At the end of the week a friend of Captain Peel's, William Loft enquired as to the welfare of the horse and when told that it was still lame he made an offer of £50, which was accepted.
Cure-All showed such a good jumping ability and speed as a hunter that it was suggested he be entered into a match with a highly regarded local chaser named Crocous.
Despite losing almost 100 yards when going the wrong side of the flag at one obstacle and falling during the race, Cure-All was still beaten only a neck in the contest, bringing him to the attention of racehorse owner William Stuart Stirling-Crawfurd.
Sterling-Crawfurd had placed an entry for his well fancied Rat Trap in the 1845 Grand National but when that horse was forced to withdraw through injury he was allowed to nominate a substitute to run in his colours of white with black sleeves and cap.
In addition Tom Olliver, the twice winning rider of the National who on the favourite Vanguard commented to Loft as they left the paddock that his horse looked like a Lincolnshire prize ox and might do well to complete one circuit of the course.