By Keith Hamer, Press Association Sport
TOM George was left reflecting on what might have been following Saint Are's gallant effort in the Crabbie's Grand National.
Saint Are made strong late headway to be a clear second in the Aintree spectacular on Saturday, just a length and three-quarters behind the winner, Many Clouds.
The Slad trainer has only had Saint Are a year and believes he can eke out further improvement for the 2016 renewal.
"He's taken the race unbelievably well. He actually wasn't too tired immediately after the race and he only lost around 14 kilos, which is what a horse will normally lose in a hurdle race," said George.
"He's out in the field and seems as happy as Larry this morning, so we're delighted with him.
"I'm obviously thrilled with the way he's run. He hit a bit of a flat spot at the Elbow and he's then run on again at the finish.
"I suppose at the back of my mind I'm wondering if they hadn't moved the start forward 150 yards, would it have made a difference?
"Take nothing away from the winner, who is a class horse and won under a big weight, so hats off to him.
"I've had my horse a year now, I've got to know him pretty well and I think we might be able to get some more improvement out of him next season.
"He's still a relatively young horse and there's no reason why he shouldn't improve again."
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