THERE may have been an English winner of the John Smith’s Grand National, but the Irish are back on the trail of more Aintree glory.

Normal service is likely to be resumed this time with Jimmy Mangan’s HIMALAYAN TRAIL.

While Comply Or Die struck a blow for the home team, he was followed home by three Irish-trained runners and those from the Emerald Isle must always be given careful consideration when it comes to the Aintree showpiece.

Irish raiders have landed six of the last 10 Grand Nationals and Mangan’s 10-year-old looks capable of bringing up a magnificent seven.

The 10-year-old has the light weight – 10st6lb – that has been a prerequisite for National winners since the great Red Rum.

Formerly with Sue Smith Himalayan Trail is now in the care of trainer Mangan, who won the National with Monty’s Pass in 2003, having made the switch last summer.

Last year’s Midlands Grand National winner should have no concerns of staying the distance. And while he hasn’t set the world alight since his move to Ireland , he has been shrewdly campaigned chiefly over hurdles to peak at Aintree.

He showed the National fences hold no fears when finishing a distant fifth to another of today’s rivals Black Apalachi in the totesport.com Becher Chase in November. That was run on bottomless ground and the return to a much sounder surface similar to that which he scored on at Bangor and Uttoxeter last season should bring out the required improvement to see him go close.

Another trainer with the National on his CV, Willie Mullins, may provide the biggest danger to the selection with the aptly-named IRISH INVADER.

Mullins’ eight-year-old looks capable of going close if he stays the marathon trip.

The Bob Back gelding has looked impressive in winning three chases this season.