1 – Rachael Blackmore is the only woman to have ridden a Grand National winner – on Minella Times in 2021. 2 – Dual winners of the National are not a complete rarity over the years, with nine horses having won the race twice – most recently Tiger Roll in 2019. 3 – Red Rum is […]
Trainer Emmet Mullins is still coming to terms with last year’s Randox Grand National success as he prepares Noble Yeats in his bid for back-to-back victories in the Aintree spectacular. Mullins is of course from a family steeped in racing history, from his late grandfather Paddy to his training trio of uncles Tom, Tony and, […]
The Randox Grand National is Corach Rambler’s “ticket to greatness” as Lucinda Russell goes in search of her second victory in the world’s most famous steeplechase. The Kinross-based handler is well-versed in preparing one for Aintree. She sent out the late One For Arthur to become only the second-ever Scottish-trained winner of the race in […]
Ruby Walsh won all there is to win during his illustrious riding career – but as far as he is concerned, one day in Liverpool 23 years ago ranks above any other. It is coming up to four years since Walsh retired from the saddle and he is widely recognised as one of the greatest […]
All the leading contenders for the Randox Grand National have stood their ground at the five-day declaration stage for Saturday’s big race at Aintree. A maximum field of 40 looks assured for the £1million showpiece, with Corach Rambler heading the market for Lucinda Russell. Last year’s winner and recent Gold Cup fourth Noble Yeats will […]
Onesto is the latest high-class middle-distance operator to throw his name into the hat for a red-hot renewal of the Prix Ganay later this month. The Fabrice Chappet-trained colt built on an encouraging fifth-placed run in the French Derby to win the Grand Prix de Paris in the summer before going close in the Irish […]
Clan Des Obeaux, one of the best chasers Britain has produced in the last few years, has been retired. The dual King George VI Chase winner, owned by Paul Barber, Ged Mason and Sir Alex Ferguson, was last seen finishing second to Allaho in the Punchestown Gold Cup last April. However, he suffered a suspensory […]
Gordon Elliott described Brighterdaysahead’s success in the closing bumper at Fairyhouse as “bittersweet” after the loss of star novice chaser Mighty Potter earlier on the card. Four-time Grade One winner Mighty Potter was sent off the 6-5 favourite for the WilllowWarm Gold Cup Chase but sustained a fatal injury when falling at the 10th fence […]
Christopher Head has the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club in his sights having seen Big Rock make all in the Prix la Force at ParisLongchamp. The Rock Of Gibraltar colt was a Listed winner on the all-weather at Chantilly last month, but was taking a further step up in class for this nine-furlong Group Three […]
Willie Mullins enjoyed an Easter Sunday to remember as a remarkable across-the-card eight-timer saw him break his own record for number of winners in a National Hunt season. The all-conquering champion trainer’s previous best tally of 212 was achieved in the 2017/18 campaign and having reached the double century at the end of March, it […]