LOCALLY-trained racehorse Kingsmark made a name for himself as one for the future after finishing just shy of third place in the Martell Grand National at Aintree.

The nine-year-old gelding finished fourth behind Bindaree, What's Up Boys and Blowing Wind and only a mistake at Valentine's Brook - the 6th fence from the finish - denied him a top three finish.

The horse is trained by Orton-based Martin Todhunter, who described the performance as Kingsmarks' best ever.

Mr Todhunter said: "The horse went very well and we are very happy.

He travelled well throughout but he made a mistake and it has cost him the race.

But it is his best performance ever.

"It was a tremendous atmosphere, it always is, and it's a great occasion."

Although feeling the affects of Saturday's race, Kingsmark will now be rested and it is hoped he will compete in next year's race.

"He will spend five or six months now out in the field because he needs a good break," said Mr Todhunter.