Tag Archive for: Aintree

Emmet Mullins still struggling to grasp National achievement

/in /by

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, most notably, the legendary Willie Mullins.

Emmet, who took out his training licence in 2015, trains just a stone’s throw from the latter’s huge operation at Closutton and spent a number of years riding for him before retiring from the saddle.

He enjoyed his fair share of success as a jockey, including a Cheltenham Festival victory aboard Sir Des Champs. But he is modest in assessing his riding ability.

Noble Yeats at Emmet Mullins' yard
Noble Yeats at Emmet Mullins’ yard (The Jockey Club)

“I don’t know if the scales would let me be a jockey, that was one part of the battle, but I wasn’t good enough,” he said.

“I suppose at the time there were 90 less horses in Willie’s, Ruby Walsh was number one, Paul Townend was number two and David Casey was probably still riding at the time.

“I was too far down the list and wasn’t doing as well as I’d have liked. I decided to retire and change and do something that I could potentially do better.

“I’d say there’s no doubt every one of the Mullins’ is different and an individual. There’s definitely something I’ve taken from every one of them and you put in your own bit and make it work.”

It did not take Mullins long to make an impact on the training scene, with St Stephens Green and Zero Ten a couple of his early flag-bearers.

Robert Waley-Cohen with the Grand National trophy
Robert Waley-Cohen with the Grand National trophy (Brian Lawless/PA)

The 2020/21 season brought notable success at Cheltenham with The Shunter, but those winners pale into significance following his life-changing success on Merseyside last April.

Noble Yeats was still a novice when he lined up for the Grand National.

But he had shown bits and pieces of form to give him a chance, including a runner-up finish to star novice Ahoy Senor in the Grade Two Towton at Wetherby – a performance that prompted prominent owner Robert Waley-Cohen to approach Mullins about the possibility of buying the then seven-year-old from the handler’s long-time friend Paul Byrne.

“They (Waley-Cohens) had seen him run in Wetherby when he was second to Ahoy Senor. I think by chance they were there as they had a runner that day,” said Mullins.

“Anthony Bromley (bloodstock agent) put it to them that they were looking for a Grand National horse, Noble Yeats ticked a lot of the boxes and it was great that they put that trust and faith in me.”

Noble Yeats’ first run for Waley-Cohen and his amateur rider son Sam came at the following month’s Cheltenham Festival, where he finished ninth in the Ultima Handicap Chase.

Having been beaten 20 lengths in the Cotswolds, he lined up as a 50-1 shot at Aintree, but Mullins insists he never lost faith.

He said: “When the weights came out, he was one of the fancied horses at the prices. Then he had the run in Cheltenham, it was Sam’s first ride on him and it probably didn’t go to plan, but it might have been the making of the horse, running in a big handicap chase at Cheltenham.

“I suppose his price drifted off the back of that, which made him go under the radar a bit more, but we never lost hope or confidence.

“It was a long prep – we had it planned from a long way out and everything went to plan.

“I remember saying to Sam the night before the race ‘if I had the last two weeks back, there’s nothing I would change’.”

Noble Yeats and Sam Waley-Cohen winning the Grand National
Noble Yeats and Sam Waley-Cohen winning the Grand National (David Davies/PA)

Come the big day Noble Yeats certainly stepped up the plate, making his move on the second circuit and finding plenty from the final fence to see off 15-2 favourite Any Second Now by just over two lengths.

Much of the post-race focus was on the winning rider, who having become the first amateur to win the National since Marcus Armytage aboard Mr Frisk in 1990, immediately called time on his career.

Mullins was quite happy to be slightly out of the spotlight, but nevertheless recalls the events of the day with great fondness.

“It’s many months later now and honestly it still hasn’t really sunk in,” he continued.

“I watched the race in the stand to the right of the tunnel when you come out of the parade ring. I was completely on my own and that was Plan A for me!

“I’m fairly sure looking back on it now I was watching the wrong horse for the first half of the race down to the Canal Turn, but by the time he jumped the water and passed in front of me heading out on to the second circuit, I thought he was in position A, a position from where National winners gone by have come from.

“I’m not sure about the horse, but that was the first blow I took! I had to take a breath and gather myself together and from then it was just plain sailing.

“He jumped brilliant and Sam was brilliant on him. He had the confidence to sit and wait until crossing the Melling Road and the rest is history.

“I had to exit stage left and gather myself for a second. I had no idea it was going to be Sam’s last ride, that was a bit more trust they put in, but thank God the horse put it all together.”

All those involved returned to Ireland to further celebrate the success, with Noble Yeats enjoying a homecoming parade in Mullins’ local village of Leighlinbridge.

Noble Yeats with connections outside the Lord Bagenal
Noble Yeats with connections outside the Lord Bagenal (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mullins said: “It was a bit surreal when I came home. I hadn’t really told anyone about the homecoming for the horse, but word seemed to have got round and I couldn’t believe the turn out in Leighlinbridge beside the Lord Bagenal (Inn).

“Noble Yeats is not the prettiest horse in the world. George (Mullins, Emmet’s father) saw him recently coming up the yard and said ‘what’s that broodmare doing riding out here?’. The rider just replied ‘if he wins me another National that’ll do me!’.”

The Grand National brought Mullins new-found fame and unsurprisingly further prospective owners.

But while Willie trains a formidable army of around 200 horses just next door, for now Emmet is happy with his lot.

“I’m very happy with the set up I have. It’s manageable and I have a good team of staff. There’s staff shortages across racing and we have a good team together and are doing a good job I think,” he added.

“There was one barn, now there’s two and we’re up to 29 stables. In my head it’s one step at a time.

“After winning the Grand National everyone would have said we’d bang up stables left, right and centre, but I deliberately didn’t. I put my foot down and said we’d be a little bit more calculated.”

For Mullins there is certainly no basking in the glory of what he has achieved, although his stable star will line up as a major contender following a fourth-placed finish in the Cheltenham Gold Cup under new rider Sean Bowen.

Trainer Emmet Mullins
Trainer Emmet Mullins (Brian Lawless/PA)

“I try my best not to let winning the Grand National change my life, but you’d have to ask my friends and family about that.

“My mentality is you see it, you do it and you move on and look forward. I suppose that’s part of the reason why winning the National hasn’t hit home, you’re looking for next year’s National winner and trying to buy horses for the year after’s National.

“I’m trying to see that five-year project the whole time. I suppose I did overshoot the first five-year plan a little bit!

“He seems to have come out of the Gold Cup well. He’s getting a bit wiser every time and seems to look after himself a bit. He needs a bit more coaxing and Sean was under pressure and hard at it in the Gold Cup. When he got a bit of daylight, he flew home.

“He was last jumping the first fence in the Grand National last year and wasn’t in contention for the first two miles which all worked out in his favour. There is no rule of thumb – it’s about getting the horse happy and confident with some space and getting the gaps.

“It will probably have to be taking the brave man’s route again to get that space but he negotiated it last year and fingers crossed can do it again. I will tell Sean to keep going back at look at Sam’s ride last year!”

Rambler been there and done that at Cheltenham – now for ‘ticket to greatness’ at Aintree

/in /by

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 2017 and nursed her National hero back to his best while many were crying for retirement to finish sixth at the age of 10 in 2019.

Since One For Arthur so memorably landed a telling blow six years ago, only the Covid pandemic has been able to stop the Irish domination on Merseyside.

But now the Scottish handler has the perfect candidate to blunt the challenge from across the Irish Sea in Corach Rambler – the upwardly mobile eight-year-old who finds himself near the top of the betting for the big race following back-to-back victories at the Cheltenham Festival.

Corach Rambler ridden by Derek Fox on their way to winning the Ultima Handicap Chase on day one of the Cheltenham Festival
Corach Rambler ridden by Derek Fox on their way to winning the Ultima Handicap Chase on day one of the Cheltenham Festival (Mike Egerton/PA)

“I definitely think he has the qualities,” said Russell, when assessing her charge’s chances.

“He’s got the bravery and he has the desire to race and the will to win. It’s up to him and Derek (Fox, jockey) now to see if they take to the fences and keep out of trouble throughout the race.

“I think we saw at Cheltenham that he stays very well and he seems to travel really well as well. Although he gets sort of shuffled back sometimes, I thought he travelled much better this year than he did last year. That certainly gives you hope for Aintree.

“The big question is will he take to the fences and that will be a bit different for him. But his jumping seems to be one of his assets, it’s not that he’s extra flamboyant or anything, he’s very neat in his jumping. Although he’s a bold horse, he’s not stupid about things and that bodes well for Aintree.”

Not only is the dual Ultima winner one of the stars of Russell’s rapidly-improving string, but he is also the apple of her partner Peter Scudamore’s eye.

Peter Scudamore and Lucinda Russell consider Corach Rambler part of the family
Peter Scudamore and Lucinda Russell consider Corach Rambler part of the family (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Corach Rambler and the former champion jockey are an inseparable pair and with the gelding very much part of the family at Arlary House, the bond between man and horse adds an extra layer of emotion ahead of their tilt at National glory.

“This is going to be very different to One For Arthur because this horse is very close to Scu which adds an extra angle to it,” continued Russell.

“Arthur was a horse we loved greatly, but it is a bit different when Corach is a horse that you half-invite into the house and is very close to us.

“That will add an extra anxiety to Scu’s day definitely, and I’m sure mine as well.

“That makes it even more special and for a horse like Corach, it’s his ticket to greatness. He’s won twice at the Festival and winning the same race two years running is quite an achievement – but it would be lovely for him if he could add a National.”

Cameron Sword, Thomas Kendall, Keith Garwood and Gary Scott, co-owners of Corach Rambler
Cameron Sword, Thomas Kendall, Keith Garwood and Gary Scott, co-owners of Corach Rambler (Andrew Milligan/PA)

It is easy to make comparisons between One For Arthur and this year’s contender. Both headed to Liverpool with a rating in the mid-to-late 140s and there are no secrets in the way big-race pilot Fox will navigate the 30 fences – biding his time and hoping to produce Corach Rambler deep into the contest as he did to great success previously.

However, the Kinross-based handler believes Corach Rambler’s ground versatility is one huge difference which could prove key on the big day.

She said: “I think we’re lucky with that, whereas Arthur was a horse who needed soft ground, and although he handled the good ground, it damaged him in the long run.

“I don’t feel that with Corach, I feel he can actually go on most grounds which is quite heartening ahead of a National.

“The ground isn’t a problem to him which is a big thing when you are taking on a race like the Grand National, because you never know what conditions are going to be like and you are only aiming at the one race – it’s not like you can stop and go somewhere else the next week.”

Corach Rambler will race off a mark 2lb lower than that of One For Arthur on Merseyside, but far from careful planning, it is just simple luck and a helping hand from the weather gods that sees the six-time winner line-up 10lb well-in following his win at Prestbury Park.

“It’s funny how it works out,” explained Russell. “After Newbury (Coral Gold Cup) we said we’d aim for the National and run one more time, and we kept entering him in all these races.

“We would have run him at Lingfield (on Winter Million weekend) if it had been on and it’s probably a good thing he didn’t run at Lingfield because he might have gone up in the handicap.

“In the end we look like total geniuses because he’s gone up 10lb after the weights have come out due to winning at Cheltenham.”

One of the endearing features of the Russell-Scudamore operation is the warmth shown by both trainer and assistant towards those housed at the yard.

And despite having total faith in their ability to prepare a horse for the big occasion, the strong connection they share with their inmates means there will be plenty of nerves when Corach Rambler faces the starter at 5.15pm on April 15.

“It would be slightly different (this year) because we have more confidence and we know how to produce the horses, knowing what it takes to win a National.” explained the handler.

“But there is still going to be the stress and anxiety of getting the luck in running. We get very close to these horses and in the last couple of years we seem to be getting even closer still because we ride them ourselves and are really hands on, it does add that extra element to it.”

A second National would be the perfect way for Russell to round off a stellar season which has seen her eclipse her previous best campaign numerically.

Grand National winner One For Arthur pictured with trainer Lucinda Russell at her yard in Kinross, Scotland
Grand National winner One For Arthur pictured with trainer Lucinda Russell at her yard in Kinross, Scotland (Ian Rutherford/PA)

Scooping the £500,000 first-prize would also take her past the £1million prize-money mark for the first time and shows the power the Aintree showpiece has to alter the course of a trainer’s journey.

“Arthur was a huge boost for the yard and shot us into people’s perceptions and we have been able to build on that,” said Russell.

“People say winning a National will change your life and I was kind of in denial, but it genuinely did. It does change your life and it changes your perception of yourself and boosts your own self confidence as much as other peoples.”

“The fact we have had a Cheltenham Festival winner this year and have some lovely novice hurdlers that we can’t wait to go over fences with next year, the future is looking very rosy, and if we can add a Grand National it would really show what a super season we have had.”

National thrill lives on for Ruby Walsh

/in /by

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 National Hunt jockeys of all time.

Walsh’s achievements speak for themselves. He is the most successful jockey in Cheltenham Festival history with 59 victories at the showpiece meeting on his CV, including two Gold Cups on Kauto Star, four Champion Hurdles and three Queen Mother Champion Chases.

But while all those big-race triumphs were special, Walsh feels the Grand National is on another level.

“It’s definitely one of the big ones and probably still ‘the one’,” said the 43-year-old.

“From a purist’s point of view you always think of the Gold Cup, but from an objective view of the sport, the Grand National is much bigger. It’s more appealing to a wider, public audience and it’s just an incredible race.

“If you ask people about horseracing, they’ll mention the Derby and the Grand National and the National is a unique contest.”

Ted and Ruby Walsh after Papillon's Grand National triumph
Ted and Ruby Walsh after Papillon’s Grand National triumph (PA)

Walsh was a fresh-faced albeit already greying 20-year-old when he first tackled the world’s most famous steeplechase in millennium year aboard Papillon.

Trained by the rider’s father, Ted, the horse brought strong form claims to Aintree, having previously finished second in the Irish Grand National and he was a heavily-backed 10-1 shot on the day.

Papillon jumped like a stag over fences that were far more formidable than they are now on his way to a one-and-a-quarter-length victory over Mely Moss, sparking scenes of unabashed jubilation from Walsh.

“It doesn’t feel like yesterday,” he said.

“My standout memory from the day is the feeling I had in the last three strides crossing the line, knowing he was going to win. That is a feeling you’d never forget.

“Papillon was an incredible jumper, but I don’t think you ever go out in a Grand National thinking about winning. You’re glad to be there, it’s such a hard race and even on Papillon, it’s just great to be part of it.

“You’re just glad to be riding in it. You don’t go into it thinking ‘this could win’, I don’t think that thought ever went through my head.

“To be there in 2000 and ride the winner of the Grand National for dad, that was the greatest moment of my career.”

It is hard to believe it now, but in the early part of Walsh’s career an Irish-trained winner of the National was a rarity.

Papillon was a Grand National hero
Papillon was a Grand National hero (Owen Humphreys/PA)

That is certainly not the case now, with the balance of power in National Hunt racing at present very much with the raiding party, as exemplified by the fact the last four winners of the National have been from across the Irish Sea.

Walsh said: “Bobbyjo won in 1999 and Papillon won in 2000, but all through my childhood Irish horses didn’t win the Grand National, they could barely compete in it.

“Irish racing changed in the late 90s and and Ireland changed as a country. Horses cost plenty and when money flows into the country, horses come with it.

“Irish racing has had an unbelievable 25 years and we’re enjoying it. As long as our trainers can keep attracting the financial investment from owners, that gives you a big chance. But if that stops and swings back to the other side of the Irish Sea, so will the success.”

Walsh went on to claim a second National verdict aboard 7-1 favourite Hedgehunter for Willie Mullins in 2005 and even though the race is run over a marathon distance, he feels tactics can prove crucial.

Ruby Walsh celebrates winning his second Grand National aboard Hedgehunter
Ruby Walsh celebrates winning his second Grand National aboard Hedgehunter (David Davies/PA)

“You need a bit of luck and to me, you go wherever there’s less horses,” he added.

“If you stand at the start and 30 want to go up the inside, you’re better playing against 10 on the outside than 30 on the inside. I suppose that’s a numbers game – you open your eyes and see what’s happening, go where there’s less and bring down the risk.

“Even when you’ve jumped three and think ‘yeah, this horse is liking it’, you still have 27 to go and one mistake is going to finish you.

“I didn’t ride many that didn’t take to it, possibly Shotgun Willie and On His Own the second time he ran in it, but I had some great rides over the fences and it’s an amazing feeling.

“I did have a couple of rides where I was thinking ‘how much further am I going to get’. My Will finished third in the National, but he didn’t get off the ground three or four times! I’ve had good rides and few hairy ones too, but that’s the joys of it I suppose.”

Ruby Walsh at Cheltenham
Ruby Walsh at Cheltenham (Mike Egerton/PA)

The National has a habit of throwing up a good tale, something Walsh believes is part of its magic.

He said: “From Mouse Morris winning it with Rule The World in the year he lost his son, with a young David Mullins riding him, to Emmet Mullins winning last year with Noble Yeats, there’s always a personal story.

“What Rachael (Blackmore) achieved winning it on Minella Times was incredible, Paul Carberry won it for his father Tommy Carberry on Bobbyjo and I was lucky to win it for dad. Small yards win Grand Nationals and Tommy Carberry, dad and Jimmy Mangan winning it with Monty’s Pass epitomises that.

“It doesn’t always have to be the greatest horse that wins the Grand National, something well handicapped can take to the place. That’s why it’s such a unique race.”

The famous fences are not the fearsome structures they once were, but remains a special event.

“I think the modifications to the fences have been really good. It’s a much easier race, yet the amount of spruce they put on the fences just creates an optical illusion as they’re still big and green,” he added.

“It’s an optical illusion now more than being a massive test, but I think it still works and it’s still a great race.

“It’s such a big day, a huge crowd and such a build-up and such an atmosphere – it is a special day for jockeys to partake in.

“Most people riding in it are professional athletes and to be performing on a stage, almost like a Premier League footballer or international rugby player in front of 70-odd thousand people, you don’t get to do that very often.

“When you go out to ride in the Grand National, you almost feel like you’re walking out into a pitch in one of those great stadiums and it’s a special feeling to be part of it.”

No surprises, as big names all stand ground for National

/in /by

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 bid to join the likes of Red Rum and Tiger Roll as a multiple winner of world’s greatest steeplechase.

Venetia Williams, who won the prize in 2009 with 100-1 shot Mon Mome, will rely on Cloudy Glen for the late Trevor Hemmings, with Royale Pagaille bypassing the race for the Irish version added to the withdrawal of her Haydock Grand National Trial winner Quick Wave.

Lucinda Russell with National favourite Corach Rambler
Lucinda Russell with National favourite Corach Rambler (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The defection of that duo means good news for trainers Sam Thomas and Gordon Elliott, who see Our Power and Dunboyne respectively sneaking in near the foot of the handicap, while Francky Du Berlais, Fortescue, Back On The Lash and Defi Bleu are also guaranteed a run.

Envoi Allen, The Shunter, Gin On Lime and Battleoverdoyen also had places in the field but were removed as the contenders were whittled down to 50, with the Elliott-trained Gevrey and Punitive, who are next on the list, potentially missing the cut. Gevrey though ran a huge race in the Irish National, going down by just a length in a last-gasp finish.

Our Power, winner of four of his eight starts over fences, including Ascot’s London Gold Cup and the Coral Trophy at Kempton on his previous two runs, carries just 10st in the four-and-a-quarter-mile marathon.

Dunboyne, who was runner-up in the Thyestes at Gowran Park and then fourth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham, is one of seven sure of a place in the line-up for County Meath handler Elliott as he bids for a fourth win following the success of Silver Birch (2007) and Tiger Roll (2018 and 2019).

Delta Work leads Gordon Elliott's team
Delta Work leads Gordon Elliott’s team (Mike Egerton/PA)

Delta Work and Galvin, who gave Elliott a one-two in Cheltenham’s cross-country chase, spearhead the Summerhill handler’s team, which also includes Coko Beach, Fury Road, Escaria Ten and the aforementioned Defi Bleu, although he too was in action in the Irish National, outrunning his odds to be third.

Any Second Now, who was runner-up to 50-1 winner Noble Yeats 12 months ago, tops the weights with 11st 12lb for Ted Walsh.

He is one of five horses who will bid to give owner JP McManus a third victory following those of Don’t Push It (2010) and Minella Times (2021).

No less than 34 of the 50 left are Irish-trained, with the all-conquering Willie Mullins set to saddle five in Capodanno, Carefully Selected, Gaillard Du Mesnil, Mr Incredible and Recite A Prayer.

Minella Trump aiming to enhance McCain family’s National record

/in /by

The name McCain is synonymous with Aintree success and on the 50th anniversary of Red Rum’s first triumph on Merseyside, Donald McCain will bid for his second Randox Grand National victory with Minella Trump.

Ginger McCain won the world’s most famous steeplechase four times thanks to Red Rum’s hat-trick in the 1970s and Amberleigh House’s win in 2004, while the younger McCain added his name to the Grand National record books when saddling Ballabriggs to strike in 2011.

McCain has been missing from the Grand National start sheet since Across The Bay was pulled up in the race in 2015, but the Bankhouse handler could have found the ideal horse to end his National hiatus in style.

Minella Trump and Brian Hughes jump the last to go on and win the Lyn And Holly’s Big Birthday Celebrations Novices’ Chase at Catterick
Minella Trump and Brian Hughes jump the last to go on and win the Lyn And Holly’s Big Birthday Celebrations Novices’ Chase at Catterick (Tim Goode/PA)

Minella Trump returned from a 10-month absence over hurdles at Bangor recently, but has won eight of his last nine outings over the larger obstacles and will fulfil an ambition of the handler to provide long-standing owner Tim Leslie with a Grand National runner when lining up at Aintree as a 66-1 chance.

McCain said: “He’s in good nick and it was good to get the run into him the other day (at Bangor). It wasn’t ideal to run over timber but there was nowhere else to go unless you want to get involved at Cheltenham.

“I’d sooner he’d have run in a chase, but there wasn’t one so we went over hurdles. He did what we wanted him to do in that he’s had a good blow and he’s come back in good shape. We’re all happy.

“He’d done a lot of racing and won a lot of races, so we just gave him a good break. It’s not been that smooth in that we’d have liked to have got a run in when it was appropriate, but the ground was very heavy and there was nowhere to go, so we’ve had to do things slightly different – but it’s never smooth.

“He’s a great little horse and I don’t know if he’s going under the radar a bit, as he knows how to win. He’s probably not the most impressive when he’s doing it, but that’s probably the reason why he keeps managing to win, because he’s never doing it by too far. We’ve got a good racing weight in a big field handicap, so it’s a positive for sure.

“He’s beaten some smart horses, including the Grand National favourite Corach Rambler. He’s had a much smoother journey to Aintree and that sort of stuff and looks a thorough stayer and so on, but Minella Trump is in good nick and we’re looking forward to getting him there.”

Trainer Donald McCain is bidding for his second victory in the Randox Grand National
Trainer Donald McCain is bidding for his second victory in the Randox Grand National (Simon Marper/PA)

He continued: “We’re not there yet of course, but it would be very nice to have our first runner for a few years.

“It will be very special to have it for Tim Leslie, too, as it’s been an ambition of his since I started training to have a runner in the race. To get there and have a runner for him would be fantastic as he’s been a wonderful supporter.”

Fakir D’oudairies on course for Aintree hat-trick

/in /by

Joseph O’Brien’s Fakir D’oudairies headlines nine entries as he goes in search of a third successive win in the Marsh Chase at Aintree on Friday.

O’Brien made the decision to keep the eight-year-old old fresh for his hat-trick bid and did not run him at Cheltenham.

Hitman and French Dynamite, third and fourth in the Ryanair Chase, Donald McCain’s Minella Drama and Hitman’s Paul Nicholls-trained stablemate Pic D’Orhy are among the potential runners.

Gordon Elliott’s Gerri Colombe will look to get back to winning ways in the Air Charter Services Mildmay Novices’ Chase.

Gerri Colombe suffered the first defeat of his career at Cheltenham
Gerri Colombe suffered the first defeat of his career at Cheltenham (Steven Paston/PA)

He suffered the first defeat of his career at Cheltenham when going down narrowly to The Real Whacker in the Brown Advisory.

Willie Mullins’ Bronn outran his 50-1 odds in that race in third and may take the runner-up on again, while Stage Star, winner of the Turners Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, has the option of stepping up in trip.

In the Poundland Top Novices’ Hurdle Jamie Snowden’s Festival hero You Wear It Well could take on the boys.

She is one of 28 entries with Nicky Henderson’s Luccia another mare in contention.

There are several who made no show in the Supreme at Cheltenham such as Tahmuras, Strong Leader, Chasing Fire and Rare Edition looking to bounce back.

Fergal O'Brien trains Hullnback
Fergal O’Brien trains Hullnback (David Davies/PA)

In contrast, the likes of Hullnback, Altobelli, Parramount and Nemean Lion have looked impressive in lesser grades.

Mullins has the top four in the weights left in the Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase in Haut En Couleurs, Burrows Saint, Ciel De Neige and Fan De Blues.

Gavin Cromwell’s prolific winner Final Orders, Sam Thomas’ Grand Sefton hero Al Dancer and Dan Skelton’s Ashtown Lad are other major fancies, along with Gesskille for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.

Constitution Hill tops 11 contenders for Aintree Hurdle prize

/in /by

Constitution Hill will face a maximum of 10 rivals when he bids to crown his fantastic campaign with victory in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle on Thursday.

Nicky Henderson’s stable star has graduated to open company with honours this term – slamming top-class stablemate Epatante in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton before his brilliant display in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last month.

The six-year-old will be long odds-on to stretch his unbeaten record to seven on Merseyside before connections decide whether to head down the same route next season or pursue a career over fences.

Epatante won the Aintree Hurdle last season and could take on her esteemed stable companion again.

Gordon Elliott has entered Champion Hurdle third Zanahiyr, who could be joined on the trip from Ireland by stablemate Fil Dor, the Willie Mullins-trained Sharjah and Oliver McKiernan’s Meet And Greet.

Olly Murphy could saddle both Brewin’upastorm and Itchy Feet, with I Like To Move It (Nigel Twiston-Davies), Sceau Royal (Alan King) and Knappers Hill (Paul Nicholls) the other contenders.

The Aintree Hurdle is preceded by Alder Hey Aintree Bowl, which promises to be a fascinating affair.

Nicholls looks set to run Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Bravemansgame, while Henderson has stated his intention to step Shishkin up to three miles for the first time under rules.

Ga Law after winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup
Ga Law after winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup (David Davies/PA)

With a late fall in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster in January effectively ruling out a tilt at the Grand National, Ga Law could take in the Bowl after finishing fifth in the Ryanair Chase last time.

“You must finish in the first four over three miles to qualify for the Grand National, which was the plan off the back of the Paddy Power,” trainer Jamie Snowden explained.

“Having not qualified for the National, we ran him in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham. He stayed on very well up the hill to finish fifth – he probably ran a career-best over an inadequate trip that day, it was a good performance.

“We are keen to go up in trip so might look at the Aintree Bowl with him.”

Gold Cup third Conflated (Elliott), Gold Cup faller Ahoy Senor (Lucinda Russell) and last year’s Gold Cup winner A Plus Tard (Henry de Bromhead) also feature.

Stage Star and Harry Cobden after winning the Turners' Novices' Chase at Cheltenham
Stage Star and Harry Cobden after winning the Turners’ Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham (Tim Goode/PA)

The first of four Grade Ones on the first day of the Grand National meeting is the two-and-a-half-mile Racehorse Lotto Manifesto Novices’ Chase.

Leading hopes include Cheltenham hero Stage Star (Nicholls) and Arkle runner-up Jonbon (Henderson), while Snowden may run Datsalrightgino, who was pulled up when not enjoying the testing ground in the Magners Plate at the Festival.

He added: “He has certainly improved going up to two miles and four furlongs and I think he will stay three miles.

“I’ve put him in the Manifesto and there is the decent Grade Two Novices’ Chase at Ayr, which is also an option.”

The Jewson Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle has attracted 15 youngsters, including a couple of Cheltenham absentees in Gary Moore’s Bo Zenith and the Milton Harris-trained Scriptwriter.

Mullins focused on present not past glories with National hero Noble Yeats

/in /by

Emmet Mullins has his feet on the ground as he prepares Noble Yeats for a Randox Grand National title defence.

The eight-year-old went into last year’s renewal a 50-1 chance with one chasing victory under his belt and a ninth-placed run in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival as his most recent piece of form.

He provided connections with a true fairytale when giving Sam Waley-Cohen, son of owner Robert, a famous victory on what was his last ever ride as an amateur jockey.

Sean Bowen has since taken over the reins and the gelding followed a path to the Gold Cup this season, in which he finished an excellent fourth. And with that meeting out of sight, his attentions turn to Aintree once more.

Though both horse and trainer have a cherished National victory to their names now, Mullins is not resting on his laurels or approaching the race any differently this time around.

Noble Yeats
Noble Yeats (Brian Lawless/PA)

“It’s been a bit different but not too much, I’ve never really let myself dwell on it,” he said.

“Though we’re getting close to it, it’s all about this year and last year’s done and dusted. It’s all about getting back there this year.

“I genuinely don’t look at Noble Yeats and think we won it last year, we’re in it again this year and that’s his aim.”

When asked what he would have said of Noble Yeats’ chances last season, the trainer added: “I probably wouldn’t have told you much! But I was still very confident myself.

“At the weights launch he was about 16-1 or 20-1. I suppose his run at Cheltenham in the Ultima was a bit disappointing but it was a big, competitive field and he was in among the hustle and bustle of it.

Noble Yeats crossing the line at Aintree last season
Noble Yeats crossing the line at Aintree last season (Steven Paston/PA)

“Sam came away from it happy, I was too and that’s when we decided that cheekpieces would be the little bit extra to get out of him.”

The odds seemed to be against Noble Yeats as no seven-year-old had won the National since Bogskar’s victory in 1940, but Mullins was blissfully unaware and quietly confident.

“I didn’t know about the stat about seven-year-olds, I was unaware of it so I wasn’t concerned about it,” he said.

“He had won a three-mile novice hurdle 12 months previous in Navan, or two (miles) six (furlongs) at least, he was always a relentless stayer who came from a point-to-point background.

“There was never any reason to worry. He gallops and he jumps, what more do you want?”

Noble Yeats ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen
Noble Yeats ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen (Mike Egerton/PA)

Much of the post-race reaction to last year’s win focused on Waley-Cohen and the film-script quality of his final ride resulting in a Grand National winner, but the Carlow locals did not fail to celebrate Mullins’ part in the triumph and he was taken aback by the homecoming he received.

“The biggest shock I got was coming home for the homecoming at the Lord Bagenal, I hadn’t told anyone about it and I was genuinely shocked when I saw the crowds, all the local people that had come out to see him,” he said

“That was the big one that hit home more than anything.”

He added: “He’s been highly tried this year, we went down the Gold Cup route and we’ve probably gone up a few more pounds because of that. Tiger Roll had 11st 5lb (when winning for the second time) and we’re trying to come back 6lb higher with 11st 11lb. Everything’s going to be harder.

“No one knows until we go again and try, (but) he seems to have come out of it (Cheltenham) well.

“Sean will ride again, I think he got a ban but he was able to defer it with the Grade Ones at Aintree. Fingers crossed he can keep quiet and we’ll have him in the plate again.”

Conflated is Bowl-bound, with Elliott assembling strong Aintree squad

/in /by

Gordon Elliott is set for strong representation at Aintree’s Randox Grand National Festival, with Cheltenham Gold Cup third Conflated headlining the Cullentra House handler’s raiding party.

In what was widely recognised as a top-class renewal of the blue riband at the Cheltenham Festival, Conflated performed with real credit and only gave way to the impressive winner Galopin Des Champs and gallant runner-up Bravemansgame in the closing stages.

Now the nine-year-old will bid to go one better than his length second to Clan Des Obeaux on Merseyside 12 months ago when he lines up once again in the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl.

Gordon Elliott looks on as Conflated returns from the gallops during a visit to Gordon Elliott’s yard at Longwood in County Meath, Ireland
Gordon Elliott looks on as Conflated returns from the gallops during a visit to Gordon Elliott’s yard at Longwood in County Meath, Ireland (Niall Carson/PA)

“The way it has fallen, and with Willie (Mullins) being very strong at Punchestown, we will send quite a few over to Aintree,” explained Elliott.

“Conflated is going to go for the Bowl, he’s in good form and ran very well in the Gold Cup. We’re looking forward to running him.”

Elliott will also hold leading claims in some of the feature races over timber with Stayers’ Hurdle one-three Sire Du Berlais and Teahupoo set to take their place in the Jrl Group Liverpool Hurdle, while Champion Hurdle third Zanahiyr will have another crack at the all-conquering Constitution Hill in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle.

“Sire Du Berlais and Teahupoo will both run in the three-mile hurdle,” said Elliott.

“Sire Du Berlais turns up once or twice a year and he’s a horse of a lifetime. We are very proud of him.

Zanahiyr could take on Constitution Hill in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle
Zanahiyr could take on Constitution Hill in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle (PA)

“Zanahiyr could run in the two-and-a-half-mile race. He seems to have come out of Cheltenham very well. He seems to enjoy taking his time a little bit, so we’re looking forward to running him.”

Gerri Colombe headed to Prestbury Park as many people’s idea of a banker, but failed to reel in The Real Whacker to be denied a short head in the Brown Advisory.

He will now have the chance to put the record straight in the Air Charter Services Mildmay Novices’ Chase that opens Friday’s action.

“Gerri Colombe is going to run in the three-mile novice chase,” added Elliott.

“He will have an entry in Punchestown as well, but we would just be a little bit nervous that the ground could dry up a little bit before then. It’s not that he needs softer ground, but I think he could be a lot more effective with a bit of dig.”

Elliott will also be represented in all four of the Grade One novice events over hurdles throughout the three days, while he will be mob-handed in the Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race that brings the meeting to a close on Grand National day.

Naas winner Irish Point will be on Gordon Elliott's Aintree teamsheet
Naas winner Irish Point will be on Gordon Elliott’s Aintree teamsheet (PA)

“I think I’ll run Found A Fifty in the two-mile Grade One (Top Novices’ Hurdle),” said Elliott.

“He’s in good form and hasn’t done an awful lot wrong. We think he’s a good horse and one we are really excited about going chasing with next year.

“Irish Point will go for two-and-a-half-mile Grade One (Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle). He didn’t do much wrong the last day and stayed galloping all the way to the line.

“Absolute Notions will go for the three-mile novice (Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle). We’ve kept him fresh, but I suppose if the ground ended up very soft we might not run him. We could also run Landrake and maybe Cool Survivor.

“Jazzy Matty will go for the juvenile (Jewson Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle), he won the Boodles and is in great form, while I’ll probably have three or four in the bumper – King Of Kingsfield, Samui and maybe the horse that won in Leopardstown, Pour Les Filles.

Elliott keen on ‘one last hurrah’ at Aintree for Russell with Galvin

/in /by

Gordon Elliott would love to give Davy Russell the chance of a fitting finale to his career at Aintree, with the ride on Galvin in the Randox Grand National reserved for the veteran jockey should he opt to take it.

Russell had retired from the weighing room in December, but answered an SOS from Cullentra House to return to the riding ranks when stable number one Jack Kennedy suffered a broken leg in January.

The 43-year-old was thrust straight into big-race action and scooped Grade One honours aboard Mighty Potter at the Dublin Racing Festival. But he endured a frustrating week at the Cheltenham Festival, failing to get on the scoreboard and standing himself down ahead of his intended ride on Conflated in them Gold Cup.

Elliott believes that would be the wrong way for Russell to bow out and feels Aintree is the perfect spot for the man who partnered Tiger Roll to back-to-back triumphs in the world’s most famous steeplechase to take his curtain call.

Davy Russell celebrates National glory with Tiger Roll
Davy Russell celebrates National glory with Tiger Roll (Mike Egerton/PA)

“If Galvin is there, it is Davy’s ride if he wants it,” said Elliott.

“I suppose it all depends on if Jack gets back, but Davy has been a big part of Cullentra since I started training and he’s coming to the end of his days. I wouldn’t like to see him finish up on the note he finished on at Cheltenham.

“He was sore after Cheltenham and he made the decision he didn’t feel 100 per cent right to ride in the Gold Cup. It was a big call, but that is the man he is – he would never do wrong by the horse and the owners.

“Obviously he was very sore and made the right decision not to ride on, but I would like to give him a better send-off than that. I don’t think there would be any better way for him to finish off than in the National.

Davy Russell celebrates with owner Ronnie Bartlett after winning the Savills Chase on board Galvin at Leopardstown
Davy Russell celebrates with owner Ronnie Bartlett after winning the Savills Chase on board Galvin at Leopardstown (Donall Farmer/PA)

“If Jack doesn’t come back there will be plenty of other rides for him at the meeting, but I’m not 100 per cent sure what he is going to do.

“I would like to see one last hurrah for him at Aintree. It’s him and that’s the type of jockey he is – you saw at the Dublin Racing Festival, up until he got the fall that he was riding like a man in his 20s.

“I think, for Davy Russell and for the whole of horse racing, he deserves a better send-off than if he finished at Cheltenham.”

As well as Kennedy and Russell’s injury absence, Elliott’s other regular pilots Jordan Gainford and Sam Ewing have also been on the sidelines, with the latter suffering a broken arm last month.

Trainer Gordon Elliott could run up to six in the Randox Grand National at Aintree
Trainer Gordon Elliott could run up to six in the Randox Grand National at Aintree (Mike Egerton/PA)

However, the trainer is not worrying about jockey plans for Aintree, where he could have six runners in the big race itself.

He said: “Jack Kennedy is number one jockey here and I would hope we have him back.

“If we don’t have him back, we will work from the top down and use the best available. That’s where we are.”

Elliott’s National squad is spearheaded by last year’s third Delta Work, while Galvin will also head to Merseyside with leading claims following his pleasing reappearance behind his stablemate in the cross-country at Cheltenham.

Delta Work at Gordon Elliott's yard on Wednesday morning
Delta Work at Gordon Elliott’s yard on Wednesday morning (PA)

“Delta Work was third in the race last year, he got a little bit far back early but ran a very good race,” continued Elliott.

“He was a little careful early but he’s in great form and I couldn’t be happier with him, he’s working very well.

“Galvin – the drier the ground, the better a chance he has. He will have come on a lot from Cheltenham, he’s in good form and I’m very happy with him.”

Others set to represent the three-time Grand National-winning handler in the extended four-and-a-quarter-mile contest include Punchestown Grand National Trial winner Coko Beach, the classy Fury Road, last year’s ninth Escaria Ten and Dunboyne, who was a staying-on third in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival.

Coko Beach in action during the Randox Grand National last year
Coko Beach in action during the Randox Grand National last year (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Coko ran very well in the race last year and finished eighth. He won the Grand National Trial at Punchestown,” said Elliott.

“For Fury Road it is the first time stepping up to this trip. He’s a Grade One horse and a classy horse. Again a bit of nice ground would suit him, but he’s in very, very good form.

“Escaria Ten travelled well for a long way last year but just didn’t get home. We’re going to drop him in and take our time with him, ride him a little bit different this year.

“Dunboyne gets in off 10st. He’s going to wear blinkers and stays really well. If he gets into a rhythm and doesn’t get too far back early, he will come home strong.”