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12 April by the Financial Conduct Authority Bravemansgame is no longer able to take part in the race and has been withdrawn.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.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2.71165259-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-04-13 10:40:472023-04-13 10:40:47Nicholls ‘disappointed’ as Bravemansgame misses out at Aintree
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.
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2.70703505-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-04-13 10:26:092023-04-13 10:26:09Corach Rambler heads full cast for National showpiece
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.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2.63838964-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-04-12 18:51:542023-04-12 19:10:18Bravemansgame ruled out of Aintree Bowl
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.
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2.70502195-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-04-12 18:25:022023-04-12 19:00:13Aintree redemption in A Plus Tard’s sights
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.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2.71400586-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-04-12 18:11:372023-04-12 18:11:37Cheltenham hero Stage Star aiming to post another winning performance
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
Constitution Hill tops the bill on day one of the Grand National meeting as the sport’s pre-eminent star bids to put the seal on a magnificent campaign with victory in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle.
There is very little to say about Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old that has not already been said, with six racecourse outings to date yielding six sensational victories.
His 22-length romp in last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle suggested Constitution Hill was something out of the ordinary and he has only enhanced his reputation this term by winning the Fighting Fifth, Christmas Hurdle and Champion Hurdle, all with remarkable ease.
He faces an extra half-mile on Merseyside, but his big-race rider Nico de Boinville is unconcerned.
🏆 Constitution Hill absolutely storms home to win the Unibet Champion Hurdle!
“He’s in really good order, he worked nicely on Saturday and schooled as well, so we’re looking forward to running him again,” he told Sky Sports Racing.
“We had the Lambourn Open Day on Friday, lots of people came to see him and he didn’t turn a hair, which was amazing. He’s got a very good disposition and seems to take it all in his stride.
“I don’t think that (two and a half miles) will be a problem.”
Henderson has already raised the possibility of Thursday being the last time we will see Constitution Hill run over hurdles, with a pre-summer schooling session over fences set to take place before connections make a decision on which path he will take next term.
De Boinville added: “We’ll see what comes on Thursday and we’ll go from there, but I think it’s in the back of our minds to at least give it a go.”
Nicky Henderson with Epatante (David Davies/PA)
Epatante won last year’s Aintree Hurdle for Henderson and while she was blown away by Constitution Hill at Newcastle and Kempton earlier in the season, she takes him on again in defence of her crown.
Speaking in his Unibet blog, Henderson said: “Everything has gone very well since Constitution Hill’s effortless victory in the Champion Hurdle. I’ve got no worries whatsoever about the step up to two and a half miles and let’s hope he can add to his already impressive CV.
“Epatante is unfortunately bumping into Constitution Hill again which obviously makes it a very tough ask, but she’s recovered well from Cheltenham and has been in good form at home.
“We gave her a nice easy time after the Mares’ Hurdle, so she comes here fresh and happy and won this race last year in fine style.”
Gordon Elliott’s Zanahiyr and the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained I Like To Move It also renew rivalry with the red-hot favourite after finishing third and sixth in the Champion Hurdle four weeks ago.
The field is completed by Willie Mullins’ Sharjah and Alan King’s veteran Sceau Royal, who is fitted with cheek pieces for the first time.
“There’s the one standout horse in the race and the rest are pretty much evenly rated,” said King.
“He’s in good form the old boy and I hope he can pick up a bit of prize-money.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2.71375230-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-04-12 15:16:402023-04-12 15:16:40Constitution Hill expected to step up in style at Aintree
Lucinda Russell may have the Randox Grand National favourite but there could be earlier celebrations if Ahoy Senor shines in the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl Chase.
The eight-year-old fell at the 17th fence in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but prior to that won the Cotswold Chase over course and distance in January.
He has shone at Aintree before, winning the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at massive odds of 66-1 in 2021 and taking the Mildmay Novices’ Chase by five lengths at the meeting the following season.
Though the Festival did not go to plan, the racing calendar has fallen in such a way this term that there is an extra week between two big spring meetings – a boon for horses running in both.
“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.”
Paul Nicholls’ Bravemansgame was the runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when last seen, finishing seven lengths behind Willie Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs.
The third-placed horse was a further six and a half lengths behind him and Nicholls was delighted with his performance under Harry Cobden.
Bravemansgame (right) in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (Tim Goode/PA)
“Bravemansgame ran the race of his life in finishing second in the Gold Cup. It was a hell of a race, as good a Gold Cup as you will see with an end-to-end gallop,” Nicholls told his Betfair blog.
“He was pinpoint accurate at his fences and was the only one to make a race of it with the winner Galopin Des Champs.
“Bravemansgame looks tremendous, has been working really well and there is no sign of his having a hard race at the Festival.
“I’m expecting another big run from him and would argue that if he is not at his best now, I doubt he will be if we wait for Punchestown in two weeks’ time.”
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 Conflated is one of two Irish-trained runners in the race and heads to Aintree following a third-placed run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The nine-year-old, who is owned by Gigginstown House Stud, was second in the Bowl last season when coming home a length behind Clan Des Obeaux.
Elliott told the At The Races website: “He’s going to run in the Aintree Bowl. It looks a hot race, but he came out of Cheltenham in very good form, and we’re keen to let him take his chance.
Gordon Elliott’s Conflated (Niall Carson/PA)
“Maybe he didn’t quite get home in the Gold Cup, but he saw out this course and distance at Aintree very well last year. I think he has a good chance.”
Henry de Bromhead’s A Plus Tard, pulled up when defending his Gold Cup crown, is the other Irish contender in the race.
Jamie Snowden’s Ga Law, who did not meet the criteria for a planned Grand National bid, completes the field of six after a gallant fifth in the Ryanair.
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2.71456251-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-04-12 13:22:562023-04-12 13:22:56Senor ‘thriving’ ahead of Aintree Bowl task
Most 21-year-olds attending the Randox Grand National on Saturday will be putting on their finery and preparing for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon at Aintree, but things will be slightly different for Cameron Sword.
That is because Sword, a student, is one of seven owners who form part of The Ramblers syndicate, who own the favourite for the big race in Corach Rambler.
Trained by Lucinda Russell, the nine-year-old became just the fourth horse to win the Ultima at Cheltenham for a second time and heads to Merseyside 10lb ‘well in’.
Not surprisingly for someone with youth on his side, Corach Rambler is Sword’s first taste of ownership and he is struggling to comprehend how fortunate he is.
Cameron Sword, Thomas Kendall, Keith Garwood and Gary Scott are four of the seven Ramblers (Andrew Milligan/PA)
“I got into horseracing through Covid, watching the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National and decided to have a bit of interest,” said Sword.
“I came up to Lucinda’s and Corach Rambler was the only horse for sale at the time. That’s a bit of luck and a bit of fate.
“I joined the syndicate. The horse was bought for £17,000 at the sales and the rest is history – two Cheltenham wins.
“It is my first horse. Mum has been roped in, she’s got a horse now so I can’t see it being the last, that’s for sure.
“There’s four of us in Scotland, one in Ireland, one in London and one in Australia. The age range goes from me to boys in their late 50s and early 60s, so it’s a nice mix.
“None of us knew each other before Corach but as we started to go to races, we started to become friends. We all know each other well now and we’ve shared some really special moments together, which I think build that bond more.”
Sword admits he has allowed his mind to wander to think what could happen, but he is well aware the National is a race like no other.
“It is a dream and if it happened it would be the best day of all our lives, but it is a 40-runner race and there is a lot that needs to go your way,” he said.
“He is a horse that sits at the back of the field so he needs a clear run through.
“If there is a horse that falls and trips him up, that’s the dream over but if we get the luck we need, then hopefully (he can win).
“I will scroll social media and he is starting to get the recognition he deserves. He went under the radar at the Ultima, even though he won it the year before. He is starting to get a bit of respect in the industry, people know his name.
“Lucinda and Scu (Peter Scudamore) have played a blinder. They’ve got the horse 10lb ‘well in’ for the Grand National, back-to-back winners at Cheltenham, it is unbelievable.”
The Ramblers with Corach Rambler after his second Cheltenham win (Steven Paston/PA)
Sword was also full of praise for the man who – injury permitting – will be in the saddle.
“A big shout-out goes to Derek Fox, too, he is a jockey that doesn’t get spoken about enough,” he said.
“He’s a fantastic jockey and he gives the horse a brilliant ride every time.”
Thirty-year-old accountant Thomas Kendall is another of The Ramblers and he is involved in other horses within the yard.
“I have had horses with Lucinda for a good few years now,” he said.
Thomas Kendall with Corach Rambler (Andrew Milligan/PA)
“This one suddenly popped up out of the blue and it is a dream come true to have a horse like this. You don’t expect it.
“This is a level of success which is beyond my wildest dreams and we are sitting here before the Grand National thinking could it actually happen?
“He has earned his place there and we are all looking forward to it now.
“We are going down on the Friday night. There is a big group of us, a lot of my pals who either have never been to the races before, or are seasoned racegoers all going to be there on Saturday.
“We are planning our purple and yellow suits and dresses and all that kind of stuff, so hopefully he will be able to see we are there cheering him on and he will be able to do us proud.
“I don’t like to get carried away with it all, but you look at it standing back and you have to say he has a really good chance.
“He’s 10lb ‘well in’ and I know I wouldn’t want to be running with an extra 10lb on me. I definitely think that is a plus point.
“Clearly he has never been over the fences before and he has never ran that far before, but I think it all points to him having a good chance.”
Scudamore, Russell’s partner and assistant, rides Corach Rambler every morning, and he does confess to feeling the team may be pushing their luck given they won the National with One For Arthur in 2017.
“When I was at Cheltenham and I walked up to the stand, I thought ‘he can’t do it twice’, the luck of doing it twice was beyond real, so I feel a little bit the same about this,” said Scudamore.
“I don’t know. He is a worthy favourite. He has all the attributes to win the Grand National, the rest is what’s sport’s about.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2.71631131-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-04-12 10:22:032023-04-12 10:22:03National dream very much alive for The Ramblers
Warren Greatrex’s Ici La Reine will look to add to her unbeaten record in familiar silks at Aintree.
The five-year-old has won both of her starts to date, taking bumper contests on the all-weather at Newcastle in both January and February.
Her Aintree outing will be her first on turf as she steps up to Grade Two level to contest the Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.
“She’s come on nicely since her last win, I’ve been very happy with her since,” said Greatrex.
“She’s been away for a racecourse gallop. The two wins she has have been on the all-weather and I thought a bit more experience wouldn’t do her any harm.
“She went very nicely through there, she’s definitely improving and I don’t think what we’ve seen so far is her limit.
“I think there’s more to come and a fast-run race will really suit her.”
Jonjo O’Neill jr will take the ride at Aintree, but conditional Dylan Kitts was aboard for the filly’s two wins to date and Greatrex was heartened by the efforts he had to go to to pull her up.
“In both races she’s won, what I’ve liked is that Dylan has struggled to pull her up both times,” he said.
“There’s plenty left, I think there’s a huge run in her and I’m excited about it. At Newcastle we were only the touching the surface, there’s lots in the tank.”
Ici La Reine is a well-bred daughter of Presenting, related on the dam side to Greatrex’s popular Graded performer La Bague Au Roi – with the two horses niece and aunt in human terms.
La Bague Au Roi was seventh in the same race in 2016 for the same owners and Greatrex considers Ici La Reine a step ahead in her progression comparatively.
“She’s got big shoes to fill but she looks very exciting, at this stage there wouldn’t be a lot between them,” he said.
“This filly would actually be a bit stronger La Bague Au Roi was at this age.
“I’m excited to get her out and I think she’ll put up a good show.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8f7ac94a-2d70-46de-8913-e93099475fc8-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2023-04-11 18:00:002023-04-11 18:00:00Ici La Reine seeking Nickel Coin crown
