Fakir D’oudairies has the chance to create history at Aintree on Friday as he bids to become the first three-time winner of the Marsh Chase.
Joseph O’Brien’s charge became the sixth horse to claim back-to-back victories in the two-and-a-half-mile Grade One 12 months ago after Viking Flagship (1995 and 1996), Direct Route (1999 and 2000), Native Upmanship (2002 and 2003), Moscow Flyer (2004 and 2005) and Voy Por Ustedes (2008 and 2009).
Having won a race better known as the Melling Chase by 11 lengths in 2021 and five and a half last season, the the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old returns to Merseyside for the hat-trick bid fresh, having sidestepped last month’s Cheltenham Festival.
Fakir D’oudairies was a little disappointing when last seen finishing a well-beaten third behind Shishkin in defence of his Ascot Chase crown in February and is interestingly fitted with cheekpieces for the first time on Friday.
O’Brien said: “He’s in good shape and we’re looking forward to going back there with him.
“We know he likes the track and he’s going there fresh, so we’re hopeful of a good run anyway.”
Fakir D’oudairies is one of two Irish contenders along with the Mouse Morris-trained French Dynamite.
The eight-year-old was best of the rest behind the O’Brien runner in a Grade Two at Thurles in January and was beaten less than six lengths when fourth in last month’s Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
French Dynamite (right) finishing second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November (David Davies/Jockey Club)
Morris had declared French Dynamite to run at Fairyhouse over the Easter weekend, but pulled him out due to the rain-softened ground.
He said: “He won’t run if it’s soft, but hopefully it should be all right.
“He seems fine. You never until you run them, but he hasn’t missed a beat since Cheltenham anyway.
“His form is there. He was second to Joseph’s horse and Hitman was just in front of him in Cheltenham.”
Paul Nicholls saddles Pic D’Orhy, who was seven lengths ahead of Fakir D’oudairies when runner-up in the Ascot Chase, as well as Ryanair Chase third Hitman.
“Hitman put up arguably the finest performance of his career when third in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham a month ago, which came after another decent run at Newbury,” Nicholls told Betfair.
“After two quite hard races on the bounce we were deliberating whether to bypass Aintree and keep him for Sandown, but Hitman seems fine at home so we are rolling the dice again in the race in which he he was an excellent second to Fakir D’oudairies a year ago.
“Pic D’Orhy is among my favourites and has been in fantastic form this season, winning three Grade Two chases on the bounce before finishing second at Ascot to Shishkin, who looked unbeatable that day.
“We’ve deliberately kept him fresh for this race, he is in great shape and I think the track will suit him. Hopefully he has a really big chance.”
Fugitif is stepped up in class by Richard Hobson after finishing second to Seddon in the Magners Plate at the Festival, while Donald McCain’s Minella Drama also has his sights raised having secured handicap wins at Musselburgh and Kelso since the turn of the year.
The Alex Hales-trained Millers Bank, who won a Grade One novice chase over the course and distance last season, completes the line-up.
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A spokesperson for Animal Rising has said its planned protest at Aintree on Grand National day is “the first of a campaign of events over the summer”.
Earlier this month The Mail On Sunday reported more than 100 activists had signed up to take part in a demonstration on April 15 with the aim of disrupting the big-race itself, which sees a full field of 40 head to post at 5.15pm.
The report said protesters planned to form a human barricade across the track at Aintree after sneaking into the event with ladders and bolt cutters.
Merseyside Police has said it has “a robust policing plan in place” for the meeting, and speaking to TalkSPORT, Alex Lockwood of the Extinction Rebellion offshoot confirmed a protest will begin at 9.30am outside the course.
Stewards on an entrance wait for racegoers during day one of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse (Peter Byrne/PA)
He said: “We want to go there and stop the harm and what we are asking people to do is come and join us from 9.30am outside of the gates and protest, as we are allowed to do, and see if we can disrupt the race.
“We don’t believe that horse racing is right and we want to stop the harm.
“We don’t think it is right that business goes on as usual when animals are being harmed. We are sorry for the disruption but we stand by our morals. We believe horse racing is a dying industry – we’re helping it into retirement.
“We could stand outside and be polite and hand out fliers, but that has never stopped anything. We need to have a massive public conversation about our relationship with animals and this is the first of a campaign of events over the summer to really bring attention to, and shine a spotlight on, our treatment of animals.”
Officials at Aintree said they recognised the right of the protestors to peacefully demonstrate and outlined their willingness to work with the relevant authorities to ensure this can happen.
“We’ve obviously been in regular meetings over the past six months about this and it has focussed a little bit of minds in the last few weeks,” said Dickon White, North West Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses who own the Merseyside track.
“But we absolutely appreciate if people want to come here and peacefully demonstrate, then they have the right to do that and we will work with the police and security teams to allow that to happen.”
A spokesperson for the British Horseracing Authority said: “While we respect the rights of anyone to protest safely and legally, we condemn any action which is illegal, especially if it puts at risk the safety of horses, jockeys, officials or fans.”
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Paul Nicholls described himself as “disappointed” after an ownership issue led to him being unable to run his star chaser Bravemansgame in Thursday’s Alder Hey Aintree Bowl.
Having finished best of the rest behind Galopin Des Champs in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, the King George hero was due to line up as a major contender on day one of the Grand National meeting.
The British Horseracing Authority initially cleared Bravemansgame to contest the Grade One heat after the eight-year-old switched into the sole ownership of Bryan Drew on Tuesday, having previously been owned in partnership with John Dance, but then withdrew the horse on Wednesday evening after an intervention from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Dance founded Vertem Asset Management, a prominent sponsor within racing, but that firm is one of three trading names of WealthTek LLP, which was last week ordered to cease all regulated activities by the FCA due to “serious regulatory and operational issues coming to light”.
Bravemansgame winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton (John Walton/PA)
Speaking to Betfair on ‘Ditcheat Decs’ on Thursday morning, Nicholls was understandably deflated.
“I’m obviously disappointed by the course of events that led up to us not being able to run him, but that’s out of my hands and I can’t really say any more than that,” said the champion trainer.
“It’s just bitterly disappointing.”
A statement issued by the BHA on Wednesday evening said: “In light of new information, including a court order, provided to the BHA on Wednesday 12 April by the Financial Conduct Authority Bravemansgame is no longer able to take part in the race and has been withdrawn.
“The BHA will continue to liaise with the FCA and other affected parties.”
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Ante-post favourite Corach Rambler heads a full field of 40 for Saturday’s Randox Grand National at Aintree.
Derek Fox has been declared to ride the dual Ultima Chase winner after recovering from a minor injury, with the jockey and trainer Lucinda Russell bidding for a second National success following One For Arthur’s triumph in 2017.
Next best in the betting is Delta Work, who is one of six contenders in the final field for trainer Gordon Elliott. The Cullentra House handler also fields the Davy Russell-ridden Galvin, Fury Road, Coko Beach, Escaria Ten and Dunboyne.
Noble Yeats triumphed last year under Sam Waley-Cohen (Steven Paston/PA)
Last year’s victor Noble Yeats defends his title for Emmet Mullins, with Sean Bowen in the plate this time after Sam Waley-Cohen famously retired on passing the Aintree winning post 12 months ago.
Willie Mullins’ five-strong strong team is headed by Gaillard Du Mesnil – a last-gasp winner of the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham – with Capodanno, Mr Incredible, Carefully Selected and Recite A Prayer also in the line up.
Paul Townend has opted to ride Gaillard Du Mesnil with leading conditional Michael O’Sullivan handed his first Grand National assignment aboard Carefully Selected.
The field is dominated by Irish-trained contenders with Any Second Now, The Big Dog, Longhouse Poet, Lifetime Ambition and Vanillier other prominent challengers.
Le Milos (centre) represents Dan and Harry Skelton (John Walton/PA)
Aside from Corach Rambler, only the Dan Skelton-trained Le Milos is shorter than 20-1 to keep the prize in Britain this time around.
Other home-trained hopes include The Big Breakaway for Joe Tizzard, Mister Coffey from Nicky Henderson’s yard and Back On The Lash, a winner over Cheltenham’s cross-country course for trainer Martin Keighley.
The last horse to make the cut for the race is Born By The Sea.
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Alice Haynes’ Fix You could have bigger days ahead following a bloodless victory at Nottingham.
The Newmarket-based handler shot to prominence with her stewardship of Lady Hollywood last season and she seems to have found another talented sprinter in a similar mould for owners Amo Racing.
The daughter of Night Of Thunder made a winning debut on soft ground at Thirsk as a two-year-old and although not seen after finishing down the field in a French Listed contest second time, the 15-8 favourite built on her reappearance at Kempton to double her tally in the Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Handicap.
Fix You turns a strong-looking Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Handicap @NottsRacecourse into rout 🏇
Fix You will now go searching for black type while conditions remain suitable, with Navan’s Committed Stakes (April 22) and a six-furlong assignment on the all-weather at Chelmsford mooted as possible options.
“She needed her run at Kempton and I thought she would win, but the six probably just caught her out being a bit ring rusty,” said Haynes. “I thought 77 was a great mark for her and this was a great opportunity to get her in.
“It’s the ground that makes all the difference to her, she loves the soft ground and the dig in it.
“There’s a race in Ireland we could go to at the end of next week, a stakes race chasing the soft ground and trying to get a bit of black type early. She’s a nice filly, she’s exciting for the owner who is a good supporter of our team.
“We could try to look for something over five in England if the rain stays or we could go for the Chelmer Fillies’ Stakes at Chelmsford (April 27) over six. That is a Listed race and we will try to get her some black type as we think she is well capable of that.
“She’s nearly as straightforward as Lady Hollywood, they are two cracking fillies. We are always trying to find another one like her.”
John and Thady Gosden’s Derby entrant Torito continued his education by breaking his maiden in testing conditions in the Bet At racingtv.com Novice Stakes.
Sent off the 1-4 favourite following the late withdrawal of Roger Varian’s Exoplanet, the Kingman colt bettered his encouraging debut third in a Newbury maiden in the hands of Robert Havlin.
“His family have enjoyed that ground, but it is a tough first run of the season coming back and having to go through that,” said Havlin.
Torito ridden by Robert Havlin wins the Bet At racingtv.com Novice Stakes at Nottingham Racecourse (Joe Giddens/PA)
“He probably got left two and a half (furlongs) out, which was far enough out for him. Certainly the last half a furlong he got tired and he ran nearly a similar race last year at Newbury – came there cruising and then just paddled the last half a furlong.
“Although it looks as if he didn’t hit the line that strong there, maybe he is one who does want stepping up in trip and ride him a bit more patiently on better ground.”
Havlin was also on the scoresheet aboard Dean Ivory’s Molly Valentine in the racingtv.com Fillies’ Handicap, while Jack Channon’s Sera Dawn confirmed course form over Fair Wind to open her account in the Darley EBF Novice Stakes.
There was also a winner on the card for local handler Roy Bowring who sent out Nine Elms (7-1) to land the Watch On Racing TV Handicap, while Marco Ghiani got his new job as retained rider to owner Peter Harris off to the perfect start when guiding Eyetrap (13-2) to victory in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap.
“He couldn’t have done any better,” said Harris about Ghiani’s winning start.
“I have a great relationship with Adam Kirby, and still have, but I needed somebody to ride the fillies as well as the colts, and he won some good races as an apprentice.”
Handler Jane Chapple Hyam was also delighted to see the association get off to a victorious start and is ambitiously dreaming of a 2024 Melbourne Cup tilt with the Ulysses colt.
She said: “We knew we would get the distance, the trip was no problem. We were a little concerned about the heavy in places but he is bred to stay and maybe that is why he did it.
“I see him running in mile-and-a-half, mile-six handicaps, maybe one day next year a Melbourne Cup – the dream’s there isn’t it.”
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Bravemansgame will not be permitted to run in Thursday’s Alder Hey Aintree Bowl Chase.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up had been cleared by the British Horseracing Authority to contest the Grade One heat, with the eight-year-old switched into the sole ownership of Bryan Drew on Tuesday, having previously been owned in partnership with John Dance.
Dance founded Vertem Asset Management, a prominent sponsor within racing, but that firm is one of three trading names of WealthTek LLP, which was last week ordered to cease trading by the Financial Conduct Authority due to “serious regulatory and operational issues coming to light”.
Bravemansgame won the King George at Christmas (John Walton/PA)
However, the BHA has announced the Paul Nicholls-trained King George winner will no longer be able to run after an intervention from the FCA.
A statement read: “In light of new information, including a court order, provided to the BHA on Wednesday 12 April by the Financial Conduct Authority Bravemansgame is no longer able to take part in the race and has been withdrawn.
“The BHA will continue to liaise with the FCA and other affected parties.”
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Cheveley Park Stud director Richard Thompson is cautiously optimistic A Plus Tard will show his true colours in the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl on Thursday.
Henry de Bromhead’s charge looked set to become the dominant force in the division following an imperious 15-length victory in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, but little has gone right since.
The nine-year-old returned unsatisfactory blood test results following a disappointing defence of the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November, while a late setback denied him the opportunity to bounce back in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Connections ultimately decided to head straight back to Cheltenham, where after travelling well for a long way, he was badly hampered by the fall of Ahoy Senor and the brought-down Sounds Russian, which ultimately led to him being pulled up by Rachael Blackmore.
Having failed to complete a race since his Gold Cup romp 13 months ago, A Plus Tard clearly has questions to answer ahead of his first appearance at Aintree, but hopes are high in the Cheveley Park camp that he can get his career back on track.
A Plus Tard winning the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)
Thompson said: “It’s been a difficult season for him, as we all know.
“He was travelling well in the Gold Cup until he got hampered. Would he have troubled the first two, who knows, but he was travelling well.
“I think we’re just hoping that he can travel like that again and show the class that he’s got. We want to see a good, positive showing and signs that he is back to himself.
“I’m not going to say he’s going to win it because it’s a very a hot race, but it’s great to be involved and we look forward to taking our chance.
“He’s won four Grade Ones for us and is a double winner at Cheltenham. He’s won a Gold Cup and a Betfair Chase in imperious fashion – he’s been a great horse for us whatever happens.”
A Plus Tard over the last at Cheltenham last season (Mike Egerton/PA)
The Lucinda Russell-trained Ahoy Senor won the Cotswold Chase over course and distance before his Gold Cup fall and he returns to a track he knows well.
Winner of the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at massive odds of 66-1 in 2021 before landing the Mildmay Novices’ Chase by five lengths last term, Russell believes Ahoy Senor is primed for another bold showing.
“He’s in great form, I’m looking forward to the good ground with him,” Russell said.
Ahoy Senor winning over hurdles at Aintree (Alan Crowhurst/PA)
“This looks a tough race, tougher even than the Gold Cup I think, but he’s in good form and we travel with hope.
“It’s been quite handy to have that extra time between the two meetings, he’s been thriving.
“He always seems to go well at this time of year, he’s quite a spring-time horse.”
Nico de Boinville will reunite with Shishkin after the duo finished second to Envoi Allen in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
Shishkin and Nico de Boinville at Ascot (Steven Paston/PA)
Nicky Henderson’s charge was the evens favourite for the event and eventually came home two and three-quarter lengths behind the winner.
“I think we were a bit deflated after Cheltenham, although he did stay on really well up the hill,” de Boinville told Sky Sports Racing.
“We’ve tried to work a few things out and he seems to be in really good order at home – he’s been working well and schooling well.
“He was just never happy from the word go (at Cheltenham). He was never really happy and never really jumping and made hard work of it.
“I don’t think you can really question his temperament given the way he seemed to battle on up the hill and everything has been right since then.
Shishkin and Henderson (Steven Paston/PA)
“I’m staying nice and positive and when he’s on-song, he’ll be very hard to beat.
“All the ability is there, it’s just a case of bringing it all together.”
Gordon Elliott’s Gold cup third Conflated takes his chance while Jamie Snowden’s Ga Law, who did not meet the criteria for a planned Grand National bid, completes a field of five after Bravemansgame was withdrawn from the race by the British Horseracing Authority.
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Stage Star bids to give members of the Owners Group another memorable day by supplementing Cheltenham Festival success with victory in the opening race of the Grand National meeting at Aintree on Thursday.
More than 3,000 people paid just £59 for a share in the Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old, who was a Grade One-winning hurdler last season and is four from five over fences to far this term.
Only a handful of his lucky owners were able to join him in the parade ring before and after his front-running victory in last month’s Turners’ Novices’ Chase, but many more proudly raised their mauve and black scarves around the hallowed winner’s enclosure, ensuring Stage Star received one of the loudest receptions of the week in the Cotswolds.
Similarly joyous scenes can be expected on Merseyside if he can follow up four weeks later in the Racehorse Lotto Manifesto Novices’ Chase – and Nicholls is in confident mood.
Paul Nicholls celebrates Stage Star’s Cheltenham success (Tim Goode/PA)
“I was blown away by the way he won the Turners at Cheltenham. He has plenty of boot, travelled well, jumped for fun and was going clear at the finish,” the champion trainer told Betfair.
“The extra week since the Festival is a big plus for Stage Star who seems in top order and worked really well on Tuesday morning.
“Everyone keeps asking if our horses that performed so well at Cheltenham will be all right at Aintree. I think they are fine, they are doing everything I’ve asked of them at home and I couldn’t be happier with them. The only way to find out is to run them and I expect Stage Star to shine.”
The biggest threat to Stage Star appears to be Banbridge, who was taken out of the Turners’ Novices’ Chase on the morning of the race due to the rain-softened ground at Cheltenham.
Banbridge on his way to winning at Cheltenham in November (Tim Goode/PA)
His trainer, Joseph O’Brien, is hoping the decision to sidestep the Festival could pay off on Thursday.
He said: “He’s been in good form since missing Cheltenham and we’re looking forward to running him.
“Hopefully they won’t get too much rain and we’re hoping for a good run.
“We’ve been happy with his preparation.”
Saint Roi (Willie Mullins) and Straw Fan Jack (Sheila Lewis) both step up in distance after finishing third and fourth in the Arkle at Cheltenham, with Visionarian (Peter Fahey) completing the field.
A dramatic running of the G2 Coral Adonis Juvenile Hurdle with Nusret getting the better of Perseus Way at @kemptonparkrace 🏇
O’Brien also houses a leading contender for the Jewson Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle in Nusret, who was last seen winning the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton in February.
“He comes in here fresh and has seemed very well in the run up to it,” the trainer added.
“It looks a good race and it will probably take a career-best to win, but he seems in good nick and we’re hoping for a good run.”
The standard is set by the JP McManus-owned Zenta, who finished third in a one-two-three-four for Willie Mullins in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Bo Zenith after winning at Haydock (Ashley Iveson/PA)
In-form trainer Gary Moore runs two in the Grade One contest, with Haydock and Stratford scorer Bo Zenith joined by stablemate Perseus Way, who was runner-up to Nusret in the Adonis before finishing down the field in the Boodles at the Festival last month.
Moore said: “It’s going to be tough to beat the Willie Mullins horse, but they’re two nice horses and they both go there with reasonable chances.
“With Bo Zenith this has always been the plan and we thought the other fella deserved to take his chance, too.
“Perseus Way has been consistent all season really and Cheltenham was just a mess for him – everything went wrong from the word go there.”
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Harry Davies notched up the first Listed success of his career as Rajinsky pulled off a shock to down Trueshan in Nottingham’s Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes.
Winner of the Cesarewitch Trial last season in the hands of Davies, Hugo Palmer’s seven-year-old made every yard in the testing rain-softened ground at Colwick Park and showed great resilience to pull out extra when pressed by Alan King’s star stayer inside the final three furlongs – knuckling down to hold off Trueshan by half a length at the line.
Although well held in Group One company at ParisLongchamp on his final outing of 2022, his victory at odds of 16-1 now puts him in the frame for some big assignments this term.
Oh ….
Rajinsky (16-1) lowers the colours of last year's winner Trueshan in the Listed Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes @NottsRacecourse 👀
Hugo Palmer's inmate, who goes well fresh, dictated proceedings under Harry Davies and refused to yield when push came to shove. pic.twitter.com/7IZ9pg0w7J
“We thought he would be fit enough today,” said the winning jockey.
“The competition was probably the best he’s ever faced really and he’s just improving as he gets older.
“Last year we learnt an awful lot about him and it is a very exciting year ahead.
“I know the horse will always get further and will always hit the line strong – he will never let you down and he will always try hard. When Trueshan came to me, he never let me down.
“I’m just so thankful to Hugo and the owners for keeping me on the horse.”
Rajinsky and Harry Davies (orange) coming home to win the Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham racecourse (Joe Giddens/PA)
Palmer may now have to reassess Rajinsky’s targets, saying: “Plan A was to go for the Chester Cup. I thought if he could run between six to eight lengths behind Trueshan and have a blow, that would put him spot on for Chester, but I might have to re-think that plan now.
“He was entered in the Chester Cup this week and the weights come out next week, in which time he will be re-assessed.
“I think it is a bit of a leap of faith to say that was the best version of Trueshan, but he is still a dual Group One winner and that is a hell of a scalp for our horse to take.
“Like Trueshan, he is a ground-dependent horse and we need to find ground where there is cut in it. I can’t believe there is a huge amount of improvement in him at the age of seven, but he will still be very entertaining for us.
“We took him to France for a Group One last year but that came at the end of a long season and he probably left his effort on the Rowley Mile in the Cesarewitch Trial.
“I think there could be a lot of options for him back in France and it is definitely something we will keep an eye on.”
Brian Ellison’s Tashkhan plugged on gamely to take third spot, but there was no trainer happier than Nicky Henderson after Buzz returned from a 508-day injury absence.
The nine-year-old finished last of the five runners, beaten just shy of 27 lengths, but the Seven Barrows handler could not hide his delight about seeing the popular dual-purpose performer back on track.
He said: “We ummed and ahhed a bit this morning about whether to even run him because when it went heavy this morning, I got nervous. He got tired in it, of course he has, but if he’s all right in the morning, on we go.
Trainer Nicky Henderson speaks to jockey Rossa Ryan before the Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham racecourse (Joe Giddens/PA)
“He enjoyed himself and Rossa (Ryan) said he came onto the bridle turning into the straight following Trueshan and I thought ‘oh good’ but not surprisingly he got tired.
“We’ve got a long way to go, but we’ve got him back on a racecourse. We decided we weren’t going to hurdle him this time around and we would stick to the Flat which takes the pressure off a little bit, but if he’s all right in the morning we will be very happy.
“It was lovely to see him back, he’s enjoyed himself and Rossa was great – he’s looked after him. He had a nice time.”
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Aintree’s three-day Grand National meeting is set to start on predominantly good to soft ground on Thursday.
Following a wet day on Monday when over 10 millimetres of rain fell, Tuesday was much drier but it was rainy and windy on Wednesday.
The ground is reported to be good to soft on the hurdle and chase tracks, while conditions are described as good to soft, soft in places on the National course itself, with further rain anticipated.
Clerk of the course Sulekha Varma said: “Officially we’ve had about three millimetres of rain according to the rain gauge, though due to the high winds I think realistically that may have been distorted and we’ve probably had more – it’s certainly walking that way.
“I’m expecting further rain tonight, possibly another 4-6mm, but we’ll see. We’re expecting sunny spells and scattered showers on Thursday and 1-2mm and similar again on Friday, except for heavier showers and up to 5mm.”
Constitution Hill is one of Thursday’s headline acts (David Davies/PA)
Constitution Hill is the star turn in Thursday’s William Hill Aintree Hurdle, while the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl Chase has drawn headline names such as Ahoy Senor, A Plus Tard and Shishkin.
Varma added: “We’re absolutely delighted with the quality of the races on Thursday, they are out of this world really, fantastic. And Friday looks pretty good as well, we’re very pleased.
“To attract horses like Constitution Hill and a race like the Bowl, it is what this festival is about really. It’s what everyone has been pushing towards all these years, so it is great to be rewarded.
“That extra week between Cheltenham and now has helped. Very early on the trainers cottoned on and were planning for it. Because they had that extra week, it just takes the pressure off them a little bit I think.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2.71717320-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-04-12 17:34:042023-04-12 19:15:09Good to soft ground at Aintree with rain expected
Fakir D’oudairies has Marsh Chase hat-trick in his sights
/in Horseracing News/by DaveMFakir D’oudairies has the chance to create history at Aintree on Friday as he bids to become the first three-time winner of the Marsh Chase.
Joseph O’Brien’s charge became the sixth horse to claim back-to-back victories in the two-and-a-half-mile Grade One 12 months ago after Viking Flagship (1995 and 1996), Direct Route (1999 and 2000), Native Upmanship (2002 and 2003), Moscow Flyer (2004 and 2005) and Voy Por Ustedes (2008 and 2009).
Having won a race better known as the Melling Chase by 11 lengths in 2021 and five and a half last season, the the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old returns to Merseyside for the hat-trick bid fresh, having sidestepped last month’s Cheltenham Festival.
Fakir D’oudairies was a little disappointing when last seen finishing a well-beaten third behind Shishkin in defence of his Ascot Chase crown in February and is interestingly fitted with cheekpieces for the first time on Friday.
O’Brien said: “He’s in good shape and we’re looking forward to going back there with him.
“We know he likes the track and he’s going there fresh, so we’re hopeful of a good run anyway.”
Fakir D’oudairies is one of two Irish contenders along with the Mouse Morris-trained French Dynamite.
The eight-year-old was best of the rest behind the O’Brien runner in a Grade Two at Thurles in January and was beaten less than six lengths when fourth in last month’s Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
Morris had declared French Dynamite to run at Fairyhouse over the Easter weekend, but pulled him out due to the rain-softened ground.
He said: “He won’t run if it’s soft, but hopefully it should be all right.
“He seems fine. You never until you run them, but he hasn’t missed a beat since Cheltenham anyway.
“His form is there. He was second to Joseph’s horse and Hitman was just in front of him in Cheltenham.”
Paul Nicholls saddles Pic D’Orhy, who was seven lengths ahead of Fakir D’oudairies when runner-up in the Ascot Chase, as well as Ryanair Chase third Hitman.
“Hitman put up arguably the finest performance of his career when third in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham a month ago, which came after another decent run at Newbury,” Nicholls told Betfair.
“After two quite hard races on the bounce we were deliberating whether to bypass Aintree and keep him for Sandown, but Hitman seems fine at home so we are rolling the dice again in the race in which he he was an excellent second to Fakir D’oudairies a year ago.
“Pic D’Orhy is among my favourites and has been in fantastic form this season, winning three Grade Two chases on the bounce before finishing second at Ascot to Shishkin, who looked unbeatable that day.
“We’ve deliberately kept him fresh for this race, he is in great shape and I think the track will suit him. Hopefully he has a really big chance.”
Fugitif is stepped up in class by Richard Hobson after finishing second to Seddon in the Magners Plate at the Festival, while Donald McCain’s Minella Drama also has his sights raised having secured handicap wins at Musselburgh and Kelso since the turn of the year.
The Alex Hales-trained Millers Bank, who won a Grade One novice chase over the course and distance last season, completes the line-up.
Grand National protest ‘the first of a campaign over the summer’
/in Horseracing News/by DaveMA spokesperson for Animal Rising has said its planned protest at Aintree on Grand National day is “the first of a campaign of events over the summer”.
Earlier this month The Mail On Sunday reported more than 100 activists had signed up to take part in a demonstration on April 15 with the aim of disrupting the big-race itself, which sees a full field of 40 head to post at 5.15pm.
The report said protesters planned to form a human barricade across the track at Aintree after sneaking into the event with ladders and bolt cutters.
Merseyside Police has said it has “a robust policing plan in place” for the meeting, and speaking to TalkSPORT, Alex Lockwood of the Extinction Rebellion offshoot confirmed a protest will begin at 9.30am outside the course.
He said: “We want to go there and stop the harm and what we are asking people to do is come and join us from 9.30am outside of the gates and protest, as we are allowed to do, and see if we can disrupt the race.
“We don’t believe that horse racing is right and we want to stop the harm.
“We don’t think it is right that business goes on as usual when animals are being harmed. We are sorry for the disruption but we stand by our morals. We believe horse racing is a dying industry – we’re helping it into retirement.
“We could stand outside and be polite and hand out fliers, but that has never stopped anything. We need to have a massive public conversation about our relationship with animals and this is the first of a campaign of events over the summer to really bring attention to, and shine a spotlight on, our treatment of animals.”
Officials at Aintree said they recognised the right of the protestors to peacefully demonstrate and outlined their willingness to work with the relevant authorities to ensure this can happen.
“We’ve obviously been in regular meetings over the past six months about this and it has focussed a little bit of minds in the last few weeks,” said Dickon White, North West Regional Director for Jockey Club Racecourses who own the Merseyside track.
“But we absolutely appreciate if people want to come here and peacefully demonstrate, then they have the right to do that and we will work with the police and security teams to allow that to happen.”
A spokesperson for the British Horseracing Authority said: “While we respect the rights of anyone to protest safely and legally, we condemn any action which is illegal, especially if it puts at risk the safety of horses, jockeys, officials or fans.”
Nicholls ‘disappointed’ as Bravemansgame misses out at Aintree
/in Horseracing News/by DaveMPaul Nicholls described himself as “disappointed” after an ownership issue led to him being unable to run his star chaser Bravemansgame in Thursday’s Alder Hey Aintree Bowl.
Having finished best of the rest behind Galopin Des Champs in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, the King George hero was due to line up as a major contender on day one of the Grand National meeting.
The British Horseracing Authority initially cleared Bravemansgame to contest the Grade One heat after the eight-year-old switched into the sole ownership of Bryan Drew on Tuesday, having previously been owned in partnership with John Dance, but then withdrew the horse on Wednesday evening after an intervention from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Dance founded Vertem Asset Management, a prominent sponsor within racing, but that firm is one of three trading names of WealthTek LLP, which was last week ordered to cease all regulated activities by the FCA due to “serious regulatory and operational issues coming to light”.
Speaking to Betfair on ‘Ditcheat Decs’ on Thursday morning, Nicholls was understandably deflated.
“I’m obviously disappointed by the course of events that led up to us not being able to run him, but that’s out of my hands and I can’t really say any more than that,” said the champion trainer.
“It’s just bitterly disappointing.”
A statement issued by the BHA on Wednesday evening said: “In light of new information, including a court order, provided to the BHA on Wednesday 12 April by the Financial Conduct Authority Bravemansgame is no longer able to take part in the race and has been withdrawn.
“The BHA will continue to liaise with the FCA and other affected parties.”
Corach Rambler heads full cast for National showpiece
/in Horseracing News/by DaveMAnte-post favourite Corach Rambler heads a full field of 40 for Saturday’s Randox Grand National at Aintree.
Derek Fox has been declared to ride the dual Ultima Chase winner after recovering from a minor injury, with the jockey and trainer Lucinda Russell bidding for a second National success following One For Arthur’s triumph in 2017.
Next best in the betting is Delta Work, who is one of six contenders in the final field for trainer Gordon Elliott. The Cullentra House handler also fields the Davy Russell-ridden Galvin, Fury Road, Coko Beach, Escaria Ten and Dunboyne.
Last year’s victor Noble Yeats defends his title for Emmet Mullins, with Sean Bowen in the plate this time after Sam Waley-Cohen famously retired on passing the Aintree winning post 12 months ago.
Willie Mullins’ five-strong strong team is headed by Gaillard Du Mesnil – a last-gasp winner of the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham – with Capodanno, Mr Incredible, Carefully Selected and Recite A Prayer also in the line up.
Paul Townend has opted to ride Gaillard Du Mesnil with leading conditional Michael O’Sullivan handed his first Grand National assignment aboard Carefully Selected.
The field is dominated by Irish-trained contenders with Any Second Now, The Big Dog, Longhouse Poet, Lifetime Ambition and Vanillier other prominent challengers.
Aside from Corach Rambler, only the Dan Skelton-trained Le Milos is shorter than 20-1 to keep the prize in Britain this time around.
Other home-trained hopes include The Big Breakaway for Joe Tizzard, Mister Coffey from Nicky Henderson’s yard and Back On The Lash, a winner over Cheltenham’s cross-country course for trainer Martin Keighley.
The last horse to make the cut for the race is Born By The Sea.
Haynes to aim higher with Nottingham victor Fix You
/in Horseracing News/by DaveMAlice Haynes’ Fix You could have bigger days ahead following a bloodless victory at Nottingham.
The Newmarket-based handler shot to prominence with her stewardship of Lady Hollywood last season and she seems to have found another talented sprinter in a similar mould for owners Amo Racing.
The daughter of Night Of Thunder made a winning debut on soft ground at Thirsk as a two-year-old and although not seen after finishing down the field in a French Listed contest second time, the 15-8 favourite built on her reappearance at Kempton to double her tally in the Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Handicap.
Fix You will now go searching for black type while conditions remain suitable, with Navan’s Committed Stakes (April 22) and a six-furlong assignment on the all-weather at Chelmsford mooted as possible options.
“She needed her run at Kempton and I thought she would win, but the six probably just caught her out being a bit ring rusty,” said Haynes. “I thought 77 was a great mark for her and this was a great opportunity to get her in.
“It’s the ground that makes all the difference to her, she loves the soft ground and the dig in it.
“There’s a race in Ireland we could go to at the end of next week, a stakes race chasing the soft ground and trying to get a bit of black type early. She’s a nice filly, she’s exciting for the owner who is a good supporter of our team.
“We could try to look for something over five in England if the rain stays or we could go for the Chelmer Fillies’ Stakes at Chelmsford (April 27) over six. That is a Listed race and we will try to get her some black type as we think she is well capable of that.
“She’s nearly as straightforward as Lady Hollywood, they are two cracking fillies. We are always trying to find another one like her.”
John and Thady Gosden’s Derby entrant Torito continued his education by breaking his maiden in testing conditions in the Bet At racingtv.com Novice Stakes.
Sent off the 1-4 favourite following the late withdrawal of Roger Varian’s Exoplanet, the Kingman colt bettered his encouraging debut third in a Newbury maiden in the hands of Robert Havlin.
“His family have enjoyed that ground, but it is a tough first run of the season coming back and having to go through that,” said Havlin.
“He probably got left two and a half (furlongs) out, which was far enough out for him. Certainly the last half a furlong he got tired and he ran nearly a similar race last year at Newbury – came there cruising and then just paddled the last half a furlong.
“Although it looks as if he didn’t hit the line that strong there, maybe he is one who does want stepping up in trip and ride him a bit more patiently on better ground.”
Havlin was also on the scoresheet aboard Dean Ivory’s Molly Valentine in the racingtv.com Fillies’ Handicap, while Jack Channon’s Sera Dawn confirmed course form over Fair Wind to open her account in the Darley EBF Novice Stakes.
There was also a winner on the card for local handler Roy Bowring who sent out Nine Elms (7-1) to land the Watch On Racing TV Handicap, while Marco Ghiani got his new job as retained rider to owner Peter Harris off to the perfect start when guiding Eyetrap (13-2) to victory in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap.
“He couldn’t have done any better,” said Harris about Ghiani’s winning start.
“I have a great relationship with Adam Kirby, and still have, but I needed somebody to ride the fillies as well as the colts, and he won some good races as an apprentice.”
Handler Jane Chapple Hyam was also delighted to see the association get off to a victorious start and is ambitiously dreaming of a 2024 Melbourne Cup tilt with the Ulysses colt.
She said: “We knew we would get the distance, the trip was no problem. We were a little concerned about the heavy in places but he is bred to stay and maybe that is why he did it.
“I see him running in mile-and-a-half, mile-six handicaps, maybe one day next year a Melbourne Cup – the dream’s there isn’t it.”
Bravemansgame ruled out of Aintree Bowl
/in Horseracing News/by DaveMBravemansgame will not be permitted to run in Thursday’s Alder Hey Aintree Bowl Chase.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up had been cleared by the British Horseracing Authority to contest the Grade One heat, with the eight-year-old switched into the sole ownership of Bryan Drew on Tuesday, having previously been owned in partnership with John Dance.
Dance founded Vertem Asset Management, a prominent sponsor within racing, but that firm is one of three trading names of WealthTek LLP, which was last week ordered to cease trading by the Financial Conduct Authority due to “serious regulatory and operational issues coming to light”.
However, the BHA has announced the Paul Nicholls-trained King George winner will no longer be able to run after an intervention from the FCA.
A statement read: “In light of new information, including a court order, provided to the BHA on Wednesday 12 April by the Financial Conduct Authority Bravemansgame is no longer able to take part in the race and has been withdrawn.
“The BHA will continue to liaise with the FCA and other affected parties.”
Aintree redemption in A Plus Tard’s sights
/in Horseracing News/by DaveMCheveley Park Stud director Richard Thompson is cautiously optimistic A Plus Tard will show his true colours in the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl on Thursday.
Henry de Bromhead’s charge looked set to become the dominant force in the division following an imperious 15-length victory in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, but little has gone right since.
The nine-year-old returned unsatisfactory blood test results following a disappointing defence of the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November, while a late setback denied him the opportunity to bounce back in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Connections ultimately decided to head straight back to Cheltenham, where after travelling well for a long way, he was badly hampered by the fall of Ahoy Senor and the brought-down Sounds Russian, which ultimately led to him being pulled up by Rachael Blackmore.
Having failed to complete a race since his Gold Cup romp 13 months ago, A Plus Tard clearly has questions to answer ahead of his first appearance at Aintree, but hopes are high in the Cheveley Park camp that he can get his career back on track.
Thompson said: “It’s been a difficult season for him, as we all know.
“He was travelling well in the Gold Cup until he got hampered. Would he have troubled the first two, who knows, but he was travelling well.
“I think we’re just hoping that he can travel like that again and show the class that he’s got. We want to see a good, positive showing and signs that he is back to himself.
“I’m not going to say he’s going to win it because it’s a very a hot race, but it’s great to be involved and we look forward to taking our chance.
“He’s won four Grade Ones for us and is a double winner at Cheltenham. He’s won a Gold Cup and a Betfair Chase in imperious fashion – he’s been a great horse for us whatever happens.”
The Lucinda Russell-trained Ahoy Senor won the Cotswold Chase over course and distance before his Gold Cup fall and he returns to a track he knows well.
Winner of the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at massive odds of 66-1 in 2021 before landing the Mildmay Novices’ Chase by five lengths last term, Russell believes Ahoy Senor is primed for another bold showing.
“He’s in great form, I’m looking forward to the good ground with him,” Russell said.
“This looks a tough race, tougher even than the Gold Cup I think, but he’s in good form and we travel with hope.
“It’s been quite handy to have that extra time between the two meetings, he’s been thriving.
“He always seems to go well at this time of year, he’s quite a spring-time horse.”
Nico de Boinville will reunite with Shishkin after the duo finished second to Envoi Allen in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
Nicky Henderson’s charge was the evens favourite for the event and eventually came home two and three-quarter lengths behind the winner.
“I think we were a bit deflated after Cheltenham, although he did stay on really well up the hill,” de Boinville told Sky Sports Racing.
“We’ve tried to work a few things out and he seems to be in really good order at home – he’s been working well and schooling well.
“He was just never happy from the word go (at Cheltenham). He was never really happy and never really jumping and made hard work of it.
“I don’t think you can really question his temperament given the way he seemed to battle on up the hill and everything has been right since then.
“I’m staying nice and positive and when he’s on-song, he’ll be very hard to beat.
“All the ability is there, it’s just a case of bringing it all together.”
Gordon Elliott’s Gold cup third Conflated takes his chance while Jamie Snowden’s Ga Law, who did not meet the criteria for a planned Grand National bid, completes a field of five after Bravemansgame was withdrawn from the race by the British Horseracing Authority.
Cheltenham hero Stage Star aiming to post another winning performance
/in Horseracing News/by DaveMStage Star bids to give members of the Owners Group another memorable day by supplementing Cheltenham Festival success with victory in the opening race of the Grand National meeting at Aintree on Thursday.
More than 3,000 people paid just £59 for a share in the Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old, who was a Grade One-winning hurdler last season and is four from five over fences to far this term.
Only a handful of his lucky owners were able to join him in the parade ring before and after his front-running victory in last month’s Turners’ Novices’ Chase, but many more proudly raised their mauve and black scarves around the hallowed winner’s enclosure, ensuring Stage Star received one of the loudest receptions of the week in the Cotswolds.
Similarly joyous scenes can be expected on Merseyside if he can follow up four weeks later in the Racehorse Lotto Manifesto Novices’ Chase – and Nicholls is in confident mood.
“I was blown away by the way he won the Turners at Cheltenham. He has plenty of boot, travelled well, jumped for fun and was going clear at the finish,” the champion trainer told Betfair.
“The extra week since the Festival is a big plus for Stage Star who seems in top order and worked really well on Tuesday morning.
“Everyone keeps asking if our horses that performed so well at Cheltenham will be all right at Aintree. I think they are fine, they are doing everything I’ve asked of them at home and I couldn’t be happier with them. The only way to find out is to run them and I expect Stage Star to shine.”
The biggest threat to Stage Star appears to be Banbridge, who was taken out of the Turners’ Novices’ Chase on the morning of the race due to the rain-softened ground at Cheltenham.
His trainer, Joseph O’Brien, is hoping the decision to sidestep the Festival could pay off on Thursday.
He said: “He’s been in good form since missing Cheltenham and we’re looking forward to running him.
“Hopefully they won’t get too much rain and we’re hoping for a good run.
“We’ve been happy with his preparation.”
Saint Roi (Willie Mullins) and Straw Fan Jack (Sheila Lewis) both step up in distance after finishing third and fourth in the Arkle at Cheltenham, with Visionarian (Peter Fahey) completing the field.
O’Brien also houses a leading contender for the Jewson Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle in Nusret, who was last seen winning the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton in February.
“He comes in here fresh and has seemed very well in the run up to it,” the trainer added.
“It looks a good race and it will probably take a career-best to win, but he seems in good nick and we’re hoping for a good run.”
The standard is set by the JP McManus-owned Zenta, who finished third in a one-two-three-four for Willie Mullins in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.
In-form trainer Gary Moore runs two in the Grade One contest, with Haydock and Stratford scorer Bo Zenith joined by stablemate Perseus Way, who was runner-up to Nusret in the Adonis before finishing down the field in the Boodles at the Festival last month.
Moore said: “It’s going to be tough to beat the Willie Mullins horse, but they’re two nice horses and they both go there with reasonable chances.
“With Bo Zenith this has always been the plan and we thought the other fella deserved to take his chance, too.
“Perseus Way has been consistent all season really and Cheltenham was just a mess for him – everything went wrong from the word go there.”
Rajinksy registers surprise Listed success for Harry Davies
/in Horseracing News/by DaveMHarry Davies notched up the first Listed success of his career as Rajinsky pulled off a shock to down Trueshan in Nottingham’s Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes.
Winner of the Cesarewitch Trial last season in the hands of Davies, Hugo Palmer’s seven-year-old made every yard in the testing rain-softened ground at Colwick Park and showed great resilience to pull out extra when pressed by Alan King’s star stayer inside the final three furlongs – knuckling down to hold off Trueshan by half a length at the line.
Although well held in Group One company at ParisLongchamp on his final outing of 2022, his victory at odds of 16-1 now puts him in the frame for some big assignments this term.
“We thought he would be fit enough today,” said the winning jockey.
“The competition was probably the best he’s ever faced really and he’s just improving as he gets older.
“Last year we learnt an awful lot about him and it is a very exciting year ahead.
“I know the horse will always get further and will always hit the line strong – he will never let you down and he will always try hard. When Trueshan came to me, he never let me down.
“I’m just so thankful to Hugo and the owners for keeping me on the horse.”
Palmer may now have to reassess Rajinsky’s targets, saying: “Plan A was to go for the Chester Cup. I thought if he could run between six to eight lengths behind Trueshan and have a blow, that would put him spot on for Chester, but I might have to re-think that plan now.
“He was entered in the Chester Cup this week and the weights come out next week, in which time he will be re-assessed.
“I think it is a bit of a leap of faith to say that was the best version of Trueshan, but he is still a dual Group One winner and that is a hell of a scalp for our horse to take.
“Like Trueshan, he is a ground-dependent horse and we need to find ground where there is cut in it. I can’t believe there is a huge amount of improvement in him at the age of seven, but he will still be very entertaining for us.
“We took him to France for a Group One last year but that came at the end of a long season and he probably left his effort on the Rowley Mile in the Cesarewitch Trial.
“I think there could be a lot of options for him back in France and it is definitely something we will keep an eye on.”
Brian Ellison’s Tashkhan plugged on gamely to take third spot, but there was no trainer happier than Nicky Henderson after Buzz returned from a 508-day injury absence.
The nine-year-old finished last of the five runners, beaten just shy of 27 lengths, but the Seven Barrows handler could not hide his delight about seeing the popular dual-purpose performer back on track.
He said: “We ummed and ahhed a bit this morning about whether to even run him because when it went heavy this morning, I got nervous. He got tired in it, of course he has, but if he’s all right in the morning, on we go.
“He enjoyed himself and Rossa (Ryan) said he came onto the bridle turning into the straight following Trueshan and I thought ‘oh good’ but not surprisingly he got tired.
“We’ve got a long way to go, but we’ve got him back on a racecourse. We decided we weren’t going to hurdle him this time around and we would stick to the Flat which takes the pressure off a little bit, but if he’s all right in the morning we will be very happy.
“It was lovely to see him back, he’s enjoyed himself and Rossa was great – he’s looked after him. He had a nice time.”
Good to soft ground at Aintree with rain expected
/in Horseracing News/by DaveMAintree’s three-day Grand National meeting is set to start on predominantly good to soft ground on Thursday.
Following a wet day on Monday when over 10 millimetres of rain fell, Tuesday was much drier but it was rainy and windy on Wednesday.
The ground is reported to be good to soft on the hurdle and chase tracks, while conditions are described as good to soft, soft in places on the National course itself, with further rain anticipated.
Clerk of the course Sulekha Varma said: “Officially we’ve had about three millimetres of rain according to the rain gauge, though due to the high winds I think realistically that may have been distorted and we’ve probably had more – it’s certainly walking that way.
“I’m expecting further rain tonight, possibly another 4-6mm, but we’ll see. We’re expecting sunny spells and scattered showers on Thursday and 1-2mm and similar again on Friday, except for heavier showers and up to 5mm.”
Constitution Hill is the star turn in Thursday’s William Hill Aintree Hurdle, while the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl Chase has drawn headline names such as Ahoy Senor, A Plus Tard and Shishkin.
Varma added: “We’re absolutely delighted with the quality of the races on Thursday, they are out of this world really, fantastic. And Friday looks pretty good as well, we’re very pleased.
“To attract horses like Constitution Hill and a race like the Bowl, it is what this festival is about really. It’s what everyone has been pushing towards all these years, so it is great to be rewarded.
“That extra week between Cheltenham and now has helped. Very early on the trainers cottoned on and were planning for it. Because they had that extra week, it just takes the pressure off them a little bit I think.”