‘Reckless actions’ of National protesters criticised by Aintree officials

/by

Officials at Aintree criticised the “reckless actions” of protesters after Merseyside Police arrested over 100 people after they attempted to gain entry to the track ahead of the Randox Grand National.

Dozens of activists climbed fences at Aintree, with at least two affixing themselves to a fence using glue and lock-on devices, climate and animal rights group Animal Rising said.

The protesters breached security fences as the National runners were in the parade ring, causing a delay of around 15 minutes to the feature event, which eventually got under way at 5.29pm.

Merseyside Police said a total of 118 people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and public nuisance offences, with Aintree praising the response of both police and security.

Dickon White, who runs the track as North-West Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “There was a short delay to the start time for the Grand National, due to the reckless actions of a small number of individuals.

“The police and our security teams, who form part of a strong visible presence on course, dealt with the incident swiftly and decisively. The pre-race parade was cancelled as a result of the short delay.

“The Randox Grand National Festival sees thousands of people come to enjoy racing and a great atmosphere, with millions following on television, radio and online.

“While the actions of a small number of individuals were intended to disrupt the event, the safety and security of everyone on course will always be our number one priority.”

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said: “Today, as you’ve seen, there’s been a significant protest in relation to the running of the Grand National.

“This began earlier this morning, there’s been a number of protests outside and then that resulted earlier on today at about 5pm with numerous people trying to incur onto the course, which we, in partnership with the event organisers, and members of the public as well, have managed in the main to stop and and ultimately the event took place – albeit with a slight delay.”

He said protesters tried to access the course from a number of points at the far side of the track.

He added: “The perimeter of the course is four to five kilometres long so you know, that is a significant resource required to try and cover every area of that.

“We put a proportionate policing plan in place and, by and large, we were able to stop the vast majority entering onto the course, a small number did get onto the course, but, very quickly, they were removed, again in partnership with the event organiser, private security and police officers and staff.”

Traffic was also blocked by protesters on the M57 motorway at around the same time as activists attempted to get on to the racecourse at Aintree.

North West Motorway Police said on Twitter: “We have a number of people sat on the M57 at junction 2 northbound – motorway is closed.”

National Highways said traffic was stopped in both directions on the motorway – between junctions one and two – shortly before 5.15pm, but by 6pm the southbound carriageway was reopened and northbound traffic was being diverted via a slip road.

There were delays of more than an hour on the road, which runs from the M62 to Aintree.

Pictures showed protesters wearing pink T-shirts on the carriageway.

Out of 39 runners, 17 horses finished the race with the Sandy Thomson-trained Hill Sixteen suffering a fatal fall at the first fence.

Corach Rambler races to National glory for Russell and Fox

/by

Corach Rambler was a superb winner of the Randox Grand National for trainer Lucinda Russell and jockey Derek Fox.

Successful at last month’s Cheltenham Festival, the nine-year-old was kept out of trouble throughout after starting as the 8-1 favourite, in a race that was delayed by around 15 minutes after protesters from Animal Rising got on to the track.

He jumped into the lead over the last and pulled away when passing the elbow, holding off a closing Vanillier with Gaillard Du Mesnil third and last year’s winner Noble Yeats running a gallant race under his big weight in fourth.

It was a second victory in the world’s greatest steeplechase for Russell and Fox, after One For Arthur in 2017.

Russell said: “Those guys that went out to protest on the course, they think it’s about horse welfare but that horse loves the sport. He loves everything that he does. He’s kept in the best condition and I’m just so delighted that he can run in a race like that and perform like that.

“He has got greatness and it’s what he deserves. Corach Rambler, in our hearts, is just the best horse. Now in the public hearts he is as well. To win the National, I know how important it is, I know how it changed my life with (One For) Arthur – for Corach to achieve that too is just fantastic.

Corach Rambler poses after the race
Corach Rambler poses after the race (Peter Byrne/PA)

“It’s all about the horse, for me it’s not about the betting – though I did back him and quite a lot actually!

“I hope those guys who were protesting will look at our website and our Facebook posts and see how they are looked after. It is so important they understand how we care for them every inch of the way.

“It is about Corach, he is just amazing. He took to those fences brilliantly, he understood them, he worked them out – he loved it.”

Fox had sat out the first two days of the meeting in order to recover from injury in time to ride Corach Rambler.

He said: “He is just the most wonderful thing ever, he deserved to win this. I got a fall last week and banged my shoulder, it was far from ideal. I was worried all week, I thank God I was back in time because it was the thrill of my life to ride him.

“It’s thanks to the support of Lucinda and Scu (Peter Scudamore, assistant trainer and Russell’s partner) for having the faith in me to put me up after not riding all week. I feel very lucky to be working for these great people.

“I think he’d the profile and he’s loads of class – I just can’t believe it.”

Cameron Sword, Thomas Kendall, and Derek Fox celebrate after winning the National
Cameron Sword, Thomas Kendall, and Derek Fox celebrate after winning the National (Peter Byrne/PA)

Cameron Sword, a 21-year-old student who forms part of the winning ownership syndicate, The Ramblers, said: “Derek rode a blinder!

“He was leading, he was at the front for most of that race, and we were thinking he should be a bit further back, but Derek Fox rode a blinder. And Corach Rambler – what a horse. I’m lost for words.

“How can people be protesting against horse racing when your protests are making these horses wait out in the sun for even longer? It makes no sense. They can do one – this is our sport and I love it.

“I’ll be out in Liverpool tonight!”

Out of 39 runners, 17 horses finished the race with the Sandy Thomson-trained Hill Sixteen suffering a fatal fall at the first fence.

Dickon White, who runs Aintree as North-West Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “Hill Sixteen was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals during the Grand National, but sadly sustained a fatal injury. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”

Recite a Prayer and Cape Gentleman were also assessed on course by veterinary teams, with both horses reported to have walked onto the horse ambulance for further examination in the stables.

Protesters cause Grand National delay at Aintree

/by

The start of the Randox Grand National was delayed after a number of protesters made their way on to the track at Aintree.

Animal Rising had threatened to disrupt the four-and-a-quarter-mile and were protesting from early on Saturday morning outside the track.

As the National runners were in the parade ring, a number of protesters breached security fences around the Liverpool venue and ran on to the course.

The horses were sent back to the pre-parade ring, with the race delayed as police dealt with the intruders.

The track tweeted: “Update on The Randox Grand National: There will be a slight delay to the Grand National race. We will update as soon as possible.”

The jockeys were given the signal to mount at around 5.20pm – over five minutes after the scheduled start time.

West Balboa lands knockout blow for Skeltons

/by

The Skeltons enjoyed two notable handicap successes as both West Balboa and Midnight River did the yard proud at Aintree.

Firstly West Balboa soared to a unchallenged victory in the Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle.

Dan Skelton’s mare was the 9-2 favourite under his brother Harry after winning the Lanzarote Hurdle when last seen.

Avoiding the mares’ division due to its notable strength and depth this season, the decision to instead target this race paid off as the seven-year-old stepped up in trip.

After travelling well the market leader led over the final flight and then pulled clear to cross the line five lengths ahead of her nearest challenger.

West Balboa and Harry Skelton
West Balboa and Harry Skelton (Tim Goode/PA)

“She was a fresh horse today and looked fabulous while the step up to three miles was always going to be a plus,” said the winning trainer.

“I knew we had a good mare on our hands, but the mares’ hurdle was so strong it was decided this would be an intermediate year before she steps up to the top level.

“The Lanzarote was £100,000 so you can’t say she hasn’t had a fair year, but next season she will be a player in all those Graded races and it’s something we’re all looking forward to with her.”

Harry Skelton added: “Dan’s a great leader who targets these races so well.

“There are so many important people in our team that combine to make it happen. Cheltenham is our Olympics, but this is another great meeting with the world’s greatest race.”

Midnight River continued a memorable afternoon when landing the William Hill Handicap Chase for the same rider and trainer.

A 15-2 chance for the three-mile-one-furlong contest, the chestnut was left to pick through the field after the final bend.

He jumped the last with just a rival before him and then pulled clear to triumph by a length and a half.

The trainer said: “He’s just a good horse that has always had great potential, and he’s done that off (a mark of) 151.

“He’s on the way up and it was a case of when we made the step up in trip.

“I felt Aintree was the right place.

“I was a bit concerned that Eldorado Allen was getting a soft lead, but we got a great start and he was never chasing the leader.

“The plan will be one run and then the Coral Trophy at Newbury.”

Davy Russell confirms retirement beckons again after Aintree

/by

Davy Russell has confirmed his temporary comeback will extend no further than Aintree’s Grand National meeting.

Russell initially announced his retirement from the saddle after riding Liberty Dance to victory at Thurles on December 18, but he was lured back into the weighing room after Gordon Elliott’s stable jockey Jack Kennedy broke his leg in January.

While emphasising it would be a short-lived return to help his long-time ally Elliott, Russell has ridden at three of the jewels of the National Hunt season, striking Grade One gold aboard the ill-fated Mighty Potter at the Dublin Racing Festival in February.

Gerri Colombe was a winner for Davy Russell on Friday
Gerri Colombe was a winner for Davy Russell on Friday (Tim Goode/PA)

He endured a luckless Cheltenham Festival, eventually standing himself down ahead of riding Conflated in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and he did not get the leg-up again in public until Thursday at Aintree.

With Grade One verdicts aboard Gerri Colombe in Friday’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase and Irish Point in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle on Saturday, Russell will once again hang up his boots – this time for good – following a much more fitting finale to his illustrious career.

Russell said: “This will be my last day.

Irish Point was Davy Russell's final Grade One winner
Irish Point was Davy Russell’s final Grade One winner (David Davies/PA)

“I’m 43 years of age and Jack was waiting to take over the mantle, then unfortunately Jack got injured.

“Sam (Ewing) and Jordan (Gainford) were there, but we just felt we’d ease them in rather than just land it on them. If they had as bad a Cheltenham as I had, I’m not sure they’d have took it as well as I did. It served its purpose.

“My wife was very upset after Cheltenham. We’ve had so much success and Cheltenham just wasn’t really a happy place for me this year. I enjoyed it, but it just didn’t end up the way we would have liked.

“In between my wife and Gordon, they wanted me to end on a better note.”

Russell’s final National ride ended almost before it began, however, with Galvin unseating at the first, while Pour Les Filles – his last ever ride in the bumper that brought the National Festival to a close – finished fifth.

Liverpool repeat for super Sire Du Berlais

/by

Sire Du Berlais toughed it out to defend his title in the JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle.

The admirable JP McManus-owned gelding completed the Cheltenham-Aintree double for Gordon Elliott and Mark Walsh after taking the equivalent contest at the Festival in March.

He was sent off at 8-1 despite his prior victory and looked like he was not in the mood at all in the first half of the race.

After cantering along at the rear of the field, he edged into the event gradually and came into his own when the race became a stamina test in the final furlong – defeating the strong-travelling Marie’s Rock by three and a quarter lengths, with Flooring Porter (3-1 favourite) another six and a half lengths back in third.

Elliott said: “Unbelievable. To come back at this age and do it again, we’re absolutely delighted.

“Mark gave him a brilliant ride because he was flat to the boards the whole way and he just kept holing him and holding him and he kept picking up – it was brilliant.

“We didn’t do much with him (since Cheltenham). The girls took him to the beach a couple of times since the last day. We actually haven’t done any galloping really. We’ve just kept him happy.

“I’d say we will put him away now. He won’t go to Punchestown, anyway, I don’t think.

Mark Walsh and Sire Du Berlais
Mark Walsh and Sire Du Berlais (PA)

“He deserves a holiday now. He has been the horse of a lifetime and we’re lucky to have him.

“To be honest, I thought we were in a bit of trouble today, but he just kept picking up.”

A proud McManus said: “He is a wonderful horse. We are lucky to own him. I was thinking the day wasn’t going to be a going day, but in fairness to Mark, that was an exceptional ride – an exceptional ride.

“The horse doesn’t know his age.”

Of Marie’s Rock, Nicky Henderson said: “As Nico (de Boinville) said she tried her heart out, but the winner was out the back with Champ, so it was a remarkable performance by him.”

Gavin Cromwell added of Flooring Porter: “It was probably his best run of the season. We haven’t completely decided whether he will go to Punchestown.”

Irish Point well made in Mersey Novices’ Hurdle

/by

Gordon Elliott’s Irish Point was an impressive winner of the Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

A 5-1 chance under Davy Russell – winning his second Grade One of the week – the grey ran in mid-division and crept into a more prominent position as the field turned for home.

Behind the leaders over the penultimate hurdle, the five-year-old took up the lead over the last and pulled clear up the home straight to win comfortably from Kateira, who was three and a half lengths in arrears.

Elliott said: “We decided we’d miss Cheltenham and come here fresh and it worked out well. He travelled well the whole way and everything was great.

“He’s a nice horse. He could go chasing next season or he could stay over hurdles. He likes soft ground and there’s a lot of prize-money to be won with him in Ireland (over hurdles).

“It’s brilliant for Davy. He’s after getting two Grade Ones this week now and as I’ve said we’re nearly at the end of him. He deserved a good send-off and he’s getting it now.”

Russell – who called a temporary halt to his retirement to fill in for the injured Jack Kennedy, but did not enjoy the best of weeks at Cheltenham – said: “I left out my wife yesterday (after winning on Gerri Colombe), but she was actually very upset after Cheltenham. Her dad passed away recently, the whole thing caught up with her and she stressed to me that I needed to get back in and not finish on the note that I finished on.

“Obviously Gordon jumped in as well and between the two of them they made it very comfortable for me to go ahead and do it.

A big smile from Davy Russell
A big smile from Davy Russell (PA)

“I was happy enough to finish after Cheltenham – I’m big enough to accept it. I’m lucky I can go back through the years and remember them, but now this really does put a shine on the trophy.”

Of Irish Point, he added: He could be anything. All along I thought he was immature, but today he just seemed to have come of age.

“He does stay well and jumps fantastic. He could go chasing or he could stay over hurdles. I think a summer’s grass, bring him back in and see what happens.

“It is great to be here and big winners are hard to come by, so we like to enjoy them while they are here.

“I don’t want to say this is my last day riding and then come back for a third time, but I’m enjoying it, anyway. It’s great, you have to take it all in.

“Aintree is very special. It is a special place. I just hope the people of Liverpool and the people of England realise what they have here. You can’t get this anywhere else in the world, it is very special.”

It was later confirmed Dark Raven had suffered a fatal fall in the race.

Part-owner Simon Munir tweeted: “Thank you for all your kind messages on the sad loss of our dear Dark Raven RIP.”

Jonbon enjoys Maghull stroll at Aintree

/by

Jonbon strolled to an easy win in the EFT Systems Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree.

The Nicky Henderson-trained bay was one of a small field of four and pulled away smartly around the final bend under Aidan Coleman.

He streaked clear of Calico, ridden by Harry Skelton for his brother Dan, who then fell at the last and left Jonbon to cruise home as the 2-11 favourite.

Marvel De Cerisy set out to make all in the two-mile affair, but when Coleman gave the signal, Jonbon eased by to assume control.

Some fine leaps up the straight sealed the 43-length victory, with Marvel De Cerisy taking second and Fusain a further 27 lengths away in third.

Jonbon was returning to winning form after finding El Fabiolo too good in the Arkle at Cheltenham and Henderson felt his charge had shown his true colours this time.

Jonbon and Aidan Coleman after winning the Maghull
Jonbon and Aidan Coleman after winning the Maghull (David Davies/PA)

The Seven Barrows handler said: “He was good today, wasn’t he? The ground has probably dried out a bit since yesterday and he does love that good ground.

“That is the way he jumps when he’s right. He jumped from fence to fence today and didn’t jump from fence to fence at Cheltenham. Whether it was just the better ground today, I don’t know.

“I was thinking we’d come here and run over two and a half miles, but we knew Dysart Dynamo and El Fabiolo weren’t going here and JP (McManus, owner) said a couple of weeks ago ‘what is actually going to run in the two-mile race’? He was absolutely right.

“Aidan said on good ground he feels like a two-miler. I’ve always thought he’d go as far as you like, but we’ll see – we don’t have to make any decisions today.”

Jonbon on his way to victory
Jonbon on his way to victory (Nigel French/PA)

When asked whether Jonbon could run again before the end of the season at either Punchestown or Sandown, the trainer added: “I very much doubt it, but I won’t rule anything out.

“I know he didn’t win the Arkle, but he’s had a very good first season over fences.”

Coleman also thought conditions had been more to Jonbon’s liking.

He said: “I just didn’t really kind of get out of the ground in the Arkle but we’re more or less the top of the ground now, so it’s lovely for him and the slow side of good.

“He was much more at home and he really jumps better off it because he’s a low, neat jumper and I think he just got a bit stuck on that tacky ground at Cheltenham. He still ran very well obviously and he’s had a great career so far, so onwards and upwards.

“I think he could still go up in trip and there’s lots of options for him. I’d say two miles on that ground and riding him aggressively or forward is something he’s a fan of, but with the way he relaxes and jumps, I’d say you can do anything you want with him.”

All-conquering Mullins mounts five-strong assault on National

/by

There are few heights Willie Mullins has not scaled in his training career and with five runners in Saturday’s Randox Grand National, he holds a strong hand.

While the Closutton handler is miles clear of the pack when it comes to training Cheltenham Festival winners, the world-famous Aintree showpiece has not always been kind to the Closutton handler.

It is 18 years since Hedgehunter gave the yard its sole National success and should Mullins win it this term, he might not even be there to celebrate, as the 66-year-old is recuperating at home after a recent hip operation.

Regardless, there is also likely to be plenty of support for his fab five in the field of 40.

Mullins saddles Mr Incredible (Brian Hayes), Gaillard Du Mesnil (Paul Townend), Capodanno (Danny Mullins), Carefully Selected (Michael O’Sullivan) and Recite A Prayer (Jack Foley).

Gaillard Du Mesnil is the stable’s first string on the betting, but stable jockey Townend faced a tough choice.

Paul Townend (left) and Willie Mullins seek more big-race glory
Paul Townend (left) and Willie Mullins seek more big-race glory (David Davies/PA)

Mullins said: “Paul thought about riding Capadanno and Carefully Selected, but I suppose, taking recent form into account, it’s not a surprise which way he’s gone.”

Townend earned his and Mullins’ third Cheltenham Gold Cup success when Galopin Des Champs took the laurels last month, then scored another huge victory for the yard when landing the Irish Grand National with I Am Maximus at Fairyhouse on Monday.

Mullins added: “I think the ride he gave I Am Maximus surpassed his Gold Cup one.

“He was Paul the jockey at Cheltenham and Paul the horseman at Fairyhouse.

“He rode him as a jockey on the first circuit and then threw the book out of the window on the second circuit because that wasn’t working.”

The gap between the big Cheltenham and Aintree festival meetings is a week longer than normal this year due to Easter, but Mullins admits he would prefer another another week still for Gaillard Du Mesnil.

“We can’t do anything about the gap between the races, that’s the way it is,” he added. “I’d like to wait another week but I’m happy the horse is in good form.

“It didn’t do the Irish National winner any harm. A lot of the team have run since Cheltenham and they’ve run well.”

However, should any of his quintet win, his operation means any Aintree celebrations may have to go on without him.

“I’ll try to get there, but it’s doubtful,” he added.

Apple Away blossoms against the boys at Aintree

/by

Apple Away stuck to her guns to provide trainer Lucinda Russell with a second victory in the last three renewals of the Winners Wear Cavani Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

Ahoy Senor was a shock 66-1 winner of the three-mile Grade One two years ago for the Scottish trainer, but has since proved that was no fluke by establishing himself as a top-class staying chaser.

Apple Away was not quite as big a price following recent triumphs in a handicap hurdle at Ayr and a Listed race at Doncaster, although she did face a steep rise in class and was a 16-1 shot to beat the boys.

Just as Ahoy Senor did in 2021, Apple Away set out to make all the running in the hands of Stephen Mulqueen and one by one saw off each of her challengers.

Donald McCain’s Maximilian emerged as the biggest threat after the final flight, but Apple Away never looked in real danger of being reeled in with her 7lb allowance and had a length and three-quarters in hand at the line.

Iroko and Stay Away Fay, both winners at the Cheltenham Festival last month, finished third and fourth respectively.

Russell said: “I’m so delighted for Old Gold Racing (owners). When the micro-share syndicates were announced a lot of people thought they wouldn’t work, but results like this prove they do. I’m so pleased to see everyone.

“She’s just a relentless galloper. Scu (Peter Scudamore) was confident that she was good enough for this race because she’s such a relentless galloper – she only has one pace but she keeps it up.

Apple Away proved too strong for her rivals at Aintree
Apple Away proved too strong for her rivals at Aintree (Tim Goode/PA)

“We might have had a couple get caught yesterday after leading over the last but that did not enter my mind today as I knew she’d keep going, she’s a three-miler.

“She’ll go chasing next season, if she takes to jumping the way she gallops, she could be quite exciting.”

She added: “There’s always something about a good mare, they get hold of your heart and she absolutely does. We knew she had a few pounds to find, but that 7lb allowance came in very handy. She’s got such tenacity and determination, she’s ideal for this race.”

Russell is due to run the strongly-fancied Corach Rambler in Saturday’s Grand National, and said: “Don’t start me off! I hear he’s not favourite now which is good, that takes a bit of pressure off. The horses have just been in great form this season and we’re riding the crest of a wave.

“I’m really pleased for Scu, he used to ride her on a morning but she’s too much for him now!”

Of Maximilian, McCain said: “Brian (Hughes) hoped they would go a little bit quicker because he has endless stamina. That’s it for the season, he’s a very exciting horse to look forward to.

“He’s run a blinder. On another day we might have got a different result, but we’re trying to give away weight to the mare and she is clearly a very good horse. We’re proud of him, he’s run a good race.”