Saturday, April 5, 2003
MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL MEETING 2003
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
AINTREE, SATURDAY, APRIL 5
BIG CROWD
Today’s crowd figure was 68,180 compared to last year’s 63,500. This was a 7.5% increase.
TOTE TURNOVER UP DRAMATICALLY
Tote turnover today was £1,661,098 compared to £1,311,028 last year. This was a 27% increase.
Tote turnover for the whole of the Martell Cognac Grand National Meeting was £4,019,233 compared to £3,187,731 last year. This was a 26% increase.
MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL WINNING QUOTES
Barry Geraghty: “I could not believe how easily he won. He was always travelling so well and jumped brilliantly. The whole race could not have gone better for him. There was one moment when I thought that I might be in trouble from a faller, but nothing came of that.
“I was aware that there were quite a lot of early fallers, but we did not seem to be going overly fast and he was always going so well just in behind the leaders.
“I was tracking Gunner Welburn after he had got in front again on the second circuit, and I really got to the front sooner than I had wanted.
“But he was going so well that I was happy to go on when I did and after that he galloped all the way to the line. It was quite amazing that he was able to win by such a long way.
“The whole thing has been just brilliant. I was sixth in the race three years ago, but in the last two years I have not got round. So it was quite something to finish the race, let alone to win it like he did.
Jimmy Mangan: “He was going really well all the way through, and he has been very good to me all the way through the time I have had him. We do not have many horses and he is really the stable star.
“He was second in the Topham last year and has won the Kerry National, in fact he is unlucky not to have won two Kerry Nationals.
“When I first bought him we ran him in point-to-points and he won a hunter chase and he has just gone on and on from that.
“Barry was brilliant. It was quite something just to have a runner in the race and actually to have won it is absolutely unbeliavable.”
Mike Futter: “I have been telling all my friends for three weeks that they must back him for the National and I know that lots of them took 33-1 about him.
“I did a bit better than that, and I am looking forward to going up and down the line of bookmakers to be paid out.
“Barry rode a superb race and we are all celebrating already.”
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FROM MIKE FUTTER
“When Monty’s Pass was second in the National last year Barry promised us that he would ride him in this year’s National. I know he had lots of good offers to ride other horses in the race, but he kept his promise and stayed loyal to us.
“I started backing him at 66-1 two weeks or so before the weights came out. Then I backed him at 50-1, but then after he was tipped up in the Racing Post the price got shorter and then I had a bit more at 25-1. The biggest bet was one of £10,000 at 50-1.
“There are plenty of people whom I shall have to pay out but I reckon I have cleared about £800,000. There were about eight bookmaking firms involved, including three or four of the top ones. I always say that I like to see the whites of the bookies eyes, but there were so many people here today that I could not get close enough to do that.
“The horse cost us 35,000punts three or four years ago and he has won us about £140,000 in prize money, apart from all the bets we have won when he had been successful before this. So I reckoned we were entitled to have a go on him in the National.
“Watching the race, six fences from home I was sure he would be in the first three; at the third last I was sure that he would be in the first two, and when he went to the front two out I was confident that he would win.
“We have just bought another horse, from Barry’s father, called Long Odds, and I hope that maybe he will be able to come here in a few years’ time.
“We shall certainly have a party tonight, have you any idea where that should be? Maybe with what we have won we could buy a hotel and have it there.”
Adam Armstrong, another member of the five man syndicate, said: “we all live in a village called Donaghadee in Co. Down, and I expect Ian (Rose), the only one who doesn’t at the moment, will be coming to join us soon.”
GERAGHTY/MANGAN PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Winning trainer Jimmy Mangan, who has about 15 horses along with his breeding stock, said: “He started giving us the right vibes a couple of weeks, we knew we had him back then. He was becoming electric.
“Winning the race hasn’t really sunk in yet, it was just unreal to have a runner.”
Mangan became teetotal nine years ago and admitted: “I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t given up drinking.
“I took over from my father when he sadly died in 1981 and we brought over my mother’s cousin whose in showbusiness so we didn’t need a band to sing The Banks Of My Own Lovely Lee.
“The horse came to me as a four-year-old and he won a point-to-point at my own course, Tallow. He was only moderate early on but the one quality he has always had is his jumping.
“Barry always got on well with the horse and the horse loves Barry. When Youlneverwalkalone came on the scene I had a little worry that he wouldn’t ride for us but not for long.
“I also bought (last year’s winner) Bindaree as a yearling and sold him to Tom Costello with a group of five. He was sold on a few more times with every fellow taking a bit of profit.”
Barry Geraghty added: “Jimmy brought the horse here in top condition. He was very good when jumping round here in the Topham last year and after that he was even better for the experience.
“I just took my time today popping along and was just happy sitting handy. There was a nice pace and I was just keeping out of trouble. I was travelling great and then took the lead from Gunner Welburn, the loose horse gave me some help.
“It will be a while before I can describe the feeling of winning. I am going home in the morning then on to Tramore.
“He just stuck in a short one at the second ditch, I’d say 99% of horses would have fallen but he’s as clever as a fox. I said to myself ‘you effing eejit’ and if he’d have fallen I’d kick myself.
“We were planning since last year to run here and Mike (Futter) asked me six weeks ago to ride and I committed then.
MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL TIME
The winning time was 9 minutes 21.7 seconds.
RACE FOUR MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL
PLACED QUOTES
MURPHY DELIGHTED WITH SUPREME GLORY
“This is like winning the race,” were the words uttered by Pat Murphy after Supreme Glory had found just Monty’s Pass too good in the Martell Cognac Grand National.
“Brilliant wasn’t it?” enthused the trainer. “Wasn’t the horse superb and he never put a foot wrong the whole way. His jumping was superb and Leighton [Aspell, jockey] stuck to the game plan the whole way. He’s run an absolute stormer and I am chuffed to bits.”
Unlike some other trainers, Murphy would have liked slower ground.
“He would have liked slower ground,” he explained. “He likes this ground but he’s not the quickest in the world. The ground today was plenty quick enough and I could have done with more watering by Aintree!”
This was Murphy’s first runner in the world’s most famous chase although he had wanted to run Supreme Glory in last year’s renewal before he suffered a setback.
He continued: “He went wrong on the Wednesday of the Cheltenham week last year and this run came a year too late as he was on top of his game last year. This was a more competitive race this year and he’s come up against a well handicapped horse.”
This was the third time that Supreme Glory has been placed in one of the major staying races. In 2001 he finished third to Gingembre in the Scottish Grand National and then won the Welsh Grand National later in the year.
“I knew that this one would land me a big race as soon as I got him,” added Murphy.
MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL THIRD AND FOURTH QUOTES
An emotional Ginger McCain, trainer of third-placed Amberleigh House, said: “It’s the Liverpool element that everybody seems to forget - this brought back a lot of memories.
“The little horse has run his heart out - if he’d have had a proper trainer he’d have won. He’s so tough and it’s very hard to find horses like him - he has never left an oat. You need a professional horse and a bit of luck.”
Andrew Balding, who saddled Gunner Welburn to be fourth, said: “I’m very pleased, obviously he didn’t quite get the trip but he’s done us proud and has finished legless. That’s obviously it for the season and we’ll have to think about next year.
“He nearly unshipped Barry at the first and then put the brakes on at the Chair.”
MORE GINGER MCCAIN QUOTES
“There is no place that I’d sooner be at than Aintree” said McCain. “Amberleigh House is a grand, tough little horse and Graham [Lee, jockey] gave the horse a brilliant ride.”
Asked if he had visions of the winner’s enclosure which the great Red Rum had graced his presence with on three occasions, the trainer replied: “I did see the winner’s enclosure again. The horse was only six or seven lengths behind at the Canal Turn”
THE WINNER - MONTY’S PASS (IRE)
b g Montelimar (USA) - Friar’s Pass (Monksfield)
10-10-07 Form: 6212336552-23P6313641
Owner: Dee Racing Syndicate Trainer: Jimmy Mangan IRE
Breeder: G Slattery Jockey: Barry Geraghty
Monty’s Pass
After winning a hunters’ chase at Cork in April, 1999 for trainer James Mangan, Monty’s Pass became a prolific winner of two and a half mile handicap chases between December of that year and August, 2001, taking five such events including the Denny Gold Medal Handicap Chase at Tralee, when beating Quinze by three lengths. On his next two starts the Montelimar gelding was placed in two Nationals when stepped up to three miles. On the first occasion he found just More Than A Stroll three and a half lengths too good in the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel in September. The following month he was the five and a half length third to Foxchapel King in the Anglo Irish Bank Munster National at Limerick. Last year he again competed in these two contests, winning the former by two lengths from Putsometnby and again finishing third in the Anglo Irish Bank Munster National, this time finding old rival More Than A Stroll three and a half lengths too powerful. Prior to these two fine performances, Monty’s Pass had run fifth behind Blowing Wind in the Mildmay Of Flete Handicap Chase on his first appearance at the Cheltenham Festival, and been the six length runner-up to Its Time For A Win in the Martell Cognac Sainsbury’s Topham Chase at Aintree.Since his third in the Munster National last October, the 10-year-old has been well beaten in a couple of spins over hurdles in March. Presumably connections did not want to run him over fences again before the Martell Cognac Grand National in order to preserve his chasing handicap mark. That was the right strategy as he won by 12 lengths at the odds of 16/1
Race Record: Starts: 47; 1st: 8; 2nd: 12; 3rd: 10 Win & place prize money: £511,881
Dee Racing Syndicate
The Dee Racing Syndicate is headed by Mike Futter, who is a punter of some standing. A native of Blackpool, 54-year-old Futter left Britain 30 years ago and is now based in Bangor, Northern Ireland, where he owns several bingo clubs. He has heavily supported Monty’s Pass with the bookies, standing to win approximately £800,000 if the 10-year-old prevails. There are four other members in the syndicate, which decided to go for the Martell Cognac Grand National with their charge immediately after he was runner-up to Its Time For A Win in the Martell Cognac Sainsbury’s Topham Chase at Aintree last year. The horse was acquired by Futter after he saw him on a video tape. The time of that performance was good and the prospective buyer was impressed by the fact that he had run just behind top Irish hunter chaser Sheltering and decided that he should buy him. He secured the horse for 35,000 punts to remain in Jimmy Mangan’s County Cork-based yard. Despite having a reputation for being a shrewd punter, Futter is not interested in betting on the exchanges with Betfair. “I don’t bet on Betfair, I like to see the whites of the bookies’ eyes,” he reasons. Grand National Record: No previous runners
Jimmy Mangan
Jimmy Mangan, who was born on August 28, 1955, and trains at Conna near Mallow in County Cork, is an all-round horseman who breeds, buys and sells alongside his training operation. His father Paddy trained before him at Conna with his biggest success came via June's Friend in the 1981 Thyestes Chase. Jimmy Mangan rode his first winner point-to-pointing at the age of 16 when beating the renowned rider Connie Vaughan in a tight finish. Jimmy Mangan took over the licence when his father died at the end of 1981 and his biggest successes came with Stroll Home in the 1997 Galway Plate and Monty's Pass in the 2002 Kerry National at Listowel. Mangan, who gave up drinking nine years ago, is a well-known figure in the sales rings sporting colourful woollen hats made by a neighbour. He has twin sons, Patrick and Brian, and a daughter, Jane, and has a few cattle alongside 25 National Hunt broodmares on his 150-acre farm. He sells his foals and yearlings and also buys young stock at the sales. He bought last year's Martell Cognac Grand National winner Bindaree as a yearling for Ir2,000gns, selling him on the following year, and was the first man to touch the great Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle winner Dawn Run, having foaled her for breeder John Riordan. Mangan bred Amble Speedy, who was just touched off in the 1997 Irish National, while the best horse his father bred was Doorknocker, the 1956 Champion Hurdle winner.
Grand National Record: No previous runners
Barry Geraghty
It is little over six years since Barry Geraghty rode his first winner aboard Stagalier at Down Royal on January 29, 1997, but the 26-year-old’s rise in the intervening period has been little short of meteoric. Champion jockey in Ireland in the 1999/2000 campaign and second to Ruby Walsh last season, Geraghty is one of six children from a “horse-mad” family that hails from Drumree in Co Meath. His father ‘Tucker’ was a useful amateur and trains a few horses in addition to his riding school and livery yard while his brothers Ross, who won the 2002 Irish National on The Bunny Boiler, and Norman, an amateur who doubles as a farrier, are both jockeys. Like so many Irish jockeys, Geraghty has a background in pony racing, riding his last winner in that area in September, 1996, before becoming apprenticed to Noel Meade that month and having his first ride in October, 1996. He still rides mainly for Meade but is also frequently utilised by Willie Mullins, Frances Crowley and Jessica Harrington. It was for Harrington that he first sprang to prominence to partner her 1998 Midland National winner Miss Orchestra. Geraghty had his first Cheltenham Festival winner in 2002 when winning the Arkle Chase on Moscow Flyer and this year was in spectacular form at Cheltenham, winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Moscow Flyer and also recording four other successes to make him the leading rider at the meeting. At Aintree, he has won the 2000 Martell Sefton Novices’ Hurdle on Sackville and last year’s Martell Cup on Florida Pearl.
Grand National Record: 2000 Call It A Day (6th); 2001 Hanakham (Fell 2nd), 2002 Alexander Banquet (Unseated 6th)
OVERWEIGHTS
Two jockeys put up overweight in today’s Martell Cognac Grand National.
- JP McNamara on no 34 Wonder Weasel who carries 10st 5lb (3lb overwight) and Tony Dobbin who partners no 39 Killusty at 10st 4lb, 4lb overweight.
GOGUENARD
Goguenard sustained a serious injury in the Grand National on falling on the second circuit.
He was humanely put down and a post-mortem will be carried out.
Any other horses requiring attention are currently receiving treatment from the Aintree veterinary team.
CONTINUING TO BE TREATED
Youlneverwalkalone, who was pulled up after the 12th and Iris Bleu, who was pulled up before the 16th are both continuing to receive treatment from the team of veterinary surgeons present at Aintree today.
They were then taken to Leahurst Veterinary Hospital and the prognosis is positive.
MURPHY AND SUPPLE INJURED
Jockeys Timmy Murphy and Gerry Supple both sustained injuries in the Martell Cognac Grand National.
Timmy Murphy broke his nose when Torduff Express unseated him at the 27th obstacle (four out).
Gerry Supple suffered a broken femur when Burlu fell at the 22nd fence (Bechers Brook second time around).
MORE INJURED JOCKEYS
Alan Dempsey (Robbo fell 19th) has a fractured wrist
Brian Crowley (Bramblehill Duke fell 2nd) has a fractured collarbone
Timmy Murphy (Torduff Express unseated 27th) was concussed and has been stood down for two days
THE FINISHING ORDER
(the horses who did not finish will be listed on another release)
1 MONTY'S PASS (IRE) 10-10-07 Dee Racing Syndicate Jimmy Mangan IRE/Barry Geraghty 16/1
2 SUPREME GLORY (IRE) 10-10-02 Chris Moorsom & John Dyson Pat Murphy/Leighton Aspell 40/1
3 AMBERLEIGH HOUSE (IRE) 11-10-04 Halewood International Ltd Ginger McCain/Graham Lee 33/1
4 GUNNER WELBURN 11-10-02 William Ritson/David Hall Andrew Balding/Barry Fenton 16/1
5 MONTIFAULT (FR) 8-10-04 Anne Fulton Paul Nicholls/Joe Tizzard
6 BINDAREE (IRE) 9-10-11 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies/Carl Llewellyn
7 CARBURY CROSS (IRE) 9-10-12 Anne Duchess of Westminster Jonjo O'Neill/Liam Cooper
8 BLOWING WIND (FR) 10-10-09 Peter Deal Martin Pipe/Tom Scudamore
9 TREMALLT (IRE) 12-10-02 Silkword Racing Partnership Tom George/Jason Maguire
10 BEHRAJAN (IRE) 8-11-12 The Behrajan Partnership Henry Daly/Richard Johnson
11 DJEDDAH (FR) 12-10-01bl Haras d'Ecouves Francois Doumen FR/Thierry Doumen
12 MAJED (FR) 7-10-05v Sandicroft Stud II Martin Pipe/Rodi Greene
13 ROYAL PREDICA (FR) 9-10-02t Peter Deal, John Dale, Allan Stennett Martin Pipe/ Mr Jamie Moore
14 SOUTHERN STAR (IRE) 8-10-08 Trevor Hemmings Henrietta Knight/Dominic Elsworth
7/1 favourite Shotgun Willy
distances = 12, 2, 14, 11, 1, 18, 6, 7, 7, 9, 8, dist, 26.
THOSE WHO DID NOT FINISH (BY FENCE)
1 - The Bunny Boiler UR
2 - Bramblehill Duke Fell
3 - Wonder Weasel - Fell
4
5
6 (Becher's) - Fadalko UR
7 (Foinavon)
8 (Canal Turn) - Polar Champ UR
9 (Valentines)
10
11
12 - PU bef Chives, Youlneverwalkalone PU after
13
14
15 (Chair) - UR Katarino, PU Bef Ballinclay King
16 (Water Jump) - Iris Bleu - PU before
17
18
19 -Good Shuil PU bef, Maximimize Fell, Ad Hoc UR,You're Agoodun Fell, Goguenard Fell, Robbo Fell
20
21
22 (Becher's) Shotgun Willy - PU before, Empereur River - PU Before,
Burlu - Fell, Killusty - Fell
23 (Foinavon) Gingembre - PU`after
24 (Canal Turn)
25 (Valentines) Mantles Prince - UR, Red Ark - PU Bef
26
27 UR -Torduff Express, UR- Red Striker, Cregg House - refused
28
29
30
JOCKEY QUOTES
Joe Tizzard, rider of Montifault (fifth): “He was absolutely fantastic – he jumped from fence to fence, but got a bit tired and didn’t quite get home. The ground was probably a bit dead for him.”
Jamie Moore, rider of Royal Predica (14th and last): “He just didn’t get the trip. It was a brilliant experience – the best day of my life.”
Robert Thornton, rider of You’re Agoodun who fell at the 19th, said: “I got brought down. I was going along happily enough, creeping a little closer when one fell in front of me at the ditch down the back and I had nowhere to go.”
JP McNamara, rider of Wonder Weasel (fell 3rd): “He jumped really well until we came to the third, and he couldn’t quite get his landing gear out.”
Conor O’ Dwyer, rider of Youlneverwalkalone (pu before 13th): “We were going well until his leg went.”
Ruby Walsh, rider of Shotgun Willy, (pu after breaking a blood vessel before 22nd): “I’ve had a great day and you can’t get everything. We didn’t get away to a good start and he never really attacked the fences. The National is a marvellous race, but it’s a lottery, and anyone who thinks it isn’t is kidding themselves.”
Davy Russell, rider of Ballinclay King (pu before The Chair): “We never really got into it. The fences were a bit high, and he broke a blood vessel.”
Seamus Durack, rider of Fadalko (unseated 6th Becher’s): “He jumped well until he sprawled at Becher’s first time, went down on his nose and I came off as he got back onto his feet.”
Leighton Aspell, rider of Supreme Glory (2nd): “It was a super ride, and we managed to keep out of trouble. Staying is his game and he gave me everything – he’s a dour stayer and he was outpaced early on, and with 40 runners there was a lot of pace. I was making up ground from four or five out, but by the time I got to the Elbow he’d done as much as he could.”
Thierry Doumen finished 11th: “He ran quite well, because I was a bit out-paced. Quite a lot of horses fell around me and we were hampered all the way round. He was very brave to finish.”
Mick Fitzgerald, rider of Katarino (fell at the Chair): “I fell – again! I got a bit further this time, but I was always under pressure, although I was going as well at the Chair as I was at the first.”
Carl Llewellyn, rider of Bindaree (sixth): “I nearly fell at Becher’s first time – he slid on his belly for two or three strides. I wasn’t in a good position after that because I had a lot of ground to make up.”
Tony McCoy, rider of Iris Bleu (pulled up bef 16th): “The horse is injured.”
John Cullen, rider of The Bunny Boiler (unseated at first): “He made a mistake, went down onto his nose and I fell off.”
Alan Dempsey, rider of Robbo (fell 19th): “We went at the first ditch after going a circuit. He was getting a little tired by then, but as we came to the jump we had nowhere to go.”
Danny Howard, rider of Polar Champ (unseated 8th): “He went at the Canal Turn – I don’t think he fell, but we got knocked about a bit.”
Paul Carberry, rider of Ad Hoc (unseated 19th): “He was traveling well, but then left his hind legs in an open ditch and we came down.”
Larry McGrath, rider of Red Striker (unseated 27th): “He got tired early and then came back on the bridle. He was going well then until toppling over at the last ditch.”
Jim Culloty, rider of Maximize (fell 19th): “I was brought down at the fourth fence on the second circuit, by Ad Hoc. He was going through a bit of a flat spot at the time, but he can do that in a race. He jumped grand.”
Andrew Thornton, rider of Gingembre (pu before 24th): “He loved it out there, but suddenly wasn’t going well and when I pulled him up he coughed.”
Richard Guest, rider of Chives (pu before 12th): He broke a blood vessel in both nostrils. He wasn’t facing up to his fences and that was obviously why.”
Liam Cooper, rider of Carbury Cross (7th): “He wasn’t quick enough.”
Tony Dobbin, rider of Killusty (fell Becher’s second circuit): “He was jumping and going well until he made a mistake at the one before Becher’s second time around and then went at the next.”
Rodi Greene, rider of Majed (12th): “I was driving from start to finish. He jumped very good and gave me a great ride, but he was just not in the mood for it. Still, it was great to get round Aintree.”
Brian Crowley, rider of Bramblehill Duke (fell 2nd): “He just over-jumped at the second and fell.”
Alan Dempsey, rider of Robbo (fell 19th): “We went at the first ditch after going a circuit. He was getting a little tired by then, but as we came to the jump we had nowhere to go.”
Danny Howard, rider of Polar Champ (unseated 8th): “He went at the Canal Turn – I don’t think he fell, but we got knocked about a bit.”
Paul Carberry, rider of Ad Hoc (unseated 19th): “He was traveling well, but then left his hind legs in an open ditch and we came down.”
Larry McGrath, rider of Red Striker (unseated 27th): “He got tired early and then came back on the bridle. He was going well then until toppling over at the last ditch.”
Jim Culloty, rider of Maximize (fell 19th): “I was brought down at the fourth fence on the second circuit, by Ad Hoc. He was going through a bit of a flat spot at the time, but he can do that in a race. He jumped grand.”
Andrew Thornton, rider of Gingembre (pu before 24th): “He loved it out there, but suddenly wasn’t going well and when I pulled him up he coughed.”
Richard Guest, rider of Chives (pu before 12th): He broke a blood vessel in both nostrils. He wasn’t facing up to his fences and that was obviously why.”
Liam Cooper, rider of Carbury Cross (7th): “He wasn’t quick enough.”
Tony Dobbin, rider of Killusty (fell Becher’s second circuit): “He was jumping and going well until he made a mistake at the one before Becher’s second time around and then went at the next.”
Rodi Greene, rider of Majed (12th): “I was driving from start to finish. He jumped very good and gave me a great ride, but he was just not in the mood for it. Still, it was great to get round Aintree.”
Brian Crowley, rider of Bramblehill Duke (fell 2nd): “He just over-jumped at the second and fell.”
Dominic Elsworth, rider of Southern Star (14th and last): “He jumped well, but he was always struggling a little bit. It was a great thrill.”
Noel Fehily, rider of Good Shuil (pulled up 19th): “He jumped very well, but didn’t lay up with them from the Chair. He got very tired at the end.”
David Casey, rider of Cregg House (refused 27th): “He gave me a super ride but he was struggling to get the trip. He refused when he was a bit more tired than I was.”
Barry Fenton, rider of Gunner Welburn (4th): “He was as clever as a fox and I got an absolutely brilliant ride off him.”
Jason Maguire, rider of Tremallt (9th): “He got a good start and loved it and jumped from fence to fence. I didn’t think he was ever going to get the trip, but he gave me a brilliant spin.”
GOING NEWS AT 10 AM
After another dry night the going for Martell Grand National day remains
GOOD
on all three courses. There was no overnight watering.
NON-RUNNER
Rigmarole (No. 14) will not run in the opening Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle (1.45) as the ground is considered unsuitable.
MORE NON RUNNERS AND JOCKEY CHANGE NEWS
Race 3 No. 9 Sacundai now ridden by Ruby Walsh
Race 6 No 22 Miss Cospector will not run (vet’s cert)
JOCKEY CHANGES
Race 1 (1.45) 12 Risky Reef now ridden by Ruby Walsh
Race 4 (3.45) 39 Killusty now ridden by Tony Dobbin
EARLY BETTING
Punters have taken a big early fancy for Iris Bleu in the Martell Cognac Grand National, and he is now 10-1 favourite (from 14-1) with Paddy Power. He has also been very well backed with William Hill at 12-1 and with Coral at 11-1.
Chives has been in demand with Hills and Coral at 10-1 and among the outsiders there has been money with Hills for Wonder Weasel at 66-1 (and a special individual price of 20-1 for a place), and with Powers for Torduff Express, who is in from 66-1 to 50-1.
Powers are betting on who will start favourite for the big race and make Chives their market leader to head the lists at SP time. He is 11-4 for that, with Ad Hoc and Iris Bleu on 3-1 and Youlneverwalkalone at 100-30.
MORE NON RUNNERS AND JOCKEY CHANGE NEWS
Race 3 No. 9 Sacundai now ridden by Ruby Walsh
Race 6 No 22 Miss Cospector will not run (vet’s cert)
KILLUSTY LIKELY TO CARRY OVERWEIGHT
Killusty, who has been the subject of significant betting interest for the Martell Cognac Grand National, could carry up to 4lb overweight following a late jockey switch.
Norman Williamson, who was due to ride the nine-year-old, misses the race following a fall yesterday on Pizarro yesterday, and replacement jockey Tony Dobbin fears he will not be able to make the horse’s allotted weight of 10st.
Dobbin said: “I got the call this morning from [trainer] Charlie Egerton on my way down here, but I had already eaten my breakfast. I won’t be able to do the weight – I would think I’ll be doing around the 10st 4lb mark.”
Williamson has been a regular partner for Killusty, but AP McCoy rode the gelding when he scored at Sandown last month on his seasonal debut.
Dobbin added: “I’ve never seen the horse, let alone sat on him, but I’ve spoken to AP about him. He’s a very inexperienced horse, but he’s got a great chance.”
Dobbin has two other rides on the card – on horses carrying 11st 1lb and 11st 7lb. Last year he missed the race after his intended partner, Gunner Welburn, missed the Grand National
“PERFECT” GROUND THE ORDER OF THE DAY
Following a warm and sunny morning at Aintree the ground has been given a thumbs-up.
Having walked the course, Joey Newton, the chairman of the stewards, said: “It is perfect going.”
Several trainers had voiced unease that the ground had ridden dead on Friday, but Newton added: “We were expecting this sunshine yesterday morning, and it didn’t happen. But the ground was far better than if it had been fast.”
Richard Guest, the trainer of Red Ark and Red Striker in the Martell Cognac Grand National, had voiced fears about the ground and hinted he might withdraw Red Striker. However, he said: “I’ve looked at the course and Red Striker runs. I’m very happy with the ground.”
Andrew Balding, the trainer of Gunner Welburn, said: “It’s beautiful ground, really nice. It’s perfect for the majority of runners. We’d have liked a bit more rain for our horse, but we’re happy.”
Jeremy Young, assistant trainer to Paul Nicholls, who runs five horses in the big race, said: “It’s perfect ground, better than yesterday. It will definitely suit Ad Hoc.”
DOBBIN REPLACES WILLIAMSON
Tony Dobbin is to ride Killusty in this afternoon’s Martell Cognac Grand National.
Norman Williamson was due to ride the Charles Egerton trained nine year old, but has been forced to miss the ride due to [ ] when falling on Pizarro in yesterday’s Martell Cognac Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. He had been expected to be fit to ride today and did not need to pass the doctor.
WALSH WOULD LOVE TO DO IT AGAIN
Ruby Walsh is hoping that the Paul Nicholls trained Shotgun Willy can give him a second Martell Cognac Grand National success in this afternoon’s feature event.
Walsh won the 2000 running on Papillon, trained by his father Ted, and has finished fourth in each of the last two years on the same horse in 2001 and Kingsmark last season.
“It’s an amazing feeling to win the National and I would love to do it again,” enthused the jockey.
“I wouldn’t be as nervous as I am when I ride at the Cheltenham Festival. The National is a lottery and you need luck for everything to go your way. Here you can get to the first and get brought down.
“If you ride the best horse in the Gold Cup [at Cheltenham in March] you know that you have a good chance. If you ride the best horse in the National you can easily get beat.”
Walsh explained that he had the choice of Nicholls’ five contestants today. “I had the choice and went for Shotgun. He’s got Ad Hoc to beat. My fellow should stay the trip but I couldn’t split the two. At 4pm we’ll know which one was the right choice or whether something else is better,” he continued.
“Of the other runners outside the Nicholls yard, the one that I fear most is Chives. He ran well in the Gold Cup.”
As Walsh posed for a photograph with a young admirer, she asked him whether he called the horse Shotgun Willy or if he had a pet name for him.
“It all depends how good he’s been!” replied the rider.
FIRST RACE WINNING QUOTES
CORDON BLEU HANDICAP HURDLE
REEF GIVES LEE WIN FROM FIRST BRITISH RUNNER
Andrew Lee, who has trained at Middleton in County Cork for the past seven years, had a dream result when Risky Reef - who he had bought for 11,000gns out of Ian Balding’s stable in October, 2001 - gave him a winner from his first runner in Britain.
The six-year-old, on whom Ruby Walsh took over from Timmy Murphy, recorded a length victory to the delight of Lee and the horse’s ownership syndicate, managed by journalist Dave Keena.
“No disrespect to Timmy, but we put Ruby on the horse when he became available,” said Lee. “But Ruby has ridden the horse before and virtually every jockey that’s sat on him has come back and said they’d wished they’d done it differently when they came back in.
“Ruby is the next best thing after Guinness to come out of Ireland and said that if you get to the front 50 yards from the post it’s too soon. But I don’t think the horse has ever been out of the money for us.
“He might go to Fairyhouse now for the big Powers handicap.
“I’m from a horsey background and used to ride point-to-pointers and eventers. We’re a dealing yard and have about 14 horses. Hopefully one day the small acorns will make a tree.”
Keena added: “It was an amazing training performance, Andrew told us six months ago he would win this race.”
MEREWOOD HOMES SWINTON HURDLE NEXT FOR ALTAY
Trainer Richard Fahey was more than happy with the performance of Altay, who finished runner-up to Risky Reef in the opening Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle.
Fahey said: “He’s been beaten by a better horse on the day, but he jumped great for a novice. He’ll probably run in the Merewood Homes Swinton Hurdle [at Haydock on May 3] which has been his target for some time, but we decided to have a crack at this on the way. On faster ground he would have a very good chance – I’m not saying this ground is a problem, but on faster ground one or two of these would stay away, and he will love it.”
Ian Williams was pleased with Brooklyn’s Gold, who finished third. Williams said: “The horse has run a fine race, because two miles around here is probably a little sharp for him. We’ll be having a talk about his future, but he has the option of going chasing next season. He does jump well.”
Peter Easterby, the father of trainer Tim, said fourth-placed Edmo Heights (who was 3lb out of the handicap) might have finished closer with a little more luck. Easterby snr, said: “He missed a couple of hurdles on the far side – they weren’t bad mistakes, but he didn’t land running. He would have been closer but for that.”
GROUND
After this afternoon’s opening contest, the following jockeys reported that the ground on the Hurdle Course was riding:
Thierry Doumen, rider of Never, said: “Good.”
Tony McCoy, rider of Polar Red, said: “Better, much better.”
Rodi Green, rider of Dream With Me, said: “Better than yesterday when it was a lot worse.”
Fran Flood, rider of Newhall, said: “Good up the straight, bit deader up the back.”
Tom Scudamore, rider of Idaho D’ox, said: “Perfect.”
Barry Fenton, rider of Grave Doubts, said: “Good.”
Ruby Walsh, rider of winner Risky Reef, said: “Bit tacky.”
Alan O’Keeffe, rider of Mythical King, said: “Good, very good.”
Richard Johnson, rider of Per Amore, said: “Still good to soft, but not as soft as yesterday.”
Padgh Whelan, rider of Altay, said: “Slow side of good.”
CHARLIE SWAN
Jockey Charlie Swan, who took a tumble at the last hurdle on Take Flite in today’s opening contest, walked into the weighing room saying: “I’m fine. Perfect.”
The Irish rider retires from the saddle after he rides Like A Butterfly in the Martell Cognac Aintree Hurdle today.
Charlie Swan Factfile
Based: The Cobs, Modreeny, Clough Jordan, County Tipperary, Ireland
Born: January 20, 1968
First winner: Final Assault at Naas, March 19, 1983
Last winner: Patriot Games at Aintree, April 4, 2003
Background: Son of former trainer Captain Donald Swan. Champion jockey in Ireland nine times; won the London Clubs Trophy for riding most winners at Cheltenham Festival in 1993 and 1994. Announced in September, 1998, that he would no longer ride over fences (but will continue to ride in hurdle events) to concentrate on training. Announced on Friday, April 4, 2003 that he would be retiring the following day.
Cheltenham Festival Wins (as a jockey): (16) CHAMPION HURDLE (1998,1999 and 2000 Istabraq), ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE (1994 Danoli, 1996 Urubande, 1997 Istabraq), GERRARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE (1993 Montelado, 2002 Like-A-Butterfly), PERTEMPS FINAL (1993 Fissure Seal), JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE (1993 Shawiya, 2002 Scolardy), CORAL CUP (1994 Time For A Run), WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER (1993 Mucklemeg, 2000 Joe Cullen), BONUSPRINT STAYERS’ HURDLE (1990 Trapper John, 1993 Shuil Ar Aghaidh), QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE (1995 Viking Flagship).
Aintree Festival Wins (as a jockey): MARTELL AINTREE HURDLE (Danoli 1994 & 1995, Urubande 1996, Istabraq 1999), MARTELL MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE (1995 Tervel, 1998 Promalee), BELLE EPOQUE SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE (1989 Boureen Belle), CLARK’S BREWERY HANDICAP HURDLE (1992 Ninepins; 1997 Cadougold, 2003 Patriot Games)
Other Major Wins Include (as a jockey): WHITBREAD GOLD CUP (1994 Ushers Island, 1996 Life Of A Lord), IRISH GRAND NATIONAL (1993 Ebony Jane)
Major Wins As A Trainer: THYESTES CHASE (2002 This Is Serious), TOTE EIDER (2002 This Is Serious), CLARK’S BREWERY HANDICAP HURDLE (2003 Patriot Games)
SECOND RACE MARTELL MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE
PLACED QUOTES
IMPEK NEEDS FURTHER
Trainer Henrietta Knight believes that Impek needs further than the two miles of this heat after he was beaten into third behind the Paul Nicholls trained pair of Le Roi Miguel and Vol Solitaire.
“He wants two and a half miles as he stays and stays. He kept staying on up the Cheltenham hill at the Festival. This is a quicker track and he would never have beaten the winner who has real speed, although he has run a very genuine race,” she remarked.
Racegoers are unlikely to see Impek again this season if the trainer has his way, although this is still subject to talks with owner Jim Lewis.
“The owner might want to go to Punchestown but I hope he’ll have a holiday now,” the Wantage trainer added.
GERAGHTY AND FITZGERALD
Barry Geraghty and Mick Fitzgerald, both of whom have rides in the Martell Cognac Grand National on Monty’s Pass and Katarino respectively, reported themselves none the worse for their falls.
Fitzgerald came to grief on Tysou at the first fence and Geraghty had a fall on Rathgar Beau four from home.
WINNING QUOTES RACE THREE
MARTELL COGNAC AINTREE HURDLE
THE WALSH ROLL CONTINUES
Ruby Walsh continued in unstoppable form as Sacundai battled past the hot favourite and Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner Rooster Booster near the line to take the Martell Cognac Aintree Hurdle by a head. Walsh, who rides Shotgun Willy in the Martell Grand National, has now won the first three races on the card for a 681.5-1 treble.
Both this winner and Risky Reef in the first race were spare rides, and coincidentally when Walsh won this race last year on Ilnamar he was replacing Rodi Greene, who had been injured the day before.
Sacundai would have been ridden today by Norman Williamson, but he was hurt when Pizarro fell here yesterday, and decided that he was not up to riding today. He would have been able to do so as far as the doctors were concerned, but decided that the right thing to do was to stand down.
“I feel very sorry for Norman, I really do,” said Sacundai’s trainer Edward O’Grady, “but I think that he has made a very adult and professional decision not to ride today. He will be riding for be in the bumper at the Curragh tomorrow.
“The vital thing about Sacundai is the ground.He must have it easy and unless God brought lots of rain at Cheltenham next year he would be a horse for the Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle rather than the Champion.” Cashmans put the winner in at 8-1 for next year’s Cheltenham marathon.
“This two and a half miles has been his ideal trip this season,” added O’Grady of his winner, whom he bought at the Arc sale in France for fr260,000 and trains for a syndicate of four farmers local to his base in Co. Tipperary. The quarter call themselves the Malm syndicate, taking the Malm from the initials of their first names.
“I was not sure for a long time that he would manage to get past Rooster Booster, but I have to admit that I was not sorry that Richard Johnson (on the runner-up) dropped his whip soon after the last,” O’Grady added.
THIRD RACE PLACED QUOTES
MARTELL COGNAC AINTREE HURDLE
DROPPED WHIP ‘MIGHT HAVE MADE
THE DIFFERENCE’
Rooster Booster’s sequence of victories was brought to a close as Sacundai beat him by a head in the Martell Cognac Aintree Hurdle, but debate after the race centred on whether a dropped whip had made the difference.
The Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner led over the last, but several strides later jockey Richard Johnson’s stick fell to the ground. The grey horse ran on gamely with Johnson pushing for the line, but Sacundai’s late challenge prevailed.
When asked for his thoughts about the lost stick, Philip Hobbs, who trains Rooster Booster, said: “It might have made the difference. Richard feels it might have done.”
Hobbs added: “The horse has run very, very well. Even Istabraq got beaten in this race. I’m very pleased at the end of the day – he just about got the trip.”
JP McManus, who owns third-placed Like-A-Butterfly, said: “She’s run up to her mark, but been beaten by two good horses on the day. She’ll go chasing next year.
“She’s unlikely to run again this season, but I’ll talk things over with Christy [Roche, her trainer].”
Like-A-Butterfly has run just three times this season, but McManus said: “She’s not done too badly. She won the Irish Champion Hurdle – I’m happy with one win out of three.”
SIXTH RACE MARTELL CHAMPION BUMPER
WINNING QUOTES
O’NEILL ROUNDS OFF MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL MEETING IN STYLE
Jonjo O’Neill took the honour of being leading trainer at the Martell Cognac Grand National Meeting with four victories, gaining his last success in the concluding contest courtesy of Classic Native, who denied Be Fair by two and a half lengths after a tremendous battle in the closing stages.
“He’s a very nice, grand horse and he stayed on very well,” enthused the master of Jackdaws Castle.
“He missed the break a little bit and it was a messy old start,” explained the trainer. “I thought that it might be too quick here for him, but it worked out well. The quick pace suited us in the end as he stayed on.
“It was a long tussle up the straight and Be Fair had the rail. Also my horse had only had two runs before this. We think he’ll be a three mile chaser and we’ve been very patient and it’s paying off.”
Classic Native made a winning debut at Warwick in December, before finishing 11th in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham.
“He ran a nice race at Cheltenham, staying on well, but lack of experience got to him,” said O’Neill. “We’ll see how he comes out of this race [as to whether he runs again this term] but he’s had a hard race.”
The ups and downs of racing hit O’Neill this week. Alongside his four successes was the death of Coolnagorna.
“It’s been a great meeting,” he continued. “It was very unfortunate about Coolnagorna as you don’t replace horses like that. I’m looking forward to next season.”
FIRST RACE RESULT
1.45pm CORDON BLEU HANDICAP HURDLE
Class A, Listed Race, £40,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m 1/2f. Miniumum weight 10st. Penalties: after March 29, a winner of a hurdle 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £23,200; 2nd: £8,800; 3rd: £4,400; 4th: £,2,000; 5th: £1,000; 6th: £600
1) RISKY REEF (Ergon Syndicate) Andrew Lee IRE 6-10-07 Ruby Walsh 20/1
2) ALTAY (R M Jetts & J Potter) Richard Fahey 6-9-013 Padgh Whelan (3) 7/1
3) BROOKLYN'S GOLD (Terry Warner) Ian Williams 8-10-00 James Davies (7) 16/1
4) EDMO HEIGHTS (Edmolift UK Ltd) Tim Easterby 7-10-00 David O'Meara 14/1
5) IDAHO D'OX (The Dionysius Partnership) Martin Pipe v7-10-07 Tom Scudamore
6) NEWHALL (Mrs H McPharland) Francis Flood IRE 5-10-11 Fran Flood
7) HAWADETH (Nick Viney) Victor Dartnall 8-10-07 Jim Culloty
8) NEVER (Sir Peter O’Sullevan) Francois Doumen FR 6-11-12 Thierry Doumen
9) DREAM WITH ME (Dr G Madan Mohan) Martin Pipe t6-11-00 Rodi Greene
10) NON SO (ROA Dawn Run Partnership) Nicky Henderson 5-11-09 Mick Fitzgerald
11) POLAR RED (Lady Clarke) Martin Pipe v6-11-12 Tony McCoy
12) FULL IRISH (D Stronach) Len Lungo 7-11-01 Tony Dobbin
13) CHEVET GIRL (D M Gibbons) Howard Johnson 8-9-11 Paddy Aspell (3)
14) MARAGUN (Stuart Mercer & Emlyn Hughes) Martin Pipe 7-10-04 Gerry Supple
15) MISTER MCGOLDRICK (Richard Longley) Suw Smith 6-10-12 Dominic Elsworth (3)
16) PER AMORE (Mrs J F Deithrick) Philip Hobbs b5-10-02 Richard Johnson
17) MYTHICAL KING (Richard Edwards) Richard Lee 6-10-01 Alan O'Keeffe (5)
F LAST) TAKE FLITE (Sean Murohy) Tony Mullins IRE 6-10-01 Charlie Swan 11/2F
PU BEF 6) GRAVE DOUBTS (Bill Davies & Bernard Tottle) Kevin Bishop t7-10-07 Rodi Greene
19 ran
Non-Runner: Rigmarole (Ground)
Breeder: Lode Moors Farm Breeding: ch g Risk Me - Pas de Reef
Tote Win: £23.20 Places: £3.90; £2.30; £3.60; £14.00 Exacta: £234.50
Distances: 1 3/4, 3, 1, nk, 2, 3, 4, 3, 6, 2 1/2, 16, 11, 1 1/4, 7, 3/4, 17
Winning Trainer: Lee, Andrew Based: Ballyduff Stables, Cloyne, Midleton, Co Cork, Ireland Big Race Wins: Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle (2003 Risky Reef)
Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Cheltenham Festival Wins (3): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop Aintree Festival wins: MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL (2000 Papillon) (His first National ride); MARTELL MELLING CHASE (2001 Fadalko), Ember Inns Anniversary 4YO Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc), Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle (2003 Risky Reef) Other Big Race Wins: HEINEKEN GOLD CUP (1999 Imperial Call), INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER NOVICES’ CHASE (2002 Azertyuiop) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2001/02): 1; 1; 5; 13 Wins This Season: 64 in UK Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Rides regularly for Paul Nicholls.
SECOND RACE RESULT
2.20pm MARTELL MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE
Class A, Grade One, £100,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m. Weights: 5yo 11st 1lb; 6yo+ 11st 4lb. Allowances: mares 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £59,500; 2nd: £22,000; 3rd: £11,000; 4th: £5,000; 5th: £2,500
1) LE ROI MIGUEL (Judy Stewart) Paul Nicholls 5-11-01 Ruby Walsh 9/4
2) VOL SOLITAIRE (Barry Marshall) Paul Nicholls 5-11-01 Joe Tizzard 100/30
3) IMPEK (Jim Lewis) Henrietta Knight 7-11-04 Jim Culloty 6/4F
F1) TYSOU (Bill Brown) Nicky Henderson 6-11-04 Mick Fitzgerald
F9) RATHGAR BEAU (One-O-Eight Racing Club) Eamon Sheehy IRE 7-11-04 Barry Geraghty
5 ran
Breeder:Bertrand Dutruel & Elaine Vielly Breeding: b g Point Of No Return - Loumir
Tote Win: £3.60 Places: £2.00; £1.90 Exacta: £10.80
Distances: 11, hd
Winning trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Date of first trainer’s licence: 01/11/91 Previous Occupation: professional jockey 1980-89. Rode 130 winners including Hennessy Gold Cup (1986 & 87), Irish Gold Cup (1988), Welsh Grand National (1987) Wins (1992/3-2001/02): 20,29,28,53,56,82,110,71, 83, 136 Horses in training (1997-2002): 52, 60, 66, 65, 78, 105 Aintree Festival wins: Calling Wild (1998 Chivas Regal Amateur Novices’ Chase), Martell Maghull Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2002 Armaturk, 2003 Le Roi Miguel), Martell Cup Chase (2000 See More Business), Martell Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), Martell Foxhunters (2002 Torduff Express), Ember Inns Anniversary 4YO Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc) Other big race wins: Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Valley Henry), Desert Orchid H’cap Chase (2000 Fadalko), Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase (2000 Rockforce), Mitsubishi Shogun Game Spirit Chase (2000 Flagship Uberalles), Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy), Samsung Electronics Scottish Champion Hcap Hurdle (1999 Fadalko), Hoechst Roussel Vet Panacur ebf Mares’ NH Final (1999 Flagship Therese), Michael Page Group Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1995 Captain Khedive, 1999 Fadalko, 2002 Azertyuiop) William Hill Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1998 Lake Kariba and 1999 Flagship Uberalles), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), Extraman Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (1998 Dines), Betterware Cup Handicap Chase (1998 Torduff Express), Mermaid Quay Rising Stars Novices’ Chase (1998 Irbee), King George VI Chase (1997 See More Business), Rehearsal Chase (1996 Belmont King, 1997 and 1998 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), Jim Ford Chase (1994 See More Indians, 1999 Double Thriller, 2002 See More Business), attheraces Gold Cup (2001 Ad Hoc) Cheltenham Festival Wins: (4) Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname), Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business) Wins This Season: 131
Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Cheltenham Festival Wins (3): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop Aintree Festival wins: MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL (2000 Papillon) (His first National ride); MARTELL MELLING CHASE (2001 Fadalko), Ember Inns Anniversary 4YO Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc), Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle (2003 Risky Reef), Martell Maghull Novices’ Chase (2003 Le Roi Miguel) Other Big Race Wins: HEINEKEN GOLD CUP (1999 Imperial Call), INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER NOVICES’ CHASE (2002 Azertyuiop) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2001/02): 1; 1; 5; 13 Wins This Season: 65 in UK Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Rides regularly for Paul Nicholls.
THIRD RACE RESULT
2.55pm MARTELL COGNAC AINTREE HURDLE
Class A, Grade One, £100,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m. Weights: 5yo 11st 1lb; 6yo+ 11st 4lb. Allowances: mares 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £59,500; 2nd: £22,000; 3rd: £11,000; 4th: 5,2,000; 5th: £2,500
1) SACUNDAI (Malm syndicate) Edward O'Grady IRE 6-11-07 Ruby Walsh 9/1
2) ROOSTER BOOSTER (Terry Warner) Philip Hobbs 9-11-07 Richard Johnson 5/4F
3) LIKE-A-BUTTERFLY (J P McManus) Christy Roche IRE 9-11-02 Charlie Swan 11/2
4) QUAZAR (David Carr) Jonjo O'Neill t5-11-07 Barry Geraghty
5) LORD TRANSCEND (Transcend (Hair & Beauty) Limited) Howard Johnson 6-11-07 Graham Lee
6) COPELAND (Professor David & Heather Silk) Martin Pipe v8-11-07 Tony McCoy
7) GEOS (Thurloe Finsbury) Nicky Henderson 8-11-07 Mick Fitzgerald
8) MR COOL (Nick Mills) Martin Pipe 9-11-07 Tom Scudamore
9) HORS LA LOI III (Paul Green) James Fanshawe t8-11-07 Tony Dobbin
10) BALAPOUR (Rita Shah) Oliver Brady IRE t5-11-07 John Cullen
PU) SELF DEFENSE (Fraser Miller Racing) Emma Lavelle 6-11-07 Barry Keniry
11 ran
Breeder: Azienda Agricola Parizia Breeding: b h Hernando - Shahdiza
Tote Win: £14.20 Places: £3.20; £1.60; £1.80; Exacta: £37.00
Distances: hd, 7, 1, 6, 5, 25, 1, 3/4, dist
Winning trainer: EDWARD O’GRADY Based: Killeens, Ballynonty, Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland Riding Career: 10 wins under Rules and Point-to-Points Date of First Trainer’s Licence: 1972 Cheltenham Festival Successes (17): National Hunt Chase (1974 Mr Midland; 1983 Bit Of A Skite; 1996 Loving Around); Walwyn Muir (1976 Prolan); Cathcart (1977 Rusty Tears); Gerrard Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1978 Golden Cygnet, 2003 Back In Front); Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle (1978 Flame Gun; 1980 Mountrivers); Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle (1980 Drumlargan; 1982 Mister Donovan); County (1981 Staplestown); JCB Triumph Hurdle (1984 Northern Game); Coral Cup (1994 Time For A Run); Bumper (1994 Mucklemeg, 2002 Pizarro); Arkle Chase (1996 Ventana Canyon) Aintree Festival Wins: Martell Red Rum Chase (1991 Blitzkreig), Martell Champion National Hunt Flat Race (2002 Kickham), Martell Aintree Hurdle (2003 Sacundai)
Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Cheltenham Festival Wins (3): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop Aintree Festival wins: MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL (2000 Papillon) (His first National ride); MARTELL MELLING CHASE (2001 Fadalko), Ember Inns Anniversary 4YO Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc), Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle (2003 Risky Reef), Martell Maghull Novices’ Chase (2003 Le Roi Miguel), Martell Aintree Hurdle (2003 Sacundai) Other Big Race Wins: HEINEKEN GOLD CUP (1999 Imperial Call), INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER NOVICES’ CHASE (2002 Azertyuiop) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2001/02): 1; 1; 5; 13 Wins This Season: 66 in UK Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Rides regularly for Paul Nicholls. Third win of the day for Ruby Walsh
FOURTH RACE RESULT
3.45pm MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL
Class A, Showcase Handicap, £600,000 Guaranteed,Four Miles & Four Furlongs (Over the Grand National Course). For six-year-olds and upwards which are allotted a rating of 110 or more by the Senior BHB NH Handicapper following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 1. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at January 22 may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible for a weight providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances to February 1 would merit a minimum rating of 110, and that the horse has either won a Steeple Chase or Hurdle Race, or has run at least three times collectively in Steeple Chases or Hurdle Races run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Turf Authority by February 1. At the Handicapper's discretion, such horses may be allotted a rating. The decision of the Senior BHB NH Handicapper shall be final. Penalty Values: 1st: £348,000; 2nd: £132,000; 3rd: £66,000; 4th: £30,000; 5th: £15,000; 6th: £9,000
1) MONTY'S PASS (Dee Racing Syndicate) Jimmy Mangan IRE 10-10-07 Barry Geraghty 16/1
2) SUPREME GLORY (Chris Moorsom & John Dyson) Pat Murphy 10-10-02 Leighton Aspell 40/1
3) AMBERLEIGH HOUSE (Halewood International Ltd) Ginger McCain 11-10-04 Graham Lee 33/1
4) GUNNER WELBURN (William Ritson/David Hall) Andrew Balding 11-10-02 Barry Fenton 16/1
5) MONTIFAULT (Anne Fulton) Paul Nicholls 8-10-04 Joe Tizzard
6) BINDAREE (Raymond Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies 9-10-11 Carl Llewellyn
7) CARBURY CROSS (Anne Duchess of Westminster) Jonjo O'Neill 9-10-12 Liam Cooper
8) BLOWING WIND (Peter Deal) Martin Pipe 10-10-09 Tom Scudamore
9) TREMALLT (Silkword Racing Partnership) Tom George 12-10-02 Jason Maguire
10) BEHRAJAN (The Behrajan Partnership) Henry Daly 8-11-12 Richard Johnson
11) DJEDDAH (Haras d'Ecouves) Francois Doumen FR b12-10-01 Thierry Doumen
12) MAJED (Sandicroft Stud II) Martin Pipe 7-10-05v Rodi Greene
13) ROYAL PREDICA (Peter Deal, John Dale, Allan Stennett) Martin Pipe t9-10-02 Mr Jamie Moore
14) SOUTHERN STAR (Trevor Hemmings) Henrietta Knight 8-10-08 Dominic Elsworth
F19) YOU'RE AGOODUN (Jeff Lammiman) Martin Pipe v11-10-09 Robert Thornton
F19) GOGUENARD (Trevor Hemmings) Sue Smith 9-10-02 Warren Marston
F19) MAXIMIZE (Lady Vestey) Henrietta Knight 9-10-04 Jim Culloty
F19) ROBBO (The Scarth Racing Partnership) Mary Reveley cp9-10-00 Alan Dempsey
F2) BRAMBLEHILL DUKE (South Wales Shower Supplies T/A Faucets) Venetia Williams 11-10-00 Brian Crowley
F22) KILLUSTY (Lady Lloyd-Webber) Charles Egerton 9-10-04 (4lb ow) Tony Dobbin
F22) BURLU (Fabien Ouaki) Martin Pipe b9-10-00 Gerry Supple
F3) WONDER WEASEL (David Halsall) Kim Bailey cp10-10-05 (3lb ow) J P McNamara
PU BEF 15) BALLINCLAY KING (Ian Guise, Brian Leatherday & Nicola Spence) Ferdy Murphy 9-10-12 Davy Russell
PU BEF 16) IRIS BLEU (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 7-11-03 Tony McCoy
PU BEF 12) CHIVES (Trevor Hemmings) Henrietta Knight 8-11-05 Richard Guest
PU 19) GOOD SHUIL (Robert Newsholme & Fergus Wilson) Charlie Mann 8-10-03 Noel Fehily
PU AFTER 12) YOULNEVERWALKALONE (J P McManus) Christy Roche IRE 9-10-11 Conor O'Dwyer
PU BEF 22) SHOTGUN WILLY (Graham Roach) Paul Nicholls 9-11-09 Ruby Walsh
PU BEF 24) GINGEMBRE (Lavinia Taylor) Lavinia Taylor 9-11-09 Andrew Thornton
PU BEF 22) EMPEREUR RIVER (P Matran) Jacques Ortet FR 11-10-00 Mr Patrick Pailhes
PU 25) RED ARK (Dorothy Mason) Richard Guest cpt10-10-00 Kenny Johnson
REF 27) CREGG HOUSE (Kathleen Kennedy) Paddy Mullins IRE 8-10-03 David Casey
UR 8) POLAR CHAMP ( The Reims Partnership) Martin Pipe v10-10-04 Danny Howard
UR 27) RED STRIKER (Norman Mason) Richard Guest t9-10-08 Mr Larry McGrath
UR 15) KATARINO (Robert Waley-Cohen) Nicky Henderson 8-10-08 Mick Fitzgerald
UR 1) THE BUNNY BOILER (The Usual Suspects Syndicate) Noel Meade IRE 9-10-10 John Cullen
UR 25) MANTLES PRINCE (Emlyn Hughes' Cleobury Golfers) Alan Juckes 9-10-03 Ollie McPhail
UR 19) AD HOC (Sir Robert Ogden) Paul Nicholls 9-11-01 Paul Carberry
UR 6 BECHERS) FADALKO (Sir Robert Ogden) Paul Nicholls 10-11-07 Seamus Durack
UR 27) TORDUFF EXPRESS (Two Plus Two) Paul Nicholls b12-10-03 Timmy Murphy
40 ran
Breeder:G Slattery Breeding: b g Montelimar - Friars Pass
Tote Win: £18.60 Places: £4.20; £12.80; £6.30; £5.40 Exacta: £533.90
Distances: 12, 2, 14, 11, 1, 18, 6, 7, 7, 9, 8, dist, 26
FIFTH RACE RESULT
4.35pm MARTELL RESERVE NOVICES’ HUNTERS’ CHASE
Class B, £17,000 Added. For 5yo+, which before January 1, 2002, have not won a race under any recognised rules of Flat racing, chasing or hurdle racing but which, after 2001 but before March 31, 2003, have been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in a hun ters’ chase or have won an Open chase (gentlemens/ladies/mixed) at a point-to-point in GB/Ireland. Weights: 5yo 11st 5lb; 6yo+ 12st. Penalties: a winner of a chase value £6,000 7lb.Allowances: mares 5lb.Penalty Values: 1st: £12,025; 2nd: £3,700; 3rd: £1,850; 4th: £925
1) LORD ATTERBURY (P J Finn) David Pipe 7-12-00 Mr Harry Fowler 7/4F
2) ARCTIC TIMES (Trevor Hemmings) Eugene O'SullivanIRE 7-12-00 Mr William O'Sullivan
3) EDGAR GINK (The ATP Racing Partnership) Liam Corcoran 9-12-00 Mr R McCarthy
4) HAZEL REILLY (John Mackley) Sarah Dent 12-11-09 Mr Lee Bates
5) PADDIES BOY (H Muldoon) Jim Lambe IRE 8-12-00 Mr Dennis Cullen
6) GOOD GOOD (F J Brennan) F Brennan -11-09 Mr James Jenkins
PU BEF LAST) BLYTH BROOK (Mrs S A Sutton) Tim Reed 11-12-00 Mr Ronald Morgan
PU BEF 3 OUT) PADDY FOR PADDY (Jane Thornton) Guy Landau 9-12-00 Mr Richard Burton
PU BEF 12) PORLOCK HILL (G T Lever) Jeremy Scott 9-12-00 Mr Neil Harris
PU BEF 4 OUT) TALE BRIDGE (J Grant Cann) Ollie Bush 10-12-00 Mr Julian Pritchard
PU BEF 2 OUT) DON ROYAL (G T Lever) Jeremy Scott 9-12-00 Mr Darren Edwards
PU BEF LAST) BORDER LIGHT (John Manners) John Manners 10-12-00 Mr Alex Charles-Jones
12 ran
Hunt: Tauntan Vale Harriers Breeding: ch g Mister Lord - Tammyiris
Tote Win: £2.80 Places: £1.70; £2.20; £2.90 Exacta: £10.20
Distances: dist, 3 1/2, 3 1/2, 5, dist
SIXTH RACE RESULT
5.10pm MARTELL CHAMPION STANDARD NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE
Class A, Grade Two, £30,000 Guaranteed. For 4-6yo which have not have not run under any recognised Rules of Racing except NH Flat races run in GB/Ireland, horses are not to have run in more than four NH Flat races, or five such if the fifth run was the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at the 2003 Cheltenham Festival. Weights: 4yo 10st 12lb; 5yo & 6yo 11st 4lb. Penalties: a winner of Grade 1 NH Flat race 4lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £17,400; 2nd: £6,600; 3rd: £3,300; 4th: £1,500; 5th: £750; 6th: £450
1) CLASSIC NATIVE (Ray & Sue Dodd Partnership) Jonjo O'Neill 5-11-01 Ron Flavin (3) 25/1
2) BE FAIR (Mrs Edward Cantillon) Don Cantillon 5-11-01 David Crosse (3) 20/1
3) TIGHTEN YOUR BELT (The Merseyclyde Partnership) Venetia Williams 6-10-13 Alan O'Keeffe (5) 10/1
4) THAMES (Trevor Hemmings) Nicky Henderson 5-10-11 Mr Andrew Tinkler
5) ERIC'S CHARM (Martin St Quinton & P Deal) Oliver Sherwood 5-10-11 Ollie Kozak (7)
6) DARK CHARACTER (Leading Star Racing Syndicate) Alan Swinbank 4-10-05 James Davies (7)
7) ASHLEY BROOK (Mrs E K Ellis) Kevin Bishop 5-11-01 Robbie McNally (3)
8) SALHOOD (J B Webb) Steve Gollings 4-10-09 Paul Robson (3)
9) EL VAQUERO (T M Curtis) Henrietta Knight 5-10-13 Robertt Biddlcombe (5)
10) RAKASSA (John Manners) John Manners 5-10-06 Mr J A Jenkins (7)
11) ARMAGUEDON (Ashleybank Investments Lted) Len Lungo 5-10-13 Garry Berridge (5)
12) RED KNIGHT (Michael O’Riordan) Christy Roche IRE 5-11-01 Mr Alan Crowe
13) BARON MONTY (Trevor Hemmings) Chris Grant 5-11-01 Dominic Elsworth (3)
14) JOHN OLIVER (P F Lehane) Edward O'Grady IRE 5-11-04 Mr Philip Fenton 3/1F
15) PATRICKSNINETEENTH (The Large G & T Partnership) Paul Webber 6-11-04 Wilson Renwick
16) VICTORY GUNNER (Ron Bartlett) C Roberts 5-11-01 Richie Forristal (3)
17) BEHZAD (Darren Brown) Ginger McCain 4-10-09 Vinnie Keane (3)
18) DEMPSEY (Tracey Brown) Mark Pitman 5-11-01 Carl Rafter (3)
19) FATHOM (K J Fehily) Lucy Normile 5-11-01 Keith Hadnett (3)
PU) FLOWER OF PITCUR (Mrs Strachan, L Palmer-Parkinson, J Morris) Tom George 6-11-01 Paddy Brennan (3)
UR) VODKA BLEU (Jamie Spencer) Martin Pipe 4-10-07 Mr Jamie Moore (5)
21 ran
Non-Runner: Miss Cospector (Vet’s Certificate)
Breeder: M W Martin Breeding: b/br g Be My Native- Thats Irish
Tote Win: £48.40 Places: £10.30; £6.30; £2.70 Exacta: £396.60
Distances: 2 1/2, 17, 1/2, 3 1/2, 2 1/2, 6, 3, 2, nk, 9, 9, 2 1/2, 14, nk, 1 3/4, 24, dist, dist
Winning trainer: JONJO O’NEILL Born: April 13, 1952 Based: Jackdaws Castle, Gloucestershire Career: former National Hunt jockey Cheltenham Festival wins: (7) Pertemps Final (1991 Danny Connors, 2003 Inching Closer); National Hunt Chase (1995 Front Line, 2002 Rith Dubh, 2003 Sudden Shock); Vincent O’Brien County H’cap Hurdle (2000 Master Tern), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2003 Spectroscope) Aintree Festival wins: Martell cognac V.S. Hcap Chase (2000 Radiation, 2002 Carbury Cross, 2003 Master Tern), Martell Handicap Hurdle (2002 Sudden Shock); Martell XO Anniversary 4YO Hurdle (2002 Quazar), Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle (2002 Intersky Falcon), Topham Chase (2003 Clan Royal), Martell Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Iris’s Gift), Martell Champion Standard National Hunt Flat Race (2003 Classic Native) Horses in Training (1996-2002): 53; 59; 59; 78; 78, 75, 98 Number of Winners (1995/96-2001/02): 18; 17; 32; 38; 44; 58; 113 Other Big Race Wins: Tripleprint Gold Cup (1999 Legal Right), Tote Silver Cup (2000 Legal Right), Tote Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle (2002 Native Emperor), Kingwell Hurdle (2003 Rhinestone Cowboy), Challow Hurdle (2002 Coolnagorna), Reynoldstwon Chase (2003 Keen Leader), Welsh National (2002 Mini Sensation) Wins this season: 113 4th success of the 2003 Martell Grand National meeting for Jonjo O’Neill - leading trainer
Winning Jockey: Ron Flavin Racing Background: Son of Limerick trainer William. Former Irish amateur riding 12 winners under Rules and a further 80 point-to-point winners who joined Oliver Sherwood in July 2000 after riding out for Brian Meehan for a week Wins in 2001/2002: 15 Big Race Wins: Martell Champion Standard National Hunt Flat Race (2003 Classic Native)
BIGGEST GAMBLE LANDED, BUT HILLS STILL PLEASED WITH NATIONAL RESULT
Monty's Pass has won the biggest winning bets in National history with his magnificent victory today. William Hill laid £5,000 EW at 33-1 in February and a week later £10,000 at 20-1, paying a total of £413,000. But Hills are still smiling as the well backed favourites, Shotgun Willy, Chives, Iris Bleu and Ad Hoc failed to make the frame.
Head of Public Relations for Hills, David Hood, said, "the race has worked out a score draw as the connections have landed the touch of all touches but overall it is a tremendous result for the bookmakers."
Hills offer 20-1 for Monty's Pass to repeat his success in the 2004 Grand National.
RECORD TURNOVER ON GRAND NATIONAL IN GOOD RESULT FOR BOOKIES
The victory of Monty's Pass in today's Grand National was a great result for the horse's owners who backed the horse to win £200,000 from Ladbrokes.
Overall though the winner and the placed horses represented the best result that bookmakers have enjoyed in the race in recent years.
Ladbrokes, the World's biggest bookmaker, confirms today that turnover on this year's Grand National reached record levels with upwards of £110 million being staked with the British bookmaking industry today.
Turnover was up at least 10% on last year with Ladbrokes attributing the increase to the greater than ever accessibility of betting. This was particularly apparent with the substantial increase in the number of bets struck via the Internet and telephone. Turnover through these channels was up by around 25%
Spokesman Mike Dillon commented
'The nations punters enjoyed fantastic results at the Cheltenham Festival but we've managed to claw some of that money back with a very good Aintree. You could say that we're now 1-1 at half time with the jump season coming to an end and a great flat racing season ahead.'
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
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