Friday, April 2, 2004
MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL MEETING
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
AINTREE, FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2004
FINAL 2004 MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL FIELD
Class A, Showcase Handicap, Total Prize Fund £600,000, 3.45pm, Aintree, Saturday, April 3, 2004. 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 21 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. Entries closed Wednesday, January 21, 2004 (122 entries), entries revealed Thursday, January 22, 2004. Weights revealed Tuesday, February 3, 2004. First confirmation stage Tuesday, February 17, 2004 (100 remained); second confirmation stage Tuesday, March 23, 2004 (77 remained). Five-day confirmation stage Monday, March 29, 2004 (61 remain). Final declaration stage 10am, Thursday, April 1, 2004 (40 declared). Confirmation of riders must be made by 1.00pm Thursday, April 1, 2004. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Sunday, March 29, 2004. May not include some overseas form.
No. Form Horse Age/Wgt Owner Trainer Probable Jockey
1)11F4-422 LE COUDRAY (FR) 10-11-12 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE Conor O’Dwyer
2)3641-5000 MONTY'S PASS (IRE) 11-11-10 Dee Racing Syndicate Jimmy Mangan IRE Barry Geraghty
3)14P52/F-4 WHAT'S UP BOYS (IRE) 10-11-09 Jacky Deithrick Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson
4)16U3/-660420 ALEXANDER BANQUET (IRE) 11-11-08 Miriam O'Callaghan Willie Mullins IRE Shay Barry
5)24/13-36 KINGSMARK (IRE) 11-11-07 Sir Robert Ogden Martin Todhunter Mick Fitzgerald
6)PU3/-1313 ARTIC JACK (FR) 8-11-07 Trevor Hemmings Sue Smith Dominic Elsworth
7)3-161F20 RISK ACCESSOR (IRE) 9-11-04 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE Seamus Durack
8)404-35626 DAVIDS LAD (IRE) 10-11-04 Eddie Joe's Racing Syndicate Tony Martin IRE Timmy Murphy
9)06-F216 BINDAREE (IRE) 10-11-04 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies Carl Llewellyn
10)4-2555P1 ALCAPONE (IRE) 10-11-00 Ann Daly Mouse Morris IRE Noel Fehily
11)P-1211415U PUNTAL (FR) 8-10-13 Terry Neill Martin Pipe Danny Howard
12)000-431 SOUTHERN STAR (IRE) 9-10-13 Trevor Hemmings Henrietta Knight Joe Tizzard
13)310-2431 HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) 8-10-12 Trevor Hemmings Willie Mullins IRE David Casey
14)12-U11P042 SHARDAM (IRE) 7-10-11 Howard Parker Nigel Twiston-Davies Tom Scudamore
15)230-435601 TAKAGI (IRE) 9-10-11 Dermot Cox Edward O'Grady IRE Davy Russell
16)5/1110-2 JOSS NAYLOR (IRE) 9-10-11 Darren Mercer Jonjo O'Neill Paul Carberry
17)033-342P5 AMBERLEIGH HOUSE (IRE) 12-10-10 Halewood International Ltd Ginger McCain Graham Lee
18)P00U0-0P0 THE BUNNY BOILER (IRE) 10-10-08 The Usual Suspects Syndicate Noel Meade IRE Ross Geraghty
19)10/-22P2101P TYNEANDTHYNEAGAIN 9-10-08 Norman Mason Richard Guest Henry Oliver
21)014-P1P1 GUNNER WELBURN 12-10-08 William Ritson/David Hall/R D Ellis Andrew Balding Tony Dobbin
22)15-36514 KELAMI (FR) 6-10-07 Halewood International Ltd Francois Doumen FR Thierry Doumen
23)13-14521 JURANCON II (FR) 7-10-07 David Johnson Martin Pipe Tony McCoy
24)06-0601P ROYAL ATALZA (FR) 7-10-06 Terry Ramsden Conrad Allen Paul Moloney
25)3122035P1 JUST IN DEBT (IRE) 8-10-05 Bill Hazeldean Martin Todhunter Jim Culloty
26)PUP-35336 EXIT TO WAVE (FR) 8-10-05 Malcolm Pearce & Gerry Mizel II Paul Nicholls Ruby Walsh
27)51411-1 CLAN ROYAL (FR) 9-10-05 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill Liam Cooper
28)6P02-FP AKARUS (FR) 9-10-04 John White Martin Pipe Rodi Greene
29)U0-U04225 SPOT THEDIFFERENCE (IRE) 11-10-04 J P McManus Enda Bolger IRE Richard McGrath
30)1/0P6-3P BOUNCE BACK (USA) 8-10-04 Belinda Harvey Martin Pipe Andrew Thornton
31)120-43440 ARDENT SCOUT 12-10-03 Alicia & Warren Skene Sue Smith Warren Marston
32)12-P1112 BEAR ON BOARD (IRE) 9-10-01 Jim Brown Alan King Robert Thornton
33)11-1P LORD ATTERBURY (IRE) 8-10-01 David Johnson Martin Pipe Mark Bradburne
34)312/2U6- MANTLES PRINCE 10-10-01Emlyn Hughes' Cleobury Golfers Alan Juckes Ollie McPhail
35)6000-40R BLOWING WIND (FR) 11-10-01 Peter Deal Martin Pipe Jimmy McCarthy
36)11-30U05 SKYCAB (IRE) 12-10-00 P H Betts (Holdings) Ltd Nick Gifford Leighton Aspell
37)4F-5FPP030 WONDER WEASEL (IRE) 11-10-00 Alan Halsall Kim Bailey J P McNamara
38)35PP/05-40 SMARTY (IRE) 11-10-00 Tracy Brown Mark Pitman Andrew Tinkler
40)0/1-0F514BP LUZCADOU (FR) 11-10-00 A G Chappell Ferdy Murphy Brian Harding
*39)U3-F64S6P MONTREAL (FR) 7-10-00 David Johnson Martin Pipe Joey Elliott
*20)0F-P6P3250 BRAMBLEHILL DUKE (IR) 12-10-00 Mel Davies Venetia Williams James Davies
* Montreal was first reserve but will run as number 39 following Silver Streak’s withdrawal on a vet’s certificate on Thursday while the second reserve, Bramblehill Duke, takes the place of Red Striker, who was withdrawn on Friday because of the ground.
NON-RUNNER IN NATIONAL
No 20 Red Striker (ground)
Richard Guest, trainer of Red Striker, has stated that the horse is a non-runner due to the ground in tomorrow’s Martell Cognac Grand National.
Red Striker is now replaced by the second reserve Bramblehill Duke with James Davies as the jockey.
The horses will appear on the card in weight order with No. 39 Montreal, the first reserve who replaced Silver Streak yesterday, and No. 20 Bramblehill Duke appearing as the last two horses on the card - i.e. the bottom of the card will appear as:
37 Wonder Weasel 11-10-00
38 Smarty 11-10-00
40 Luzcadou 11-10-00
39 Montreal 7-10-00
20 Bramblehill Duke 12-10-00
GRANDSTAND VIEW OF TWO WINNER’S ENCLOSURES
The BBC’s coverage of the 2004 Martell Cognac Grand National will involve live broadcasts from not one, but two winner’s enclosures.
While Sue Barker and Clare Balding front the broadcaster’s Grandstand programme from the number one spot at Aintree, Irish correspondent Brian Gleeson will be live in the winner’s enclosure at Conna in East Cork - but this hallowed enclave is a pub!
Gleeson said: “The pub has been chosen because it’s in the village which is home to Jimmy Mangan, trainer of last year’s winner, Monty’s Pass. I’ll be talking to friends and family of the Mangans, and also to supporters of the horse as he prepares to tackle the race again.
“Everyone in the village is really revved up for this, and it should make quite an occasion - I’m looking forward to it.
“At odds of around 25/1 Monty’s Pass is a very sporting each-way bet, taking into account how easily he won last year.”
Gleeson, who swears he will be on soft drinks (at least until after the broadcast), also hopes to interview members of Davy Russell’s family, who live nearby. Russell rides Takagi, one of a number of fancied Irish runners in this year’s race.
But the Irishman reckons Davids Lad is the pick. He said: “Davids Lad was travelling like a winner two years ago - he might be the one this year.”
HANDICAPPER PICKS TWO
Senior British Horseracing Board handicapper Phil Smith, the man who fashioned the weights for the 2004 Martell Grand National, named Jurancon II and Hedgehunter as the two horses he considers to be “well in” on the handicap.
Smith said today: “Jurancon would be a stone higher for his Haydock run and Hedgehunter would be carrying 6lb more had the weights been announced later.”
But with 35 horses in the handicap proper, only one less than last year and considerably higher than in earlier years, Smith said: “I had been hoping that all 40 would be in the handicap but there have been some high profile withdrawals in the last few days.
“Some of the horses have gone this year for the Martell Cognac Topham Chase and that looks a strong race this year. Invariably, when you have a strong Topham, it takes some of the depth out of the National.
“I used to worry about the weights but I take the view now that they are 39 other runners and 30 fences to jump.”
He added: “I saw last night that there were four horses sharing favouritism at 10-1 which suggests to me that the bookmakers and the general public are finding it hard to find the winner. Long may it continue.”
More Martell Cognac jockey quotes
Mark Bradburne has been handed the ride on the Martin Pipe-trained hunter chaser Lord Atterbury, although he could have partnered Smarty, the runner-up in 2001.
Bradburne, who has ridden in the race twice without completing the course, said: “My agent, Russ James, did a great job and got me the ride. I could have ridden Smarty, but Lord Atterbury is unexposed.
“I’ve never sat on the horse, but I saw him a lot last year and I know his connections think a lot of him. He was disappointing at Cheltenham [when pulled up in the Christie’s Foxhunter Chase] but he’s been given a mark of 130 by handicapper Phil Smith and if he runs to that he could go well.”
Tom Scudamore partners the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Shardam, who was runner-up to Fork Lightning on his latest start in the William Hill National Hunt Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
Scudamore said: “I think we’ve got a great chance - but we do need luck! I rode him up the gallops the other day, and although we did nothing special he felt really well. This will be my fourth ride in the race - I was eighth last year [on Blowing Wind], and had pulled up and fallen in two other attempts.”
HARD WATCHING FOR SCUDAMORE
For Peter Scudamore, watching his son Tom ride Shardam in the Martell Cognac Grand National at Aintree will be like sitting in the dentist’s chair - relief when it is all over!
Shardam will be Tom’s fourth ride in the world’s greatest chase, and his father, who never won the race but still rates his third place on Corbiere behind Last Suspect in 1985, reckons that if Nigel Twiston-Davies’s horse jumps round he “has a squeak.”
Scudamore snr, who will again take his place as part of the BBC television Aintree team, said: ”Shardam has some good form, but he is only seven and you have to go back to Bogskar in 1940 to find the last winner from that age group.
“It is much harder watching Tom ride round here than it ever was in my riding days. I get into a terrible state and Richard Pitman reckons I stop breathing - for nine minutes that is not easy, but you know how prone to exaggeration he is!
“Tom had a wonderful ride round on Blowing Wind last year, and his riding has improved every season.
“Some people seem to forget that he is still only 21, but I maintain that he is riding better than I was at the same stage of his career, though I would have to admit that standards of riding have generally improved.”
LOOKING FORWARD TO TOMORROW’S BIG RACE
Martin Pipe expects to saddle no fewer than seven runners in tomorrow’s Martell Cognac Grand National - Puntal, Jurancon II, Akarus, Bounce Back, Lord Atterbury, Blowing Wind and Montreal.
Pipe’s son, David, said: “On their best form they all have realistic chances.
“If I had to nominate one to get round it would be Blowing Wind, because he’s been third in the race twice and was eighth last year. But a more realistic winner - if the ground stays dry - would be Jurancon.”
Pipe jnr trained Lord Atterbury for point-to-pointing and hunter chasing until the horse was recently switched into his father’s yard. Of Lord Atterbury, Pipe jnr, said: “He’s no different now than he was before he disappointed at Cheltenham. We really don’t know why he ran so poorly, although Ashley [Farrant, who rode the horse] said he felt the ground was too soft. I can’t see it that way, but he was the man on top, and the horse did win easily on good fast ground last year.”
Tony Dobbin partners the Andrew Balding-trained Gunner Welburn, who was fourth in the race last year.
Dobbin said: “I sat on him last weekend and the Baldings tell me he’s never been in better form. I schooled him over some National-type fences and he jumps well. I’ve not discussed riding plans yet, but he was up near the front last year and it seemed to suit him.”
Mick Fitzgerald rides Kingsmark for Martin Todhunter. Fitzgerald, who won the race in 1996 on Rough Quest, said: “I’d really fancy him if the ground was soft. He’s got plenty of weight on his back.
Carl Llewellyn reports 2002 Martell Grand National winner Bindaree in “great shape” for this year’s race. The jockey, who is chasing his third success in the Martell Cognac Grand National, said: “He is better form leading up the race this year than he was last year.
“In fact, the girl who normally rides him at home has not been able to do so for the last six weeks because he has been so strong. He finished sixth last year and that was after he was his belly at Becher’s second time round. To finish like he did was a tremendous performance.
“If he transfers his form at home onto the racecourse tomorrow, then he must have a great chance. He really is in cracking form.”
“I would prefer some rain for him despite the fact he has won on firm ground. But soft ground will knock out a few horses and his forte is stamina. He does have plenty of weight but Suny Bay ran a tremendous race in soft ground here a couple of year ago when top weight so horses above 11st can do it.
LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE FOR MANGAN
When Monty’s Pass crossed the finishing line 12 lengths ahead of Supreme Glory in last year’s Martell Cognac Grand National, life was never going to be the same for winning trainer Jimmy Mangan.
“It’s been hectic and life hasn’t been normal since we won the National,” said Mangan. “All the people I’ve met at functions in England and back in Ireland - if it weren’t for winning the National none of it would have happened.
“There’s been pressure on me but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. The difference is when I’m walking through local towns, women will say, ‘That’s the man who won the National.”
Mangan is back on Merseyside hoping that his stable star can work the magic again in the world’s most famous chase.
“Monty’s Pass came to Liverpool early yesterday morning and left home on Wednesday. He travelled great and I couldn’t be happier,” he continued.
“He cantered on the track this morning and I’m very pleased with him. He was in great form at home and he comes to life in the spring.”
Monty’s Pass was last seen on a racecourse on March 7, when he finished eighth in a novices’ hurdle behind Zum See.
When put to him that a couple of runs over hurdles seemed a typical Irish way of getting ready for the National, Mangan laughed: “A nice preparation! You all seem to be amused by this!
“He was finishing well that day, running on well over too short a distance. David Casey rode him and he was very pleased.”
The handicapper tends not to react conservatively to horses that win the Martell Cognac Grand National by 12 lengths and Monty’s Pass is on a mark a stone higher than last year.
Despite this burden the trainer is optimistic that his charge will be among the first four home.
“I still think that Monty’s Pass will run a very big race. He loves Liverpool and you know what they say, ‘Horses for courses.’ I would recommend a little each-way bet and I’m expecting him to be in the frame,”
he added.
A SOUTHERN STAR IS BORN
Henrietta Knight bids to become the first trainer to win the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and Martell Cognac Grand National in the same year since Fred Rimell completed this amazing feat in 1976 courtesy of Royal Frolic in the former and Rag Trade in the Martell Cognac Grand National.
Knight runs Southern Star in this year’s National, having won the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup last month with Best Mate, who was winning the race for the third consecutive season.
Last term Southern Star finished 14th in the Martell Cognac Grand National.
Drew Miller, Knight’s travelling head lad, said: “Southern Star is in great form and he’s coming up to Aintree today. He’s not been doing anything special, just his normal routine, cantering and working as normal. We don’t have any fences at home like he’ll face in the National.
“He jumped around last year and hopefully he’ll do the same again - as long as he gets around and comes back in one piece we’ll be happy.
“Joe Tizzard rides him and he came down on Monday and rode him. He was pleased with him and he’s ridden him before last season before he broke his neck and he liked him.Southern Star is not too difficult a horse to get to know.
“Last time he beat Jurancon II around Warwick when Graham Lee rode him. I won’t be having a bet on him though.”
ALEXANDER BANQUET AND HEDGEHUNTER SETTLING IN NICELY
The Willie Mullins-trained pair of Hedgehunter and Alexander Banquet have settled in nicely at Liverpool ahead of their bid for glory in the world’s most famous chase tomorrow.
Tracey Gilmore, Mullins’ travelling manager, said: “Hedgehunter and Alexander Banquet arrived yesterday and walked around this morning. They’re grand, well and happy.
“I’m pleased with the way that they travelled from Ireland.
“We’ve not made up our minds what we’ll do with them tomorrow morning - they won’t do a lot and probably just stretch their legs.”
RACE ONE THE MARTELL COGNAC EMBER INNS HANDICAP CHASE
GROUND
After today’s opening contest, the following jockeys reported the ground as being:
Tony Dobbin, rider of Master Tern, said: “On the easy side, dead.”
Tom Scudamore, rider of Toto Toscato, said: “Quick.” [he also reported that his mount pulled up lame]
Bobby McNally, rider of Un Jour A Vassy, said: “Nice and you’re getting you toe in in places.”
Timmy Murphy, rider of Sir Frosty, said: “Good.”
Rodi Greene, rider of Mondial Jack, said: “Good.”
Ruby Walsh, rider of Royal Auclair, said: “Lovely.”
Paul Carberry, rider of winner Lord Of The River, said: “On the easy side of good.”
Noel Fehily, rider of Merchants Friend, said: “Good ground.”
Richard McGrath, rider of Hugo De Grez, said: “Good ground, a little bit dead in the odd place.”
Russ Garritty, rider of Hugo De Grez, said: “Good ground.”
FIRST EVER £1 MILLION THURSDAY FOR totepool
Thursday’s on-course totepool turnover broke the seven-figure barrier for the first ever time on the Martell Cognac Grand National meeting’s opening day.
The totepool turnover for the day reached £1,075,980, beating last year’s figure of £892,170 by 20.6 per cent.
GOOD STILL AFTER RAIN
Two millimetres of rain fell overnight at Aintree, and Andrew Tulloch, clerk of the course, confirmed that the ground is still GOOD on all courses for the second day of the Martell Cognac Grand National meeting.
Tulloch said:”They were predicting four millimetres, but we got only half that and the rain stopped at 2.30am.
“There is the possibility of the odd shower today but it looks like being predominately cloudy and dry, so all looks set fair for another wonderful day’s racing.”
MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL MEETING
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
AINTREE, FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2004
RECORD CROWD PASSES 50,000
Today’s crowd was a record 50,500, beating last year’s figure of 47,430 on the Friday of the Martell Cognac Grand National meeting.
Charles Barnett, Aintree’s Managing Director, commented: “It is amazing to think our Friday crowd has now topped the 50,000 mark.
“We have had two tremendous days’ attendances and are looking forward to another bumper crowd on Martell Cognac Grand National day.”
totepool TURNOVER UP 10%
Today’s on-course totepool cash turnover was £ 1,626,907, up 10% on last year’s figure of £ 1,474,021.
GROUND STILL GOOD
With the possibility of showers this evening, Aintree’s clerk of the course, Andrew Tulloch, will not be watering the course overnight.
The forecast is also for a weather front moving in from the west, bringing with it up to five millimetres of rain, which is expected to reach Aintree at 11am tomorrow morning.
Tulloch said: “I am very pleased with the condition of the Grand National course - the jockeys report it is in excellent condition - the best we have ever had it.”
WALSH GOES FOR X-RAY
Ruby Walsh has decided to go to Fazackerley Hospital for a precautionary x-ray on a wrist following a fall from Early Edition in the three-mile novices’ chase.
Walsh will have to pass the doctor in the morning before he is cleared to partner Exit to Wave in the Martell Cognac Grand National, though Richard Johnson, who took a crunching fall from Willie John Daly in the finale, emerged unscathed and will be fit to ride What’s Up Boys.
Leighton Aspell, who rides Skycab in the big one, also went to Fazackerley for an x-ray on his shoulder after being brought down on Claymore in the last race, and he, too, had a red entry in his medical book which will mean him also seeking clearance from the racecourse doctor in the morning.
THE BEST-DRESSED RACEGOER
After a celebration tonight, Kate Hallam - who beat off 700 other contestants to land the ‘Looking Good’ style competition for the best-dressed racegoer - has some driving lessons on her agenda after winning an X-Type Jaguar Estate.
Hallam, a model and drama student from Buxton in Derbyshire, said: “I only planned to enter the competiton a couple of days ago and got my grey suit sent to Manchester from Prada in London and my black hat from the Seven Arches Boutique in Manchester.
“My picture is in the racecard as I entered the competition last year but I didn’t make the final - I chose a more scantily-clad white outfit 12 months ago like a lot of the ladies today.
“I came with my family today and can’t believe I’ve won, we’ll definitely be out celebrating tonight in Buxton - everyone is getting the train as they’ve had too much to drink to drive.
“I’ve seen the car, it is a lovely ultra-violet colour and I’ll be taking some driving lessons as soon as I can.”
FIRST RACE WINNING QUOTES
MARTELL COGNAC EMBER INNS HANDICAP CHASE
RIVER LORDS IT IN OPENER
Lord Of The River gave owners Brian Stewart-Brown and Jonathan Palmer-Brown some compensation for having to miss the Martell Cognac Grand National by winning the Martell Cognac Ember Inns Handicap Chase.
They had The Bushkeeper entered in Saturday's race but he had to be withdrawn last weekend.
Trainer Nicky Henderson said: "It is lovely when you get these old boys back but it has been a long hard struggle.
"Four or five years ago, he was a very good horse but we had decided to qualify him in hunter chases. The idea was to win or finish second in his first two hunter chases and go for the Foxhunters’ but that all went wrong in his first race. We then decided to bring him back via the handicap route."
He added: "He was so good and Paul (Carberry) told me they only had the one disagreement. When you are 12 years of age, you know when to say No and when to say Yes."
He also revealed: "I am sorry for Mick (Fitzgerald) because he has done so much work with the horse but he cannot do that weight of 10st."
It was the first time Carberry had sat on the gelding and he said: "He jumped very well and he still has plenty of enthusiasm.”
RACE ONE PLACED QUOTES
THE MARTELL COGNAC EMBER INNS HANDICAP
MIDLAND FINE AFTER CULLOTY DISMOUNTS
Jim Culloty dismounted from runner-up Midland Flame after passing the post and walked him back to the unsaddling enclosure, but, fortunately, the horse was sound by the time he got back.
Terry Biddlecombe, husband of Midland Flame’s trainer, Henrietta Knight, said:”He might have rapped a nerve, but he is OK now and we have to be happy with that run.
“He likes coming up here, so we might bring him back next year for the National itself. He is a real stayer, and he will keep going all day.”
Un Jour A Vassy ran really well on his first outing for 106 days, and carried jockey Bobby McNally into third place.
Having picked up another £4,400 in his battle with Martin Pipe for the trainers’ championship, Paul Nicholls looked pleased, and said: "I'm delighted with the horse - he's had a nice break because he doesn't want soft ground. He'll definitely be in action again soon and ideally he would run through the summer, but it's hard to find races for him."
RACE ONE THE MARTELL COGNAC EMBER INNS HANDICAP CHASE
GROUND
After today’s opening contest, the following jockeys reported the ground as being:
Tony Dobbin, rider of Master Tern, said: “On the easy side, dead.”
Tom Scudamore, rider of Toto Toscato, said: “Quick.” [he also reported that his mount pulled up lame]
Bobby McNally, rider of Un Jour A Vassy, said: “Nice and you’re getting you toe in in places.”
Timmy Murphy, rider of Sir Frosty, said: “Good.”
Rodi Greene, rider of Mondial Jack, said: “Good.”
Ruby Walsh, rider of Royal Auclair, said: “Lovely.”
Paul Carberry, rider of winner Lord Of The River, said: “On the easy side of good.”
Noel Fehily, rider of Merchants Friend, said: “Good ground.”
Richard McGrath, rider of Hugo De Grez, said: “Good ground, a little bit dead in the odd place.”
Russ Garritty, rider of Hugo De Grez, said: “Good ground.”
SAM THOMAS
Jockey Sam Thomas has been taken to Fazakerley Hospital suffering from bad facial cuts sustained in a fall on Mercato at the 14th obstacle in this afternoon’s opener. He will not ride tomorrow.
RACE TWO PREMIER CONVENIENCE STORES TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE
WINNINF QUOTES
GOLLINGS CELEBRATES BIGGEST WIN
Punters were stunned when Royal Shakespeare sprang a 25-1 shock when reeling in the front-running Contraband in the shadow of the winning post to give Louth trainer Steve Gollings the biggest success of his career.
This time last year Royal Shakespeare was plying his trade in Abu Dhabi, but Gollings snapped him up for 52,000gns at Doncaster Sales and rates is “one of my best day’s shopping.”
Gollings, whose wife Jane rides out the winner every morning, said: ”Chocolate Thornton rode him when he won first time out at Sedgefield, and he has just told me that he cannot believe how much the horse has improved.
“We did not know whether he had the class to win a race of this calibre, but he has done the job well.
“The fact that he won over further at Doncaster last time stood him in good stead from the last as his stamina came into play, but Chocolate apologised for laying a bit too far out of his ground.
“Ironically, Nicky Henderson, who trained third-placed Fleet Street, was underbidder for Royal Shakespeare at the sales, so I suspect that both he and David Minton (bloodstock agent) are a bit miffed.
“Royal Shakespeare will be off on his holidays now, but he will make a smashing novice chaser next year. He is owned by John Webb, who has 13 or 14 horses with me, and, though he is in Las Vegas, I am sure that he’ll be on the phone any time now and he’ll have an extra few quid for the tables tonight.”
RACE TWO PREMIER CONVENIENCE STORES TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE
PLACED QUOTES
CONTRABAND FAILS TO STEAL NOVICES’ HURDLE
The Tony McCoy-ridden Contraband ran a really fine race, making the running and batting away challenges until headed a few strides from the post by winner Royal Shakespeare.
David Pipe, representing his father, Martin, who trains Contraband, said: “Both horse and jockey were superb – it was just disappointing to get done near the line.
“The horse clearly likes quick ground and two miles. It was a very good performance, but whether he will run again this season I don’t know.”
THORNTON LOOKS FORWARD TO BEAR ON BOARD
Robert Thornton rides Bear On Board for Alan King and he admitted: "We would like a little bit more rain. To be fair he lacks that little bit of class but this is the Grand National and everything can happen.
"He is the best chance I have had in the race. I finished fifth on Supreme Charm two years ago but apart from that my record is a bit dire."
THIRD RACE WINNER’S QUOTES
THE MARTELL COGNAC MELLING STEEPLE CHASE
Moscow Flyer could go for
King George VI Chase
Moscow Flyer soared back to his best and eased the memory of his Cheltenham blunder when easily winning the Martell Cognac Melling Steeple Chase.
He now heads to Punchestown, but British racegoers could well see him at Kempton next season, when Boxing Day’s Pertemps King George VI Chase is one possible target.
Looking ahead to that three-mile event, trainer Jessica Harrington said: “As long as he settles and gets into a rhythm he’s got a chance of staying.”
Harrington admitted today’s win was “a great, great relief,” following the horse’s blip at Cheltenham, when he unseated Barry Geraghty in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
However, she added: “In a funny way it was almost a relief when he got it wrong [at Cheltenham] because he was alright [after the race]. There was so much hype before that race and I felt much more relaxed this time - at least until just before the off.
“During the race my mouth was dry and my heart was pounding - I’ve got to get rid of the Fs and Us [in his formline].”
The horse’s knack of winning three times then losing his jockey has been noted by Harrington, who said: “If we get to three wins this time I’ll have to take him to a little race, not Cheltenham.”
Jockey Barry Geraghty said: “It could have been a helluva lot worse last time. He was not in as big a rush today. Mick [Fitzgerald on Isio] quickened it up down the back and I didn’t want to be in front too soon. When we got to the front he dossed.”
The jockey added: “He’s a serious, serious horse. Just sheer class. He makes mistakes because he’s got the bottle - like Roy Keane, who’s got the bottle to make a tackle and get stuck in. It doesn’t always work out for the horse, it doesn’t always work out for Roy Keane, too.”
RACE THREE THE MARTELL COGNAC MELLING CHASE
QUOTES
MOSCOW FLYER’S OWNER A HAPPY MAN
The winning owner Brian Kearney said: “This certainly does make up for Cheltenham - he’s a fantastic horse but he does give us a fright ever so often and you have got to live with that.
“But he is just magic. I think that is as good a performance as he has given in any of his races.
“He was the first horse I ever owned and the dream just goes on and on and on. I have been going racing since I was a young fellow and I always had a notion of buying a horse but never got around to it - I was working too hard or whatever.
“So it was only when I came close to retirement that I said we would get a horse - I would recommend it to everybody.
“I am learning in reverse - I have had a couple since which were not very good but I have a couple of young ones at the moment.
“It is just brilliant having Moscow Flyer, like walking on air.”
RACE THREE THE MARTELL COGNAC MELLING CHASE
PLACED QUOTES
ISIO FINDS IRISH RAIDER TOO POWERFUL
Isio put up a fine fight in today’s feature but in the end he went down by six lengths to last year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Moscow Flyer.
On his last start Isio won in handicap company at Newbury.
Isio’s trainer Nicky Henderson said: “We’ve blown handicaps forever.
“He wants a good gallop and the other horses wouldn’t give him a lead so he rather set the race up for them.
“He’s never stopped improving which makes things very difficult next year but we’ll definitely be thinking about Cheltenham.
“This horse wouldn’t let you down in a million years.”
Arthur Moore, trainer of third-placed Native Upmanship, who has won the last two runnings of this contest, said: “He would have preferred the ground to be softer and we needed a bit more rain. He’s 11 now and he has been beaten by two, better younger horses.
“He’ll go to Punchestown and we will have him back next year where the new two and a half mile championship chase at Cheltenham will be on the agenda.”
RACE FOUR THE MARTELL COGNAC TOPHAM CHASE
QUOTES
CASSIA REACHES THE HEIGHTS
Steve Brookshaw was celebrating his fourth win over the big Aintree fences when 33/1 shot Cassia Heights held off the late charge from Longshanks to win the Martell Cognac Topham Chase.
The trainer’s early successes had been with Rolling Ball, Lord Timmy and of course with the 1997 Martell Grand National winner Lord Gyllene.
But he admitted his had his heart in his mouth on the run-in from the Elbow.
Brookshaw explained: “He has only been out of the money about twice in 25 runs and he has won in the region of £55,000 up to now. But he has won only four times because he keeps getting caught on the run-in. I thought it might happen again.
“I have always had this race in mind for him. I knew he would get round because he jumps so well at home. I knew these fences would bring him into his own.
“Jim Culloty gave him a beautiful ride. He kept on the inside and was able to stay out of all the trouble.”
He added: “He was not good enough to get in the National this year and I have entered him for the Scottish National. We might look at something like the Summer National at Uttoxeter.”
Owner David Drew said: “I, in fact, wanted to go to Bangor in a fortnight’s time but Steve was adamamant that this was the race and he was right.
“The Grand National next year obviously comes into out thoughts now. All credit to Steve for the way he has looked after this horse, I am over the moon. Normally when Cassia Heights wins, I am physically sick but that has not happened today.”
One good luck omen for Culloty is the fact that Cassia Heights is by Montelimar, the same sire of Never In Debt, the horse he rides in tomorrow’s Martell Grand National.
The jockey said: “He went down on his head a couple of times but he is a tough horse and I knew he was not going to give in.
“I heard the commentary half way up the run-in so I knew Longshanks was closing but he just pulled out a bit more.”
RACE FOUR THE MARTELL COGNAC TOPHAM CHASE
PLACED QUOTES
KIM BAILEY “ABSOLUTELY GUTTED”
Jockey JP McNamara was in tears and trainer Kim Bailey confessed that he was “absolutely gutted” after Longshanks had just failed to peg back 25-1 shot Cassia Heights in the Topham.
Sighing “that was cruel, and I really needed it, too,” Bailey said: “Longshanks belted the sixth fence hard and it definitely cost us the race. He lost a few places and everywhere JP went he could not get out of trouble.
“We came here confident that he would run a huge race, and I am so disappointed, but the plan was to find out whether we had a National horse, and now we know.
“We could take Longshanks to Punchestown as he has only just come back from a break, but now everything will be planned with the 2005 National in mind.”
Monty’s Pass also finished second in a Topham en route to winning the National, and Longshanks’s connections are hoping that their dour stayer emulate that feat.
Howard Johnson, trainer of third-placed Scotmail Boy, said: “Scotmail Boy has run excellent and I had the fifth (Young Whack) as well. Young Whack bled a furlong out and so did Dalaram yesterday. They’re in the same yard so I’m sure there’s something on them.
“I’m not doing so bad - my horses are knocking at the door but they’re not going through it.”
RACE FOUR THE MARTELL COGNAC TOPHAM CHASE
HORSES AND JOCKEYS
All the horses are fine after the Martell Cognac Topham Chase.
Mick FitzGerald, who rode Scots Grey, was shaken up and like Carl Llewellyn, the rider of Whereareyounow who sustained a cut wrist, will not ride again this afternoon.
Both riders will be required to pass the doctor in the morning before riding tomorrow. FitzGerald is due to partner Kingsmark in the Martell Cognac Grand National and Llewellyn is booked for Bindaree.
In the fifth race Davy Russell rides Champagne Harry in place of Llewellyn, while Timmy Murphy rides Thames in place of Mick FitzGerald.
Davy Russell will also take Llewellyn’s place in the seventh race.
OTHER JOCKEY CHANGES
In the sixth race Tony Ross rides Buzybakson in place of Richard Hobson while in the seventh race Joe Tizzard rides His Nibs in place of Sam Thomas.
FIFTH RACE WINNER’S QUOTES
THE MARTELL COGNAC SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (GRADE 1)
ACCIPITER IS BEST
Young jockey Tom Best, who has a 5lb allowance, could not claim in this valuable Grade 1 event, but it made no difference to the result as he drove Accipiter to victory from Grey Report.
The Toby Balding-trained five-year-old is owned by Bridget Swire and comes from a family of useful horses.
Best said: “Mr Balding and the owner, Miss Swire, let me keep the ride. I’ve learnt lots from Mr Balding about race riding and schooling. I’m really grateful to him for giving me a chance. Every time Mr Balding tells me something it’s constructive.”
Jonathan Geake, assistant trainer to Balding, is expected to take the reins at Weyhill when the boss retires in November.
Geake said: “The horse might run again [this season], but it’s very much ground dependent. This was as fast as he would want it. I spoke to [jockey] Mark Bradburne after the first race and he said the ground was perfectly safe and we respected his views.
“We started training this horse as a two-year-old and he didn’t get to the track. He was very backward, like all the family, but he’s been an absolute revelation this season. He’s not big, but we’ll school him over fences and see from there.”
RACE FIVE MARTELL COGNAC SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE
QUOTES
GREY REPORT NEARLY GETS FULL MARKS
Philip Hobbs, trainer of second Grey Report, who was placed in his second consecutive top-class contest, said: “He ran very well. He found more again and is very tough. He obviously stays extremely well and, while he would jump a fence, at the back of my mind is next year’s Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
“He’ll probably run somewhere else this season - either an auction race at Cheltenham, a two and a half mile race at Ayr or Punchestown. He can jump a bit left so maybe Cheltenham or Ayr would suit him best.
“He’s fairly stupid at home and a bit of a runaway.”
Davy Russell, deputising for the injured Carl Llewellyn, reckons third-placed Champagne Harry will be one to follow when he goes over fences.
He said:”He is tough and genuine, and he jumped beautifully and did everything right in the race. I had them all beat turning for home and wanted to give a breather, but I couldn’t and that is why he got tired.
“In the end he was just caught for a bit of class, but I loved his attitude and he is definitely a horse with a future.”
RACE SIX THE MARTELL COGNAC SAINSBURY’S MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE
WIN QUOTES
SUPREME ISOLATION
Simply Supreme came home in splendid isolation to win by 12 lengths from L’Aventure.
Winning trainer Sue Smith said: “Super. I thought the ground might be a bit quick for him especially as he’s had a lot of time off as he cut himself badly between the front legs when falling at Wetherby last time. But there’s no harm in this ground.”
Smith’s other runner the 5/2 favourite Royal Emperor fell at the 11th obstacle having finished won the same race at Wetherby two outings ago.
“Royal Emperor looks alright,” reported Smith. “I didn’t think that Simply Supreme was better than Royal Emperor - it was just circumstances that they ran in the same race at Wetherby as other meetings were abandoned and it was unfortunate. Simply Supreme’s fall was just one of those falls where he pecked and went.
“If we get a drop of rain Simply Supreme could go to Ayr or Punchestown but we will leave it up to Trevor [Hemmings, owner] - we’ll see what he wants.”
Looking ahead to her two runners in tomorrow’s Martell Cognac Grand National, Arctic Jack and Ardent Scout, Smith said: “This ground will possibly help them. If it rains and you get very heavy rain four and a half miles tests any horse.”
WALSH SITS OUT FINALE
Ruby Walsh, who took a fall from Early Edition in the Martell Cognac Sainsbury’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase, walked back “shaken but not stirred” but, as a precaution, decided to give up his last ride on Sud Bleu in the finale.
Walsh rides Exit to Wave for Paul Nicholls in tomorrow’s Martell Cognac Grand National.
Venetia Williams announced that Jasmine du Guichois would not run in tomorrow’s 4.35 race.
SATURDAY NON-RUNNER
4.35pm race: 11 Jasmine du Guichois
RACE SEVEN MARTELL COGNAC SOMERFIELD HANDICAP HURDLE
QUOTES
TIZZARD WINS ON SPARE RIDE
Joe Tizzard benefited from Sam Thomas’s bad luck (a fall in the first) when cashing in on a spare ride in the finale, the Venetia Williams-trained His Nibs.
His Nibs stayed on strongly to repel the challenge of Keepatem, and Tizzard said:”How lucky can you get? He jumped for fun and, once we crossed the second last, I knew that we’d get there. He was doing nothing in front, but we were always going to hold on.”
Williams said:”His Nibs deserved that - he ran really well at Cheltenham when finishing fourth in the Pertemps Final.
“He has been very consistent all season and, while I feel sorry for Sam Thomas, who is in hospital having his face stitched up after his fall from Mercato in the opener, Joe gave him an extremely good ride.”
MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL COULD DECIDE TRAINERS’ TITLE
At the conclusion of day two of the Martell Cognac Grand National meeting Paul Nicholls marginally increased his lead over Martin Pipe in their battle for the trainer’s championship.
Neither man managed a winner, but Nicholls reached a key landmark when L’Aventure picked up £16,500 for finishing runner-up in the Gr.2 Martell Cognac Sainsbury’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase. That was enough to take him past the £2m prize-money barrier.
Pipe also had a runner-up, Contraband, in the opening Premier Convenience Stores Top Novices’ Hurdle, a result which gained him £11,000.
Pipe started the day £29,087 behind Nicholls, but that had widened to £48,027 by the close. Nicholls has won £2,010,544, while Pipe has £1,962,517.
The result of the £600,000 Martell Cognac Grand National tomorrow could be crucial in deciding the battle. Nicholls relies on one horse, Exit To Wave,while Pipe fields seven, including the hotly-fancied Jurancon II.
For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink
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