handler said: “He’s 100% this morning, thank God, and he was running a blinder before he came down.

“We’ll see how we go but he could run in a new race at Perth at the end of the month or we might look at the La Touche Cup at Punchestown, it will be one or the other I would say.”