JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
SECOND DAY, FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2008
FIRST RESERVE COMES INTO JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL TODAY AFTER OPERA MUNDI DROPS OUT
Class 1, Grade 3, £800,000 total Prize Fund, 4.15pm, Aintree, Saturday, April 5, 2008. For six-year-olds old and upwards which are allotted a rating of 110 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 3, 2008. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at January 29, 2008, 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 3, 2008, would merit a minimum rating of 110. To qualify horses must have run at least three times in Steeple Chases run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Turf Authority up to and including February 3, 2008. At the Handicapper's discretion such horses may be allocated a rating. The decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final. No penalties after publication of the weights. Entries closed January 29, entries revealed January 30 (150 entries, 1 not qualified), weights revealed February 5, first forfeit stage March 4 (125 remained), second forfeit stage March 18 (115 remained). Five-day confirmation stage March 31 (99 remained), final declaration stage 10.00am, April 3 (40 declared runners - maximum field).
Form Horse Age/Weight Owner Trainer Jockey
1) 2/500-P502 HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) 12-11-12 Trevor Hemmings Willie Mullins IRE Ruby Walsh
2) P-2625142 HI CLOY (IRE) 11-11-12 Susan McCloy Michael Hourigan IRE Tom Doyle
3) U-135P16 KNOWHERE (IRE) 10 -11-11 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies Joe Tizzard
4) 5/122-416 MR POINTMENT (IRE) 9-11-11 Stockton Heath Racing Paul Nicholls Sam Thomas
5) 210P-P123 TURKO (FR) 6-11-10 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls Richard Johnson
6) 03-4425 MADISON DU BERLAIS (FR) 7-11-09 Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds David Pipe Tom Scudamore
7) 11F-52U4 SIMON 9-11-07 Mercy Rimell John Spearing Dominic Elsworth
No 8 - has been withdrawn and the first reserve utilised - see bottom of this list.
9) r416F5PP IRON MAN (FR) 7-11-05 Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar Peter Bowen Christian Williams
10) 6P-2412103 FUNDAMENTALIST (IRE)10-11-04 Colin Cornes Nigel Twiston-Davies Paddy Brennan
11)43011-303 BUTLER'S CABIN (FR) 8-11-03 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill Tony McCoy
12) F53-62S5 SLIM PICKINGS (IRE) 9-11-03 Doubtful Five Syndicate Tom Taaffe IRE Barry Geraghty
13) 4P3F6514 CHELSEA HARBOUR (IRE) 8-11-02 Frances Duffin Tom Mullins IRE Davy Russell
14) 400-01105 VODKA BLEU (FR) 9-11-02 David Johnson David Pipe Paul Moloney
15) 00-63003 L'AMI (FR) 9-11-01 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR Mick Fitzgerald
16) 124-F1133 SNOWY MORNING (IRE) 8-11-01 Quayside Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE David Casey
17) P/420F-2P BEWLEYS BERRY (IRE) 10-11-00 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson Denis O’Regan
18) 2P0450-0P CONTRABAND 10-11-00 Fergus Wilson Paul Murphy Keith Mercer
19) 410612-00 MCKELVEY (IRE) 9-11-00 Noel Elliott Peter Bowen Tom O’Brien
20) P-20030 JOAACI (IRE) 8-10-13 David Johnson David Pipe Johnny Farrelly
21) 2-0000403 POINT BARROW (IRE) 10-10-13 Clune Hughes,Helen O’Dwyer & John Foley Patrick Hughes IRE Tony Dobbin
22) PP2-P014 D'ARGENT (IRE) 11-10-12 Nigel Bunter Alan King Robert Thornton
23) 30-434P2 NO FULL (FR) 7-10-12 Pauline Doyle Eoin Doyle IRE Shay Barry
24) 3-F106P0 BAILY BREEZE (IRE) 9-10-11 Adam Scott Mouse Morris IRE Paddy Flood
25) 522-360P BOB HALL (IRE) 7-10-11 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neil Noel Fehily
26) 201U-5111 CLOUDY LANE 8-10-11 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain Jnr Jason Maguire
27) U22P-2221 KING JOHNS CASTLE (IRE) 9-10-11 J P McManus Arthur Moore IRE Paul Carberry
28) 422434-P36 MON MOME (FR) 8-10-11 Vida Bingham Venetia Williams Aidan Coleman
29) 026-2P0 CORNISH SETT (IRE) 9-10-10 Peter Hart Paul Nicholls Mr Nick Scholfield
30) PP-104329 NAUNTON BROOK 9-10-10 David Langdon Nigel Twiston-Davies Andrew Tinkler
31) 554-50626 TUMBLING DICE (IRE) 9-10-10 Lucy Donegan Tom Taaffe IRE Tom Ryan
32) FP/24/0-14 BACKBEAT (IRE) 11-10-09 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson Wilson Renwick
33) 6/4P/-0P21 COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) 9-10-09 David Johnson David Pipe Timmy Murphy
34) UU-20U505 IDLE TALK (IRE) 9-10-09 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain Jnr Brian Harding
35) 2P-4300F2 KELAMI (FR) 10-10-09 Halewood International Ltd Francois Doumen FR Barry Keniry
36) 11305-540 MILAN DEUX MILLE (FR) 6-10-09 Fergus & Judith Wilson David Pipe Tom Malone
37) 3PF-013P7 NADOVER (FR) 7-10-09 George Storey Charlie Mann Robbie Power
38) 0-564420 BLACK APALACHI (IRE) 9-10-08 Gerard Burke Dessie Hughes IRE Andrew McNamara
39) 1P6/04-2B PHILSON RUN (IRE) 12-10-08 Gale Force One Nick Williams Daryl Jacob
40) 0F251P-062 DUN DOIRE (IRE) 9-10-07 Dunderry Racing Syndicate Tony Martin IRE Richard McGrath
8) 62-166P0P ARDAGHEY (IRE) 9-10-07 Dave & Shirley Goodman Nigel Twiston-Davies David England
40 declared runners
Reserve 1 Ardaghey utilised after Opera Mundi was taken out early this morning. The other three reserves will not be used.
Ardaghey has been officially withdrawn from this afternoon’s totepool Handicap Chase (4.55pm).
BOOKIES FEAR McCAIN FACTOR
Lane could start as short as Red Rum
BOOKIES are bracing themselves for a flood of money on a Grand National family name like no other.
Donald McCain, son of Ginger "Red Rum" McCain, trains red-hot fancy Cloudy Lane, who will probably start the shortest-priced Grand National favourite since Red Rum in 1975 tomorrow for the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree. And the thought of another McCain Grand National winner has got the bookies running for cover.
Tote spokesman Damian Walker said: “Ginger McCain’s Red Rum would have cost us a fortune had he won instead of finishing second to L'Escargot in the 1975 National.
"The McCain name will prove as popular as ever this year and Cloudy Lane looks sure to be backed. Cloudy Lane has been punted at all the prices from 25-1 and the whole betting industry have racked up big liabilities over this horse. But ultimately the once-a-year punters and housewives will decide his starting price.
"The big question is this: Will the once-a-year punters, who would have backed Cloudy Lane because of the "McCain Factor", be put off by his skinny odds on the day and look elsewhere? The answer to that question will determine whether Cloudy Lane starts as short as Red Rum in 1975."
Cloudy Lane is a 5-1 chance currently while Red Rum started at 7-2 favourite in 1975. Bookies expect to take a massive £300million on what is easily the biggest betting race in the sporting calendar.
Red Rum won the Grand National three times - in 1973, 1974 and 1977 while Ginger McCain also enjoyed another winner of the John Smith’s Grand National with Amberleigh House in 2004.
The tote is the official betting partner of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting.
TOTE BEAT SP ON 37 OUT OF 40 NATIONAL RUNNERS IN 2007
The tote are expecting more bumper returns for pool punters after some staggering results on the 2007 John Smith's Grand National.
Tote spokesman Damian Walker said: "The tote comes into its own at these big meetings and no more so than in the biggest betting race of the season.
"In the John Smith’s Grand National we take out 13.5% in our win pool on the tote and last year the starting price returns showed a fixed-odds over-round of 152%.
"This led to us beating SP on 37 out of the 40 runners and if the fixed-odds over-round is the same this year then we expect to reproduce those returns. There is also massive liquidity in the John Smith’s Grand National pool which is another boon for punters."
F6.
JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
SECOND DAY, FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2008
totesport’s latest odds
JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL
4 1/2 MILES, AINTREE, SATURDAY 4.15pm, LIVE ON BBC.
11/2 CLOUDY LANE
9 SLIM PICKINGS
10 COMPLY OR DIE
12 BEWLEYS BERRY
12 SIMON
14 CHELSEA HARBOUR
14 BUTLER'S CABIN
20 KING JOHNS CASTLE
25 McKELVEY
25 MR POINTMENT
22 POINT BARROW
25 D'ARGENT
22 DUN DOIRE
22 HEDGEHUNTER
25 MON MOME
28 PHILSON RUN
22 SNOWY MORNING
40 L'AMI
33 TURKO
40 BLACK APALACHI
50 JOAACI
50 KELAMI
66 BACKBEAT
66 BAILY BREEZE
50 IDLE TALK
50 KNOWHERE
50 VODKA BLEU
66 FUNDAMENTALIST
66 MADISON DU BERLAIS
100 NAUNTON BROOK
125 ARDAGHEY
125 BOB HALL
100 CORNISH SETT
100 HI CLOY
100 IRON MAN
125 MILAN DEUX MILLE
150 NO FULL
100 TUMBLING DICE
200 NADOVER
300 CONTRABAND
E/W 1/4 THE ODDS A PLACE 1-2-3-4. ALL QUOTED.
RUN ON ALBERTAS?
Six out of seven favourites may have come unstuck on the opening day of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting, but the money is still talking for the favourites on day two.
Few horses can claim a better strike rate than Jonjo O’Neill’s novice chaser Albertas Run who has mustered 10 wins from just 13 starts. Small wonder then, that the horse has become a punter’s favourite and totesport report strong support in today’s opener, the John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2:00pm), with Albertas Run closing to a very solid 6/4 favourite from 7/4.
The Keith Reveley-trained Tazbar has been laid out for the Citroën C5 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2:35). In its last outing the six-year-old gelding hacked up at Haydock and totesport are now offering a mere 13/8 against the horse (from 15/8 earlier). There is also some interest in the The Tother One - 4/1 from 5/1 - which was talked up by his trainer Paul Nicholls in his Racing Post column this morning.
Master Minded in the John Smith’s Melling Chase (3:10pm) is everyone’s idea of a jackpot banker - even after the punters’ pasting on Thursday. But if the third race looks easy, the fourth could be downright impossible.
In the John Smith’s Topham Chase (3:45), Pricewise has identified Theatre Knight - given the strength of its course form - and Nacarat as possibles, but the 20/1 on the former has long gone with totesport seeing the Howard Johnson-trained horse backed right down to 12/1. And the money has come for Nacarat too, Tom George’s horse only available at 10/1 (from 12/1).
Greenbridge, in the Littlewoods Direct Imagine Appeal Top Novices’ Hurdle (4:20pm), is the one for the money. Alan King’s six-year-old has been supported against the strong favourite Captain Cee Bee with totesport and is now down to 9/2 from 11/2
SOUFFLEUR EN FLEUR
This season, the Peter Bowen stable has not managed the same level of form as in 2006-2007 when the Pembrokeshire handler amassed almost £900,000 in prize money. Nevertheless, the stable’s somewhat patchy recent record has not put the punters off Souffleur who is seen in some quarters as the horse to take on the favourite, Tazbar, in the Citroën C5 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2:35pm).
Tazbar is rock solid with totesport and Cashmans, but Boylesports have shifted Souffleur to 15/2 from 10/1, Ladbrokes have also seen money for the two-time course winner and William Hill have the horse as low as 6/1.
There is across-the-board support for Albertas Run in the first race, the John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2:00pm). Cashmans are holding the Jonjo O’Neill horse at 7/4, but the money has spoken with Boylesports (13/8) and Hills (6/4).
Hills have seen significant support for course specialist Pak Jack in the John Smith’s Topham Chase (3:45pm) and the Richard Phillips-trained horse is now clear 8/1 favourite with that company. Coral and Ladbrokes have kept Gwanako, one of two Paul Nicholls’ horses in the race, as 8/1 favourite.
In the same race, Nacarat - 9/1 from 12/1 - has been supported with Boylesports, but the one for the money amongst the outsiders is Nice Try, trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by the apprentice-of-the-moment Aidan Coleman. Nice Try is 20/1 from 33/1 with Boylesports, and 20/1 from 28/1 with Hills.
Captain Cee Bee is a well-supported favourite for the Littlewoods Direct Imagine Appeal Top Novices’ Hurdle (4:20pm) and is now as short as 11/10 with Ladbrokes, but Greenbridge is a clear second favourite, down to 9/2 with Hills and Boylesports, largely at the expense of Pierrot Lunaire, from the Paul Nicholls’ stable.
VETS ON CALL
Seven veterinary surgeons, five on the course itself, and two based in the stabling yard, ensure that horses at the John Smith’s Grand National meeting have the best possible care available. For 11 years, the University of Liverpool has provided that care.
Nor is the relationship between the course and the University of Liverpool limited to the three days of the meeting, but is an ongoing dialogue, as Professor Chris Proudman of the university explained.
“We are always looking to learn from what happens, so we have meetings both before and after the event, to look at improvements we can make, and situations which have worked well.”
“For example, recently, we had the results of research which had been jointly funded by Cheltenham and Aintree racecourses which gave us a very clear indication of how the going can effect injuries. It was information that we always thought was true, but it was reassuring to have the evidence supporting that.”
During the John Smith’s Grand National meeting, there are state of the art facilities available to the vets. There are two treatment rooms in the stabling area, and a digital X-Ray machine is on site.
“Always the philosophy is prevention rather than cure: for example, bone scanning techniques are now so well developed that vets can prevent many injuries just by detecting bone that may be fragile and could be broken under the stress of racing.”
GROUND UNCHANGED FOR DAY TWO
The going for day two of the 2008 John Smith’s Grand National meeting remains unchanged at:
GOOD - on the Mildmay & Hurdle courses
GOOD TO SOFT, GOOD IN PLACES - on the Grand National course
Andrew Tulloch, Clerk of the Course and Director of Racing at Aintree, said: “Following a dry night, the going remains good on the Mildmay and Hurdle courses and good to soft, good in places on the Grand National course. There was no watering overnight.”
The forecast for today is for generally cloudy conditions, with the chance of patchy light rain from early evening onwards.
All bends have been moved in by three yards to provide fresh ground while the rails on the hurdles straight has also been moved in by the same distance.
JACOB LOOKING FORWARD TO A BIG RUN
TAAFFE RUNNERS HAVE SETTLED WELL
Having stayed on well to finish fourth in last year’s John Smith’s Grand National on his first attempt, jockey Daryl Jacob is looking forward to teaming up with the Nick Williams-trained Philson Run once again on Saturday.
“Touch wood, Philson Run is in good form. I sat on him about two weeks ago and did a piece of work on him at Exeter Racecourse. He felt good that day,” explained the young rider.
“He was fourth in the John Smith’s Grand National last year, so hopefully he’ll have a good chance this year. That was my first ride in the race so it was great to get around and finish fourth.
“He jumps and he gallops, he gave me a good ride in it last year, so hopefully he’ll give me a good ride this year.”
Of course, Philson Run was not guaranteed to make the cut for the marathon race, but the rider was delighted for the yard as much as himself that last year’s fourth made it into the race.
“Mr Williams has planned him out all year for this race, so it’s great to know that he has got in. It is a great relief for him and for the whole yard. I’m just glad to be part of it.
“The ground shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Obviously, we would like a bit of rain just to slow the others up because he’s a big horse and he just keeps galloping. The faster they go early on, the slower they’ll be going at the end and that will suit my horse.”
Meanwhile Shane Molony, travelling head lad for Tom Taaffe, reported that last year’s third Slim Pickings and stablemate Tumbling Dice have arrived and settled into things at Aintree ahead of Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National.
“They got here on Thursday afternoon and, thank God, they’ve all settled in well. Slim Pickings has been in great form this year so hopefully he’ll run another big race. Considering his run last year, I think he’s been nicely treated by the handicapper.
“They’ve been well-schooled at home and Slim Pickings jumped well last year, so he should have no problems. Tumbling Dice should handle the trip well and, hopefully, he’ll handle the fences too,” he concluded.
ARDAGHEY RUNS IN NATIONAL AS OPERA MUNDI DROPS OUT
Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has won the John Smith's Grand National twice, will have four runners in this year's race after first reserve Ardaghey replaced non-runner Opera Mundi.
The late addition has seen a jockey change, with David England switching to Ardaghey from Naunton Brook, who will now be ridden by Andrew Tinkler. Ardaghey is now a non-runner in today's totepool Handicap Chase (4.55pm) at Aintree.
England has ridden Ardaghey several times in the past, most recently when the pair finished 10th in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton on February 23 - subsequently the horse tackled the Fulke Walwyn, Kim Muir Chase at the Cheltenham Festival where he was pulled up by amateur Ran Morgan.
Twiston-Davies, who won the big race with Earth Summit in 1998 and Bindaree in 2002, said this morning: "All four horses have good chances and they all jump well."
Asked whether he had steered stable jockey Paddy Brennan towards Fundamentalist, he said: "No, I left it to him." The trainer's other runner is Knowhere who is ridden by Joe Tizard.
Ardaghey carries the colours of Dave and Shirley Goodman, who own Southern Brick & Tile Company Ltd, a builders' merchant with five depots and a head office at Abingdon in Oxfordshire.
Dave Goodman said this morning: "I got a call from Nigel at 6pm last night after he got word that Opera Mundi would be a non-runner. It's an absolute thrill to have a runner in the John Smith's Grand National - I cannot wait.
"We're really looking forward to it, and it's marvellous that our three children, Matt, Natalie and Nick, will be up here to enjoy the day with us."
The Goodmans have nine horses in training with Twiston-Davies and they will be able to enjoy two runners on John Smith's Grand National day. Platin Grounds, who will be ridden by Brennan in the John Smith's Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (1.45pm), will also carry their colours.
NEW CHIEF IN THE THICK OF IT
Aintree has a new man at the helm for the 2008 running of the John Smith's Grand National meeting.
Julian Thick, 37, joined the racecourse in May last year after Charles Barnett moved south to take up the chief executive's role at Ascot. Formerly managing director at Kempton, and then, briefly at Sandown Park, it was no hardship for Thick to return to Liverpool, for in 1992 he began a three-year stint at the course as a trainee racecourse manager.
Despite the burdensome responsibility of the world's most famous jump race, Thick said: "I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Of course, there are a few butterflies, but I'm backed up by a fantastic team who have done it all before.
"We had a great first day to start the meeting, with high-class racing and a record crowd, so we got off to a good start and that helps."
Thick, who was raised in the Herefordshire town of Ledbury, says his interest in racing was inspired by going point-to-pointing. He says: "My dad and his brothers were involved in pointers trained by my uncle, Nigel Thick. I used to go along to watch as a kid and that's where I got the bug.
"I went to university in Birmingham and studied geography and politics, but only because they were plausible qualifications that didn't require a lot of hard work.
"Eventually, when I had to get a job, going into racecourse management seemed a good option and I was very lucky to be offered a position at Aintree."
Thick, who lives at Formby, added: "It's a privilege to be part of such a huge sporting occasion."
On Tuesday evening Thick was interviewed by sports reporter Johnny Saunders on Radio 2's Chris Evans Show.
Asked for a tip, Thick nominated Cloudy Lane, but has he changed his view as the John Smith's Grand National draws near? He said: "I'd just like the winner to be connected to a good story. A win for either of Tom Taaffe's horses, Slim Pickings or Tumbling Dice, would be a good story because Tom's father, Pat, won the race twice as a jockey. A win for Donald McCain's Cloudy Lane would be a good story because of the Red Rum connection provided by Ginger McCain - and it wouldn't be far for the trophy to travel [McCain is based at Malpas in Cheshire]."
It is only natural that while Thick is excited about tomorrow's big race, he will be glad when his first John Smith's Grand National is done and dusted. He remarked: "I will be relieved when the last racegoer walks out of the gates and the last horse goes home. But it won't be all over because I'll be attending the winners' party at Alma De Cuba after racing."
The party is part of Aintree's contribution to Liverpool's celebration as the European Capital of Culture in 2008 - all runners at this week's meeting with number eight are distinguished by the '08' logo that is the city's symbol for this year of culture and entertainment.
DOBBIN LOOKING FOR DREAM FINISH
Tony Dobbin, the seventh most successful jump jockey of all time with almost 1,200 winners, announced his retirement at Aintree on Friday.
The Ulsterman has enjoyed many high-profile successes at Aintree, including the postponed 1997 John Smith’s Grand National on Lord Gyllene, but will continue to ride until Carlisle on Thursday.
“I have been thinking about retiring for a while - it’s hasn’t come as a shock to me. I’m still loving my riding and I’m still riding well, but we’ve had quite a quiet year from Greystoke,” he explained.
“Rose Davidson, my girlfriend, is going into training for the 2009 season and I did intend riding on until then but the more I’ve been thinking about it over the last couple of months the more I decided to go and work for a few trainers for the next year.
“I’m going to work for Kevin Ryan this summer and I’ll go somewhere, maybe a couple of yards, over the winter, just to gain some more experience and learn how to do it properly.
“It was a huge decision for me to make. I’ve done nothing else, it’s something I’ve always done. Like 20 years ago when I came over, I’ve got something to look forward to now. I just want to do it properly and learn how to do it right.
“Aintree has been so lucky for me. I absolutely adore this place. From a personal point of view, there’s no comparison to Cheltenham. It’s different class here. I’ve ridden five winners over the National fences and many over the Mildmay track.
“I’m going to keep riding until Carlisle on Thursday because I’ve lived there for 20 years. Some family and friends are coming so that’s where I’m going to finish.”
He will be bidding to go out on a high note in Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National, in which he partners the Pat Hughes-trained Point Barrow.
“It would be amazing to go out on a high with Point Barrow. He was the best spare going and he’ll get 120% from me.”
The John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase - Winners Quotes
BIGGER BUCKS NOW
Trainer Paul Nicholls was in a bullish mood after Big Bucks survived jumping errors to win the John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase by two and a quarter lengths from Battlecry. “He’s a hugely talented horse and, if he just gets his jumping together, he’ll be a very good horse,” he said.
“We’ve got a lot of French horses and he’s the first one that I’ve had who is not a natural jumper,” added the trainer. “When we bought him, Andy (Stewart - the owner) was wanting an Arkle horse but it was fairly obvious that Big Bucks wanted a trip. I also always thought that it was hard for a five-year-old going further earlier in the season and in hindsight we probably should have run him in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at Cheltenham. I just felt that if he jumped around today he would have a chance.
“At Cheltenham he actually ran a blinder because he was nearly brought down and then landed with his foot in a ditch. Nick Scholfield got off and said that this was the best horse he’d ever ridden and that he wanted three miles.
“That’s it for the season and it’s going to be interesting next year with him, Kauto Star, Denman and others. It’s a nice problem to have and we’ll look at some of the races in Ireland, I don’t want them to have to take each other on if we can help it.
“He’s had a busy season this year I don’t quite know what we will do next season but he has to go left handed. We’ll give him lots of time and I might give him a little run in a conditions hurdle just once to sharpen him up a bit and then go fo some of the staying chases.”
Stewart added: “We knew he wouldn’t stay three miles at Chletenham with all the ups and downs, so we put him in the Jewson and he ran a reasonable race.
“We’ll have to do a lot of work with him and hopefully we’ll get the jumping spot on for next year. Ruby (Walsh) got off and said that in a few years’ time the horse could win a competitive Grade One.”
Stewart will be represented by Turko in tomorrow’s John Smith’s Grand National and added: “It’s a big ask, it was 1916 when a six-year-old won the National and grey horses don’t win so we’ll have to see what happens.”
Owner Trevor Hemmings was not downcast despite the defeat of Albertas Run who finished third in the John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase.
Hemmings said: "He's run six times this season and won four, so we can't complain. I'm pleased with his run.
"We thought Joe Lively would make the running and they would go a bit quicker than they did, but it didn't work out that way and we had to change tactics. I'm not using that as an excuse, because we were beaten by a couple of horses, but he'll have a holiday now and be back next year."
Hemmings won the John Smith's Grand National in 2005 with Hedgehunter, who will be one of three horses to carry his colours in tomorrow's race - the others are Cloudy Lane and Idle Talk. Despite having known the experience of leading in the big-race winner, Hemmings said: "I still get excited, but it's the same with any top race. Whether it's the Gold Cup or the Grand National, they are all special. It was very kind of Aintree to give me a replica of the winner's trophy after Hedgehunter won, and that's still on my sideboard at home."
Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of runner-up Battlecry, said: "The mistake he made at the second last has probably just cost him the race, but he's run fantastically well. I don't know if he will run again this season. We'll just see how he is."
Colin Tizzard, trainer of fourth-placed Joe Lively, said: "That must be nearly as good a race as he's run. It's a championship race and he's finished on the hocks of some high-class horses. He's come in his coat again and is right back to his best. We changed tactics today, and instead of making the running for others, we have let him have a bit of a tow. He's been racing for a while, but we might be tempted to run him in a race at Cheltenham in a couple of weeks."
FIRST RACE GROUND QUOTES
JOHN SMITH’S MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE (GRADE TWO)
JOCKEYS’ VIEWS ON THE GROUND
After the running of the first race, the John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase, the following jockeys gave their opinion as to the state of the ground:
Winning rider Ruby Walsh
“The ground is riding on the slow side of good today - it’s perfect.”
Timmy Murphy
“It’s riding a bit dead, on the easy side of good but it’s perfect jumping ground.”
Joe Tizzard
“It’s beautiful ground - a bit better than yesterday.”
Robert Thornton
“The ground is riding slow and it’s a little bit dead.”
Paddy Brennan
“I thought the ground rode beautifully.”
Tony McCoy
“It’s good jumping ground out there today.”
Colin Bolger
“I found the ground good, possibly on the quick side of good.”
SECOND RACE WINNING QUOTES
CITREON C5 SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRADE ONE)
ANGRY TWISTON-DAVIES GETS ON THE SCOREBOARD
Out of luck in the opener with Battlecry, who finished second, Nigel Twiston-Davies got his name on the scoreboard when Pettifour battled to a game neck victory in the Grade One Citreon C5 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle over three miles and half a furlong under Paddy Brennan.
“Pettifour has run a cracker. He’s one of those horses who just keeps improving with every race and you just love that sort of horse. That’s his season finished - he’s done enough,” said the trainer.
“If we were second again it would have been too much. We should have won the first with Battlecry and, without that mistake at the second last, we would have.
“I thought something would go wrong here but it didn't. I would have hoped that if Pettifour and Gone To Luch had raced together then we might have won a bit easier but it was a very clever tactic to race away form us.
“He only had five races and he keeps improving so we can't ask for anymore than he does."
The handler was angered about a £140 imposed on him by the British Horseracing Authority for withdrawing Ardaghey from today’s totepool Handicap Chase. The nine-year-old was first reserve for the John Smith’s Grand National, and made the cut for tomorrow’s showpiece after Opera Mundi was ruled out this morning.
“The prize money might go towards paying my £140 fine by the BHA for taking Ardaghey out of the totepool Handicap Chase because he’s not allowed to run today.
“I am very, very angry. He got promoted into the John Smith’s Grand National as a reserve. The owners are up here so he has to run somewhere. I’ve got a £140 fine - well done the ......... BHA.
“They can’t justify it but they just love fining people. I’m not allowed to run him today - it’s against the Rules. Of course, I’m going to appeal it. It’s the sort of bureaucracy and stupidity that we’re trying to get away from, I think. If I was deliberately breaking the Rules, go for my throat, I don’t mind. But I’ve done nothing wrong here.”
Paddy Brennan, the winning rider, said: “Brilliant! I’m delighted. What a top horse. This was only Pettifour’s third run over hurdles and he’s won his last two and he was brilliant.
“He’s so tough he missed the last with a circuit to go and if you are stepping up to a race like this you can’t miss hurdles and he missed it bad. Tony (McCoy) beats me every day of the week so it’s just nice to get one over on him. At the end of the day, I was on the baby and he was looking at the crowd. I’d just like to thank David England, who rides second to me.
“He rode the horse in bumpers and he never knocked him about and gave him a lovely education. It is down to people like that at the end of the day, it’s a team effort and I’m just delighted to be part of it. I went very steady round on him and let him have loads of light and I was really keen to get him in a bit but it was a tactical race. I think you’ll find in time that the best horse won.”
STEWARDS’ ENQUIRY
FITZGERALD FINED FOR USING HIS PHONE
Although Mick Fitzgerald was yet to ride at Aintree today, he found himself in front of the stewards before the fourth race.
The rider was observed using his mobile phone outside the designated area and, not being satisfied with his explanation in an enquiry, the stewards imposed a fine of £290 on the jump jockey.
Gone To Lunch narrowly failed to devour Pettifour after rallying near the post in the Citroen C5 Sefton Novices' Hurdle, but the neck runner-up has been a fabulous advertisement this season for West Country trainer Jeremy Scott.
Equipped with a visor for the first time, Gone To Lunch was given full assistance by Tony McCoy and made much of the running, eventually losing out by a neck.
Scott said: "He didn't travel at Cheltenham [in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle] and today the visor helped him. He just dosses, he's not ungenuine. Tony gave him a peach of a ride and couldn't have done any more. We were just touched off, but that's life.
"Tony said he's looking forward to him going chasing next year. He has the scope and size and should be a nice prospect, and he's still a novice [despite running in the Christie's Foxhunter Chase last season]. We hope he hasn't learnt too many bad habits hurdling, but we've schooled him over fences at home all the way through so he should be all right.
"We put an entry in for him at Punchestown on a whim, but Tony said 'he's had a hard enough race and there's no point in going on'. I'm happy enough with that because he's had a long season."
Scott is in his first year with a licence - his wife, Camilla, trains a yard of pointers - and he added of Gone To Lunch: "He's been a fabulous horse for us. He's put us somewhere on the map, even if it's right down the bottom."
TAZBAR DISAPPOINTS
Phil Kinsella, rider of the disappointing 13/8 favourite Tazbar, who could only finish sixth, said: "The way the race was run just didn't suit him today and he was never really travelling."
ONE-DAY BAN FOR DENIS O'REGAN
Jockey Denis O'Regan picked up a one-day ban after riding Cedrus Libani for trainer Howard Johnson in the opening John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase for using his whip when out of contention. The ban takes place on April 19.
The Citroën C5 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle - 3rd Placed Quotes
TOUTING THE TOTHER ONE
Trainer Paul Nicholls was more than satisfied with the third place of The Tother One, who had run on after the slow early pace without reaching the leaders. “The pace wasn’t a problem, he’s run well,” he said.
At Cheltenham, in his previous race, the horse had wandered badly after the last, but Nicholls put that down to The Tother One “getting to the front too early and being a bit babyish.”
The trainer confirmed that the horse would not be out again until the autumn.
“He’s had a hard old season, but fences’ll be the making of him next year. I’m looking forward to going chasing with him.”
Owner Graham Roach was equally pleased: “He went a bit flat coming into the last, but he’s a nice horse who could be very exciting. Well, you’ve got to dream, haven’t you?” he said.
Race 3 - John Smith’s Melling Chase - Winning Quotes
VOY POR GETS HIS REVENGE
Voy Por Ustedes gained revenge on his Cheltenham conqueror and 2/5 favourite Master Minded with an authoritative 18-length victory in the £200,000 Grade One John Smith’s Melling Chase.
The seven-year-old was disputing it with Master Minded when that rival made a bad mistake two fences out. From the point forward, the 5/1 chance stayed on strongly under Robert Thornton to record a memorable victory.
Winning trainer Alan King said: “I am probably a bit surprised that he has won, but also delighted at the same time.
“It has been a tough season for the horse and he really deserved it today. This win has given me particular satisfaction as he is a real favourite of mine.
“That will be it for the season now and he will be off Sickling Hall (owner Sir Robert Ogden’s stud in Yorkshire).
“It was always the plan to come here after Cheltenham, so I was devastated when I read that Master Minded was also coming here as well!
“However, I just thought that two-and-a-half trip around here might suit us better than Master Minded. I wasn’t confident before the second last, but I knew he would give his all if it became a scrap.
“Choc (Robert Thornton, jockey) said that he loved the ground out there today and that was the best he has jumped all season.”
Looking ahead to next season, King believes that Voy Por Ustedes is much more likely to be seen over further next season and has the King George VI Chase at Kempton as a potential target.
The Barbury Castle handler continued: “I would say that it is looking unlikely that he will go down the Queen Mother route next year.
“He could start off in something like the Peterborough Chase (2m 4f, Huntingdon) and his first big target could well be the King George.
“I think that race could suit him. He has a good record around Kempton, having won the Desert Orchid Chase twice.”
Winning jockey Robert Thornton added: “I was hopeful, not confident, and that if Master Minded was a little bit flat or didn’t get the trip or something like that then hopefully we could take advantage of it.
“There’s obviously going to be excuses for Master Minded but we’ve took full advantage. This could well be his best trip. He’s a little bit older now and probably a little but slower. Today, with the ground, he’s jumped very well today. I think I missed the cross fence and that was all.”
THIRD RACE PLACED QUOTES
JOHN SMITH’S MELLING CHASE (GRADE 1)
TRIP BEATS MASTER MINDED
Trainer Paul Nicholls felt that the two and a half mile trip of the John Smith’s Melling Chase beat runaway Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Master Minded.
The five-year-old made a bad mistake at the second last but Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh believed that it was the extra distance, rather than that error, that caused the defeat of the 2/5 favourite.
“Ruby said he was cruising in the back straight but was running on empty after turning for home,” said Nicholls. “He said the horse simply didn’t stay and that he made the mistake because he had nothing left - he’s a two-miler pure and simple and there was a suspicion that that might be the case beforehand.
“When he won at Sandown Ruby said that he might want two and a half miles, but at least we now know. He’ll be sticking to two miles and there’ll be no temptation to go for something like the King George.”
Master Minded is as big as 7/4 with Cashmans, and as low as 5/4 with totesport, for the 2009 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase and Nicholls added:
“We’ll go to the Tingle Creek next and his two targets are that and the Champion Chase next season. Kauto Star is fine after yesterday’s race and he and Master Minded will be out in a field together very shortly.
“They’re not going to win every time and we like running them, it’s good for racing and we learn things from running them. Voy Por Ustedes deserved to win a good race, we probably owed him one.”
Owner Clive Smith added: “It was that second last again, we’ll have to have it moved! He twisted a bit on landing, somebody said maybe he’ll be sore tomorrow but he seemed alright just now. Ruby said that he just didn’t stay and so we’ll stick to two miles now. You value every win in this business. I’m happy enough.”
David Pipe, trainer of third home Tamarinbleu, was happy with how his eight-year-old ran, saying: “He’s run a fantastic race - just beaten by two very good horses. We’ll see how he comes out of this run before deciding if he’ll run again this season.”
The John Smith’s Topham Chase - Winner Quotes
GWANAKO ON SPRINGS
Paul Nicholls, having seen his hot favourite Master Minded beaten in the previous race, the John Smith’s Melling Chase, earned immediate compensation when five-year-old Gwanako jumped his rivals into submission for victory in the John Smith’s Topham Chase.
“Did you see how he was jumping?” said Nicholls, watching the replay on the big screen by the winner’s enclosure. “He was brilliant over Becher’s, awesome over the last. It was like he was on springs.
“He’s only a little thing, barely 16 hands, and this is only his third chase. Kempton, Cheltenham and here. I rang up Ruby [Walsh] a while back and said, ‘You might think I’m mad to suggest this, but what do you think about him for the Topham?’ and Ruby said, ‘Why not?’ ”
Gwanako was comfortably clear at the last before the jockey seemed to take him wide coming into the elbow: “I thought he knew the way home better than I did,” said the trainer. Irish Raptor closed the winning distance to a neck, but Gwanako held on.
Nicholls gave full credit to his jockey for the ride. “It was brilliant, you can see why I wanted him in these colours tomorrow,” he said. Andy Stewart, who owns Gwanako, has Turko running in the John Smith’s Grand National, but Walsh has stayed with the 2006 winner Hedgehunter.
Nicholls has no plans mapped out for the horse. “God knows what we’ll do now. I can’t believe he would stay four and a half miles, but who knows, he’s only five. I just don’t know. We’ll just enjoy the moment.”
It was the second win of the day for the owner Andy Stewart, whose Big Bucks won the first race. Stewart admitted that he wabs pessimistic coming into the race, “I thought a little pony like that, he had no chance,” he said, “It’s all a bit silly.”
QUOTES
RACE 4: JOHN SMITH'S TOPHAM CHASE
GWANAKO DANCES ROUND FOR JUBILANT WALSH
Ruby Walsh rode his second winner on day two of the John Smith's Grand National meeting when Gwanako landed the John Smith's Topham Chase.
Only five, Gwanako gave a superb demonstration of accurate jumping and Walsh was able to ease down on the run-in.
Walsh said: "He danced round there. He was fantastic all the way. Those fences are wonderful when you're having a good ride. They are unique, and this horse gave me a great ride from start to finish."
"He's a very inexperienced horse but he's a wonderful jumper. I was only aware of Irish Raptor when I was pulling up - I always knew I had him."
RUNNER-UP RAPTOR
Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of runner-up Irish Raptor, entered the nine-year-old in the John Smith's Grand National, but the horse failed to make the cut - the Gloucestershire trainer still has four contenders.
Irish Raptor was prominent for a long way, and while brushed aside by Gwanako at the last fence, he rallied impressively and was just a neck down at the line.
Twiston-Davies said: "He was really good. He's a stayer and it's a shame we couldn't get him into the National. Next year that is definitely the plan, but that's probably it for this season."
RACE FOUR PLACED QUOTES
JOHN SMITH’S TOPHAM CHASE
BOTHAR NA DELIGHTS MULLINS
Willie Mullins saddled Bothar Na to finish third in an eventful renewal to the John Smith’s Topham Chase. The handler was more than happy with the performance of his nine-year-old, who was making his seasonal debut
“I’m delighted with Bothar Na. For his first run back this season, I’m absolutely thrilled with that run. He jumped from fence to fence and Paul (Carberry) gave him a super ride.
“I couldn’t see well from where I was, but I saw the horse stepping sideways a couple of times, at Becher’s Brook and the next one, Foinavon. He’s shown us before that he is very clever around here.
“He’ll roll onto Punchestown hopefully on the back of that run. I’ll enter him in anything from two and a half miles up to three miles and one or two furlongs in handicaps. He likes Punchestown and he’ll like the ground there.
“He is coming back to himself so there’s plenty to look forward to for a summer campaign. He may finish up the season at Listowel in September.”
JOCKEYS’ VIEWS ON THE GROUND
Meanwhile, after the fourth race, the John Smith’s Topham Chase, the following jockeys gave their opinion as to the state of the ground:
Winning rider Ruby Walsh
“On the National course, the ground rode on the slow side of good.”
Paul Carberry
“The ground on the National course is not bad - on the easy side of good.”
Timmy Murphy
“It’s a little bit easier than the Mildmay course.”
Richard Johnson
“The ground is good, but a little bit slow in places.”
JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL PREVIEW QUOTES
Trainer Francois Doumen said that both his entries for the John Smith’s Grand National, L’Ami and his full brother Kelami, were “very well”.
“L’Ami could probably do with the ground a little softer but it’s not a problem,” he said. “If they don’t win, I will have to find another excuse.”
The last French-trained horse to win the Grand National was Lutteur III in 1909. “It’s been a long time,” said Doumen, “but if you don’t have a horse in the race you can’t win it.”
IN THE HIGH GRASS AND TIME TO SELL
Regrettably two horses in the John Smith’s Topham Chase sustained severe injuries and had to be humanely put to sleep.
Time To Sell fell at the third fence and In The High Grass was a casualty at the eighth.
Adrian Joyce, rider of In The High Grass, is currently being assessed in the medical room.
FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
LITTLEWOODS DIRECT IMAGINE APPEAL TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRADE 2)
PIERROT CONTINUES RED LETTER DAY FOR NICHOLLS AND WALSH
Trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh enjoyed their third success of the day when Pierrot Lunaire was a runaway winner of the Littlewoods Direct Imagine Appeal Top Novices’ Hurdle.
“We’ve done a lot of work with his jumping because I think it helped to get him beaten in his last race, but he finished second to Binocular, who won yesterday. That form was top notch and we really fancied him today,” said Nicholls.
“He was not so fluent at Kempton and but really got his jumping together here. He’d missed Cheltenham like Elusive Dream, didn’t have a penalty and was my nap of the day. He is in at Punchestown but I think that’s probably it for this season.
“It’s brilliant for Bill and Angela Tincknell who are watching at home today, Bill’s not been very well and it’s a great tonic for him. They have been great supporters of mine and I’m so thrilled that they have got a really good horse at last. I think he’s very good.“
Cashmans introduced Pierrot Lunaire at 14/1 into their betting for next season’s Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle and Nicholls continued: “He’s a bloody good horse. He worked with Celestial Halo the other day and we couldn’t split them at home. Celestial Halo mighty want a bit further while this one has more speed. I think he’ll just keep improving.”
Walsh added: “If you thought we would have three winners today, you would have thought Master Minded would be one of them! What a great day! That little horse was real gutsy and tough. It’s typical of a horse who misses Cheltenham, he’s just a bit fresher than the rest and put up a really good performance. He was really slick and he attacked his hurdles. He’s a smashing little horse.
The success completed a 179/1 treble for Walsh and Nicholls.
QUOTES
RACE 5: LITTLEWOODS DIRECT IMAGINE APPEAL TOP NOVICES' HURDLE
DARREN FAR FROM LAZY AT A TASTY 50-1
Chris Grant, the luckless jockey on no less than three John Smith's Grand National runners-up, was back at Aintree today as a trainer.
Grant, who finished second in the National on Young Driver in 1986 and also on Durham Edition in 1988 and 1990, saddled Lazy Darren in the Littlewoods Direct Imagine Appeal Top Novices' Hurdle. The gelding belied odds of 50-1 to finish third under Dominic Elsworth, a substitute for Tony Dobbin who took a bruising tumble in the John Smith's Topham Chase.
Grant said: "It was a helluva good run. He's done nothing wrong in previous races this season, the ground suited him, the track suited him and so we thought we'd come for a day out.
"He's run really well and maybe he likes flat tracks, but he ran round all sorts of venues when he was racing on the Flat, including Sandown and Pontefract. He's a horse that travels well in races so we thought he'd be suited here and he's run a blinder. Happy days!
"If he's all right he might run again this season. I've not thought about sending him back to the Flat because he's running so well over hurdles."
The favourite for this race, Captain Cee Bee, was seen to have broken a blood vessel.
GERAGHTY AND DOBBIN EXPECT TO BE FIT FOR JOHN SMITH'S NATIONAL
Jockeys Barry Geraghty and Tony Dobbin, who both took falls on day two of the John Smith's Grand National meeting, expect to be in action tomorrow.
Geraghty, who rides Slim Pickings in the John Smith's Grand National, sprained his thumb when falling on Mister Top Notch in the totepool Handicap Chase. He was booked to ride Ravello Bay in the John Smith's Mares Only National Hunt Flat Race for trainer Nicky Henderson (as a replacement for Mick Fitzgerald who was knocked about during a fall in the John Smith's Topham Chase), but elected to stand down, and Paddy Brennan took over.
Geraghty, who had an ice pack on the thumb of his left hand, said: "I'll be all right by tomorrow."
Dobbin, who also took a fall in the Topham (when riding Nacarat), hopes to partner Point Barrow in the John Smith's Grand National. He said: "I'm hopeful of riding tomorrow. I got a bit of a kicking, but it's my last chance to ride in the Grand National and I don't want to miss out."
Earlier today Dobbin announced his retirement from the saddle - his final rides will be at his local track, Carlisle, on Thursday.
CROWD UP FOR SECOND DAY
Today's crowd came to 53,146, an increase of 224 over the 52,922 seen last year. Tattersalls Enclosure sold out.
The record for a Friday crowd was 53,860 in 2005.
Yesterday's crowd was also up on the 2007 level, being a new record at 27,608, up from 27,060 in 2007.
Aintree is expecting a good crowd tomorrow, with advance booking at a healthy level.
SIXTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
TOTEPOOL HANDICAP CHASE
FIRST NATIONAL MEETING WIN FOR TINKLER
Jockey Andrew Tinkler - who rides Naunton Brook in tomorrow’s John Smith’s Grand National - enjoyed his first success at the meeting when partnering the Nicky Henderson-trained Oedipe to win the totepool Handicap Chase.
Tinkler was a late call-up for the ride after Oedipe’s intended partner, Mick Fitzgerald, gave up his rides after a fall earlier in the day.
“I’ve ridden a winner at the Cheltenham Festival but this is my first at the Aintree Festival,” said Fitzgerald. “I fancied him off this weight today, as Mick must have done to be willing to ride off 10st 4lb.
“He’s a good horse on his day and probably needed the run at Cheltenham. He has quite a French way of jumping but you can’t change that, it’s best to stick to what you know. I knew he’d improve for the better ground and flat track here.”
Tinkler is looking forward to the ride on Naunton Brook and added: “It’s my third ride in the race and he jumped very well last year until pulling up. He’s been placed in a lot of the big staying handicaps and every horse has his day so hopefully we’ll have a bit of luck tomorrow.”
SIXTH RACE PLACED QUOTES
TOTEPOOL HANDICAP CHASE
MIRRORS ON TARGET FOR AYR
Ferdy Murphy is looking forward to running Three Mirrors at Ayr later this month after the eight-year-old stayed on stoutly to wear down Oedipe’s lead to three and three quarter lengths at the line in the totepool Handicap Chase.
However, he does feel that the runner-up misses out on a number of big races because he has to race left-handed.
“Three Mirrors ran a blinder. It’s a shame that he has to go left-handed or we would take him to Punchestown. He’ll go back to Ayr, where he won last year, and we’ll see if there is anything else for him.
“It was the whole idea to get a prep run into him for Ayr here today. He probably could do with going somewhere else. He misses out on some of the big ones like the Galway Plate that are right-handed, but it just doesn’t suit him.
“He’ll probably have an early summer and come back for a race around Cheltenham in October or November.”
Meanwhile Mrs Flory, the owner of third placed Alderburn, said: “He ran a good race and stayed quite well, but Oedipe took them off their feet. He went so fast. If all is well, we may go for the Betfred Chase at Sandown. We’ve got three weeks.”
While Nicky Richards, trainer of fourth placed Rayshan, said: “Once, we thought he wouldn’t stay but he stayed out there and ran a really good race. He is as game as a pebble.”
RECORD totejackpot DIVIDEND WON
A record jackpot dividend of £510,955.60 has been won by an online punter who placed a £32 bet through the link on betfair.com.
The lucky punter had two horses going into the final leg, Boychuk and Oedipe, and won the bet to the full £1 unit.
After Master Minded’s defeat in the third leg, the John Smith’s Melling Chase, there was just £132 left in the pool.
totesport spokesman Damian Walker said: “This was an unbelievable piece of betting.
“You might have thought the punter would have played safe in the final leg and gone for one of the favourites, but he carried on his strategy that had got him through to the final leg and it paid off.
“It is quite fitting that Oedipe was successful in the totepool Handicap Chase and we are delighted for the punter.”
The previous record totejackpot dividend was £494,880.00 at Newmarket on October 3, 2003.
GROUND UNCHANGED AT THE END OF DAY TWO
The going will remain unchanged at the end of day two of the 2008 John Smith’s Grand National meeting.
Ground conditions remain:
GOOD - on the Mildmay & Hurdle courses
GOOD TO SOFT, GOOD IN PLACES - on the Grand National course
Andrew Tulloch, Clerk of the Course and Director of Racing at Aintree, commented: “We will be leaving the going unchanged overnight.
“All the bends and the running line will be moved three to four yards in on to un-raced ground on the hurdle course, and we will move in the home bend at the Grand National start. The two bottom bends on the Mildmay course will also be moved to provide fresh ground.
“The forecast is for some light rain early this evening and possible drizzle tomorrow morning.”
Race 7 - John Smith’s Mares Only Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
HENDERSON & TINKLER END DAY WITH 545/1 DOUBLE
Trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Andrew Tinkler ended the day in marvellous fashion with a 545/1 double courtesy of 20/1 Oedipe in the totepool Handicap Chase and 25/1 chance Carole’s Legacy in the concluding John Smith’s Mares Only Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.
The master of Seven Barrows said: “Carole’s Legacy is a big and terribly weak filly who won a pretty ordinary race at Warwick and I thought Ravello Bay was our best chance of a winner.
“She is a full-sister to Mad Max who won a bumper at Newbury earlier this season and the two are very similar types.
“Both the winner and Ravello Bay will be very nice types to go over hurdles next year.”
Reflecting on his earlier success with Oedipe, who was only having his second outing of the season, Henderson continued: “It was a bit of a rush to get him ready for Cheltenham and we only really ran him there for his owner Billy Brown, who is a great mate and had Fondmort with us.
“As long as he didn’t suffer from the bounce factor today, we hoped he would effective round here and Andrew has given him a great ride.”
Alan King, who trained both the second Divali Princess and the third, Call Me A Legend, in the concluding race said: “I am thrilled with all three of mine - we got black type for the second and third and my other one finished sixth (Over Sixty).
“Divali Princess was the one that surprised me a bit because she doesn’t show much at home and ran a blinder. That’s it for this season but they are all the sort that should go on next year and there is this mares’ programme for them. It should all be quite exciting.”
The John Smith’s Mares Only Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race - Winning Jockey Quotes
TINKLER’S DOUBLE
After nine rides at the John Smith’s Grand National meeting without a single win, jockey Andrew Tinkler completed a swift 545/1 double with victories in the final two races of the second day.
Both wins came for his retained stable, that of Nicky Henderson, Oedipe winning the totepool Handicap Chase and Carole’s Legacy scoring in the John Smith’s Mares Only Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.
“When I won at Cheltenham on Greenhope [in 2006] it was fantastic, but to win two in a row here has to be the best,” said the 22-year-old jockey.
Tinkler was fortunate to take the mount on Oedipe, Mick Fitzgerald having withdrawn from the ride after falling on Crozan in the John Smith’s Topham Chase.
Fitzgerald also withdrew from his mount in the last, Ravello Bay, but Tinkler did not, for one minute, consider switching rides.
“I don’t know if I could have, but I never thought about it. Mr Murphy [owner of Carole’s Legacy] booked me at 11am yesterday, and I think if you’ve been booked for a ride you should stay with it,” said Tinkler.
Loyalty paid off for Tinkler. While his horse won the last, Ravello Bay, ridden by Paddy Brennan, finished just fourth.
LEADING JOCKEY STANDINGS AT THE END OF DAY TWO
Jockey 1st 2nd 3rd
Ruby Walsh 4 3 1
Robert Thornton 2 - 1
Andrew Tinkler 2 - -
Paddy Brennan 1 2 -
Tony McCoy 1 1 4
Aidan Coleman 1 - -
Tjade Collier 1 - -
Mr Josh Guerriero 1 - -
Timmy Murphy 1 - -
Tom Scudamore - 2 1
Dominic Elsworth - 1 1
Brian Harding - 1 -
Mr Charlie Huxley - 1 -
Jason Maguire - 1 -
Keith Mercer - 1 -
Mr Sam Waley-Cohen - 1 -
Paul Carberry - - 2
Miss Jacqueline Coward - - 1
Richard Johnson - - 1
Tom O’Brien - - 1
Denis O’Regan - - 1
LEADING TRAINER STANDINGS AT THE END OF DAY TWO
Trainer 1st 2nd 3rd
Paul Nicholls 4 3 1
Nicky Henderson 3 - -
Alan King 2 1 2
David Pipe 1 1 1
Nigel Twiston-Davies 1 2 -
Venetia Williams 1 - 1
Paul Jones 1 - -
Sue Smith 1 - -
Donald McCain jnr - 1 -
Ferdy Murphy - 1 -
Mick Quinlan - 1 -
Nicky Richards - 1 -
Jeremy Scott - 1 -
Andrew Turnell - 1 -
Robert Waley-Cohen - 1 -
Philip Hobbs - - 2
Jonjo O’Neill - - 2
Henry Daly - - 1
Gordon Elliott IRE - - 1
Chris Grant - - 1
Howard Johnson - - 1
Willie Mullins - - 1
FIRST RACE RESULT
2.00pm JOHN SMITH'S MILDMAY NOVICES' CHASE (GRADE TWO)
£80,000 guaranteed, 3m 1f, Mildmay Course, For 5yo+ Weights 11st Penalties after April 28, 2007, a winner of aClass 3 chase v3lb, of a Class 2 chase 5lb; of a Class 1 chase 7lb Allowances mares 7lb Entries 14 pay £350 Penalty Value 1st £45,608, 2nd £17,112, 3rd £8,568, 4th £4,272, 5th £2,144, 6th £1,072
1 BIG BUCK'S (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 5-11-3 Ruby Walsh 11/4
2 BATTLECRY (Hamsard Ltd) Nigel Twiston-Davies 7-11-0 Paddy Brennan 11/2
3 ALBERTAS RUN (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Jonjo O'Neill 7-11-7 Tony McCoy 6/4f
4 JOE LIVELY (IRE) (Richard Dimond) Colin Tizzard 9-11-7 Joe Tizzard
5 ROLL ALONG (IRE) (Bryan & Philippa Burrough) Carl Llewellyn 8-11-3 Timmy Murphy
6 STARZAAN (IRE) (Ben Arbib) Hughie Morrison 9-11-3 Robert Thornton
7 MONZON (FR) (Tony O’Gorman) Chris Gordon 8-11-0 Colin Bolger
8 unseated & remounted CEDRUS LIBANI (IRE) (Matthew Green & Howard Johnson) Howard Johnson 7-11-5 Denis O'Regan
8 ran
Distances: 2 1/4, 9, 1, hd, 19, dist, dist
Breeder: Henri Poulat
Breeding: b or br g Cadoudal (FR) - Buck’s (Fr) (Le Glorieux)
Totes: Win: £3.80 Places: £1.40, £1.90, £1.20 Exacta: £21.50
Winning Trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Based: Heighes House, Manor Farm Stables, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 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) Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2002 Armaturk, 2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic), John Smith’s Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2008 John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase), Citroen C5 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Natal, 2008 Elusive Dream)), John Smith’s Fox Hunter Chase (2002 Torduff Express), Betfair Bowl (2000 See More Business) Cheltenham Festival Wins (20): JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo), Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman Other big race wins: Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy, 2003 Valley Henry, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman), Betfair Chase (2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2001 & 2003 Ad Hoc), Brit Insurance Novices’ Prestige Hurdle (2006 Neptune Collonges), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), totesport Classic Chase (2006 Eurotrek, 2007 Ladalko), Desert Orchid H’cap Chase (2000 Fadalko, 2002 Valley Henry), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), Game Spirit Chase (2000 Flagship Uberalles, 2004 & 2005 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Mided), Greatwood Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1995 Captain Khedive, 1999 Fadalko, 2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother), King George VI Chase (1997 & 1999 See More Business, 2006 & 2007 Kauto Star), Leamington Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Be Be King), Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase (2000 Rockforce), Scottish Champion Hcap Hurdle (1999 Fadalko), Rehearsal Chase (1996 Belmont King, 1997 and 1998 See More Business), Pendil Novices’ Chase (2006 Napolitain, 2007 Natal), Peterborough Chase (2004 Le Roi Miguel), Pillar Chase (1998, 2001 See More Business), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Tingle Creek Chase (2005 Kauto Star, 2007 Twist Magic), Tolworth Hurdle (2003 Thisthatandtother, 2006 Noland, 2007 Silverburn), totesport.com becher Chase (2006 Eurotrek), Vodafone Gold Cup (2006 Cornish Sett), Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch, 2005 L’Aventure), William Hill Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1998 Lake Kariba, 1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2004 Azertyuiop), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2007 Gungadu), Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup (2007 Neptune Collognes), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2007 Denman), Lexus Chase (2007 Denman) 1000th Domestic Winner: Noble Action (Bumper, Folkestone, November 15, 2004) First Trainer to Saddle Six Winners on One Card: Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Wincanton Number of Winners (1992/03-2006/07): 20; 29; 28; 53; 56; 82; 110; 71; 83; 136; 152; 127; 152; 148; 124 Wins this Season: 132
Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Background: Ruby (short for Rupert) inherited his name from his grandfather, who was a trainer. He became champion amateur in Ireland in the 1996-97 season, and retained his title the following year, before becoming champion Irish jockey five times, including his debut season. Ruby won the Grand National for his father Ted in 2000 with Papillon, and he is the only current jockey to have ridden the winner of all four nationals. He has broken both his legs, his wrist and his hip whilst race-riding. In Ireland, Ruby mainly rides for Willy Mullins, while he is number one jockey for champion trainer Paul Nicholls in Britain. First Winner: Siren Song, Gowran Park, July 25, 1995 Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith’s Grand National (2000 Papillon (His first National ride), 2005 Hedgehunter), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2008 Big Buck’s), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic), Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle (2002 Ilnamar, 2006 Asian Maze), John Smith’s Anniversary 4-y-o Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc), Citroen C5 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Garde Champetre, 2006 Natal, 2008 Elusive Dream) Cheltenham Festival Wins (17): Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Fiveforthree), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet, 2005 Missed That), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis) Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), William Hill Trophy (2006 Dun Doire), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2007 Denman), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2007 Kauto Star) Leading Rider at The Festival: 2004 (3), 2006 (3). Other Big Race Wins: Betfair Chase (2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2003 Ad Hoc); Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman); Stan James Christmas Hurdle (2005 Feathard Lady); totesport Classic Chase (2006 Eurotrek) December Festival Hurdle (2006 Brave Inca), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2005 My Will); Feltham Novices’ Chase (2003 Strong Flow); Game Spirit Chase (2004, 2005 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded); Greatwood Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole); Haldon Gold Cup (2004 Azertyuiop); Heineken Gold Cup (1999 Imperial Call, 2000 Commanche Court); Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2003 Strong Flow);; Irish Grand National (2000 Commanche Court, 2005 Numbersixvalverde); King George VI Chase (2006 & 2007 Kauto Star); Racing Post Chase (2004 Marlborough); Tingle Creek Trophy (2002 Cenkos, 2006 Kauto Star); Tolworth Hurdle (2006 Silverburn), Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (2005 Hoo La Baloo); Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch), Lexus Chase (2007 Denman), Dr P J Moriaty Novice Chase (2008 J’y Vole) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2006/07): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73 Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Divides his time riding for Paul Nicholls in Britain and Willie Mullins in Ireland. Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2006/07): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73 Wins in Britain This Season: 58
1 PETTIFOUR (IRE) (Pettifer Group Ltd) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-11-4 Paddy Brennan 16/1
2 GONE TO LUNCH (IRE) (Gary Lever) Jeremy Scott 8-11-4v1 Tony McCoy 8/1
3 THE TOTHER ONE (IRE) (Graham Roach) Paul Nicholls 7-11-4 Ruby Walsh 4/1
4 NENUPHAR COLLONGES (FR) (Top Brass Partnership) Alan King 7-11-4b Robert Thornton
5 LA VECCHIA SCUOLA (IRE) (John Connor, Graham Brown) Jim Goldie 4-10-3p Miss Nina Carberry
6 TAZBAR (IRE) (The Supreme Partnership) Keith Reveley 6-11-4 Phil Kinsella 13/8f
7 SOUFFLEUR (Karen Bowen, W Bryan, Mr & Mrs J Timmons) Peter Bowen 5-11-4 Tom O'Brien
8 SOUND ACCORD (IRE) (George Ward) David Arbuthnot 7-11-4 Seamus Durack
9 MIDDLETON DENE (IRE) (Mr & Mrs Duncan Davidson) Nicky Richards 6-11-4 Miss Rose Davidson
10 LOGANS RUN (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 5-11-4 Denis O'Regan
11 QUICKBEAM (IRE) (Mandy D-Coughlan) Venetia Williams 6-11-4 Sam Thomas
12 BONNIE ROCK (IRE) (M Walton) George Charlton 8-10-11 Jan Faltejsek
P BULWARK (IRE) (Dr Marwan Koukash & P Legros) Ian Williams 6-11-4 Dave Dennis
13 ran
Distances: nk, 5, 1, 8, 2 3/4, 6, 7, 9, 28, 13, 14
Breeder: William Noonan
Breeding: b g Supreme Leader - Queen Of Natives (IRE) (Be My Native)
Totes: Win: £20.40 Places: £4.40, £2.10, £1.80 Exacta: £174.50
Winning Trainer: NIGEL TWISTON-DAVIES Based: Grange Hill Farm, Naunton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Date of birth: 16/5/57 Background: Rode as an amateur for Fred Winter, Fred Rimmell and Kim Bailey. Trained and rode first winner (Last Of The Foxes - Hereford 1982). Trained his 1,000th winner at Stratford in October 2006. Big Race Wins Include: Charlie Hall Chase (2005 Ollie Magern, 2007 Ollie Magern), Christmas Hurdle (1997 Kerawi), Classic Chase (2005 Baron Windrush), Elite Hurdle (2000 Mister Morose), Feltham Novices’ Chase (2004 Ollie Magern), Hennessy Gold Cup (2000 King’s Road), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1998 Mister Morose, 2004 Fundamentalist), Open Trophy (2003 Shardam), Paddy Power Gold Cup (1992 Tipping Tim), Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Rimsky), Peter Marsh Chase (1995 Earth Summit), Rehearsal Chase (1995 Grange Brake), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (1995 Sweet Duke, 2000 Beau), Scottish Champion Hdle (1994 Corrouge, 2000 Mister Morose), Scottish Grand National (1992 Captain Dibble, 1994 Earth Summit), Totesport Sandown Hcap Hurdle (2000 Rubhahunish), Welsh Champion Hurdle (2000 Mister Morose), Whitbread Gold Cup (2000 Beau), Wayward Lad Novices Chase (2007 Mahogany Blaze) Cheltenham Festival wins (8): William Hill NH Chase (1992 Tipping Tim), Royal & SunAlliance Hdle (1993 Gaelstrom, 2004 Fundamentalist), Royal & SunAlliance C (1993 Young Hustler), Letheby & Christopher Supreme H (1994 Arctic Kinsman), JCB Triumph Hurdle (1998 Upgrade), Pertemps Final H’cap Hurdle (2000 Rubhahunish, 2008 Ballyfitz) Aintree Festival wins: John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle (1987 Mrs Muck), betfair.com Handicap Chase (1994 Grange Brake), John Smith’s Topham Chase (1994 Indian Tonic), John Smith’s Red Rum Handicap Chase (1996 Arctic Kinsman), John Smith’s Extra Cold H’cp Hurdle (1998 The Proms), John Smith’s Grand National (1998 Earth Summit, 2002 Bindaree), John Smith’s Champion Standard NH Flat Race (1998 King’s Road, 2005 The Cool Guy), Citroen C5 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1999 King’s Road, 2008 Petitfour), S&N Aintree Hurdle (2000 Mister Morose), John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (2001 Docklands Limo) Wins (1982/3-2006/07): 0, 0, 4, 4, 1, 3, 2, 8, 19, 31, 76, 72, 81, 74, 52, 69, 65,87, 4, 35, 31, 79 ; 69; 59; 60 Wins this Season: 77
Winning Jockey: Paddy J Brennan Born: Ardrahan, Galway, April 13, 1981 Background: Spent one summer at Gerry Stack’s Co. Kildare yard, aged 14. Apprenticed to Jim Bolger for five years, riding eight winners from over 300 rides. Secured a position with Paul Nicholls, before moving to Philip Hobbs. Champion conditional jockey in the 2004/05 season. Appointed as retained rider for the powerful Howard Johnson/Graham Wylie team in May 2006. Joined Nigel Twiston-Davies in June 2007. Cheltenham Festival Wins (3): Pertemps Final (2008 Ballyfitz), Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (2006 Shamayoun), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2007 Inglis Drever) First Winner: Ivory Isle (Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap, Gowran Park, August 12, 1998) First Winner after riding out 3lb claim: French Executive (Sky Bet Sussex National, Plumpton, November 21, 2004) Last Winner with 3lb claim: Rollo (williamhill.com Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, Exeter, November 19, 2004) Aintree Festival Wins: Citroen C5 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Petitfour), John Smith’s Citroen C4 Picasso Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2007 Tidal Bay), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (Ashley Brook 2005), John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (2006 Wellbeing) Other Big Race Wins: Grand Sefton Handicap Chase (2005 Hakim); intercasino.co.uk Molyneux Novices’ Chase (2006 Lennon); Sea Pigeon Handicap Hurdle (2002 Benbyas); Wensleydale Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Degas Art) Charlie Hall Chase (2007 Ollie Magern), Boylesports.com International Hurdle (2007 Osana); Number of Wins (2000/01-2006/07): 3; 9; 15; 19; 67* (*Champion Conditional Jockey); 60; 80 Wins This Season: 92
1 VOY POR USTEDES (FR) (Sir Robert Ogden) Alan King 7-11-10 Robert Thornton 5/1
2 MASTER MINDED (FR) (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls 5-11-10 Ruby Walsh 2/5f
3 TAMARINBLEU (FR) (The Arthur White Partnership ) David Pipe 8-11-10b Tom Scudamore 7/1
4 NEWMILL (IRE) (Mary Hayes) John Murphy IRE 10-11-10 Robbie Power
5 MISTER MCGOLDRICK (Richard Longley) Sue Smith 11-11-10 Dominic Elsworth
6 YES SIR (IRE) (Y Hill & T Healy) Peter Bowen 9-11-10 Christian Williams
6 ran
Non-runner: 3 Monet’s Garden (vet certificate)
Distances: 18, 18, 11, 2, 4 1/2
Breeder: Ecurie Macaire Guillaume & F Picoulet
Breeding: b g Villez (USA) - Nuit D’Ecajeul (FR)
Totes: Win: £5.70 Places: £1.90, £1.10 Exacta: £8.60
Winning Trainer: ALAN KING Born: December 13, 1966 Based: Barbury Castle Stables, Wroughton, Wiltshire Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Melling Chase (2008 Voy Por Ustedes), John Smith’s Great Float Social Club Liverpool Hurdle (2008 Blazing Bailey), John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-0 Hurdle (2007 Katchit), Citroen C6 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Stromness), John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle (2002 Spendid), John Smith’s HBLB TBA Mares’ Only NH (2005 Senorita Rumbalita), John Smith’s Champion Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (2006 Pangbourne) Cheltenham Festival Wins (10): Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Nenuphar Collonges), Peter O’Sullevan National Hunt Chase (2008 Old Benny), Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2008 Katchit), William Hill National Trophy Handicap Chase (2004 Fork Lightning), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2005 Penzance, 2007 Katchit), Arkle Challenge Trophy (2006 Voy Por Ustedes, 2007 My Way De Solzen), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes) Big Race Wins: Bula Hurdle (1999 Relkeel), Betfair Handicap Hurdle (2006 Halcon Genelardais), Desert Orchid Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2006 My Way De Solzen), Long Walk Hurdle (1999 Anzum, 2005 My Way De Solzen), Jim Ford Challenge Cup (2000 Spendid), Cleeve Hurdle (2004 Crystal d’Ainay), Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), National Spirit Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Ryman The Stationer Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Katchit), Coral Welsh National (2006 Halcon Genelardais), Coral Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle (2007 Francheok), Desert Orchid Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes) Number of Winners (1999/2000-2006/07): 27; 18; 34; 39; 47; 66; 63 Wins this Season: 115
Winning Jockey: Robert Thornton Date of birth: 14/7/78 Background: First sat on a horse aged eight, and started working for David Nicholson aged 14, becoming stable amateur in 1995. Crowned Champion Conditional in 1998, riding 71 winners, before joining Kim Bailey and turning professional in 1999. Now rides fro Alan King. Writes an article for the Gloucstershire Echo, and is nicknamed Choc because he used to always eat chocolate. Had his hair shaved for charity in June 2007, despite protests from his girlfriend First Winner Under Rules: K C’s Dancer (Cheltenham, October 25, 1995) Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Melling Chase (2008 Voy Por Ustedes), John Smith’s Great Float Social Club Liverpool Hurdle (2008 Blazing Bailey), John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-0 Hurdle (2007 Katchit), Martell Foxhunters’ Chase (Blue Cheek 1997), Cordon Bleu Handicap Hurdle (Shankar 1997), Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Stromness), Premier Convenience Stores Top Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Royal Shakespeare); John Smith’s Mares Only Nh Flat Race (2005 Senorita Rumbalita), John Smith’s Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race (2006 Pangbourne) Cheltenham Festival wins: (15) Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle (2008 Katchit), Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Captain Cee Bee), Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Chase (King Lucifer 1997), Pertemps Final (Pharanear 1997), William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (2004 Fork Lightning, 2005 Kelami), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2005 Penzance, 2007 Katchit), Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Moulin Riche, 2008 Nenuphar Collonges), Irish Independent Arkle Trophy (2006 Voy Por Ustedes, 2007 My Way De Solzen), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2006 My Way De Solzen), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2007Andreas) Big Race Wins: Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (2004 Trouble At Bay), Agfa Diamond Handicap Chase (2005 Innox), Agfa Hurdle (2005 Self Defense), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Cleeve Hurdle (2004 Crystal D’ainay, 2007 Blazing Bailey), Desert Orchid Chase (2006 Voy Por Ustedes), Dipper Novices’ Chase (2006 My Way De Solzen), Coralpoker.com Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2005 Kadount, 2006 Voy Por Ustedes), National Spirit Hurdle (My Way De Solzen), Rendlesham Hurdle (1999 Pharanear, 2005 Crystal D’ainay), Ryman The Stationer Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Katchit), Sporting Index Chase (2002 Famfoni), Totesport Long Walk Hurdle (2005 My Way De Solzen), Victor Chandler Chase (1999 Call Equiname), Wragg & Co Finesse Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Moneytrain, 2007 Katchit), Desert Orchid Chase (2007 Voy Por Ustedes) Wins (1995/96-2006/07): 3; 30; 71; 37; 23; 40; 56; 50; 73; 97; 73; 99 Wins this Season: 98
FOURTH RACE RESULT
3.45pm JOHN SMITH'S TOPHAM HANDICAP CHASE
£110,000 guaranteed, 2m 5 1/2f Grand National Course, For 5yo+ Weights raised 14lb Minimum weight 10st Penalties after March 22, a winner pof a chase 4lb (no penalty to increase ahorse’s weight above 11st 12lb) Natal’s handicap mark 145 Entries 87 pay £100 Confirmed 63 pay £350 Penalty value 1st £68,822, 2nd £20,350, 3rd £10,175, 4th £5,093, 5th £2,541, 6th £1,276
1 GWANAKO (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 5-11-8 Ruby Walsh 7/1jf
2 IRISH RAPTOR (IRE) (Caroline Berseford-Wylie) Nigel Twiston-Davies 9-10-12 Paddy Brennan 12/1
3 BOTHAR NA (IRE) (Michael O’Dwyer) Willie Mullins IRE 9-10-12 Paul Carberry 12/1
4 I HEAR THUNDER (IRE) (Nick Elliott) Bob Buckler 10-10-4 Daryl Jacob 40/1
5 PALARSHAN (FR) (Summer Wellesley) Henry Daly 10-11-5 Richard Johnson
6 OODACHEE (Modreeny Syndicate) Charlie Swan IRE 9-10-12 David Casey
7 THEATRE KNIGHT (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 10-10-6 Denis O'Regan
8 BLACK HILLS (The Kingfisher Partnership) Jonathan Geake 9-11-4 Andrew McNamara
9 TOO FORWARD (IRE) (T Gidson & D Matthias) Carl Llewellyn 12-11-10 Timmy Murphy
10 WHICH POCKET (IRE) (A Peachey) Brendan Powell 10-10-13 Tom Siddall
11 ROMAN ARK (Richard Collins) MalcolmJefferson 10-11-12 Fergus King
12 AZULEJO (FR) (J & T Wilson) Michael Scudamore 10-10-6t Alan O’Keefe
F3 dead TIME TO SELL (IRE) (Joseph Buckley) Eugene O'Sullivan IRE 9-10-5 R Mclernon (7)
F6 NACARAT (FR) (Simon Clarke) Tom George 7-11-3 Tony Dobbin
F6 ERIC'S CHARM (FR) (Martin St Quinton & Peter Deal) Oliver Sherwood 10-11-1 Dominic Elsworth
F8 NATAL (FR) (Monica Hackett) Paul Nicholls 7-11-7 Mr Nick Scholfield (5)
F8 IN THE HIGH GRASS (IRE) (Mary Hally) Tom Taaffe IRE 7-10-13 Adrian Joyce (5)
F8 DREUX (FR) (Valerie Courtney) Thomas Cooper IRE 6-10-12 John Cullen
F8 TOMMY SPAR (Ralph Mongans) Peter Bowen 8-11-0 Christian Williams
F10 CROZAN (FR) (Trevor Hemmings) Nicky Henderson 8-11-6 Mick Fitzgerald
F10 MACS FLAMINGO (IRE) (Craith Syndicate) Pat Fahy IRE 8-11-6 Robbie Power
F10 MARKED MAN (IRE) (Mr & Mrs C Elliott) Richard Lee 12-10-0 Charlie Poste (3)
F11 KENZO III (FR) (Killinghurst Park Stud) Nicky Henderson 10-11-2 Charlie Studd (5)
F12 LANKAWI (Jill Day) Peter Bowen 6-10-8p Tom J O'Brien
F12 PAK JACK (FR) (The Bellflower Pak Jak Partnership) Richard Phillips 8-10-11 Robert Thornton 7/1jf
P15 YOU'RE SPECIAL (USA) (Diane O’Rourke) Ferdy Murphy 11-10-13t Tom Dreaper
P16 DUNBRODY MILLAR (IRE) (Dundon Else Partnership) Peter Bowen 10-10-10p Seamus Durack
U10 NICE TRY (IRE) (The Jugglins Partnership) Venetia Williams 9-10-6 Aidan Coleman (5)
U9 MIGHTY MATTERS (IRE) (Mrs L Suenson Taylor) Charlie Longsdon 9-10-10 Mr Jamie Snowden (5)
29 ran
Non-runner: 26 Randwick Roar
Distances: nk, 5, 11, 2, 6, 4, 2, 14, 30, 28, 18
Breeder: Jean-Michel Queron
Breeding: b or br g Sin Kiang (FR) - Vaubecourt (FR)
Totes: Win: £8.30 Places: £2.50, £2.80, £3.10, £15.20 Exacta: £116.60
Winning Trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Based: Heighes House, Manor Farm Stables, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 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) Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith’s Topham Chase (2008 Gwanako), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2002 Armaturk, 2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic), John Smith’s Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2008 John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase), Citroen C5 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Natal, 2008 Elusive Dream)), John Smith’s Fox Hunter Chase (2002 Torduff Express), Betfair Bowl (2000 See More Business) Cheltenham Festival Wins (20): JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo), Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman) 1000th Domestic Winner: Noble Action (Bumper, Folkestone, November 15, 2004) First Trainer to Saddle Six Winners on One Card: Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Wincanton Number of Winners (1992/03-2006/07): 20; 29; 28; 53; 56; 82; 110; 71; 83; 136; 152; 127; 152; 148; 124 Wins this Season: 133
Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Background: Ruby (short for Rupert) inherited his name from his grandfather, who was a trainer. He became champion amateur in Ireland in the 1996-97 season, and retained his title the following year, before becoming champion Irish jockey five times, including his debut season. Ruby won the Grand National for his father Ted in 2000 with Papillon, and he is the only current jockey to have ridden the winner of all four nationals. He has broken both his legs, his wrist and his hip whilst race-riding. In Ireland, Ruby mainly rides for Willy Mullins, while he is number one jockey for champion trainer Paul Nicholls in Britain. First Winner: Siren Song, Gowran Park, July 25, 1995 Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith’s Topham Chase (2008 Gwanako), John Smith’s Grand National (2000 Papillon (His first National ride), 2005 Hedgehunter), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2008 Big Buck’s), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic), Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle (2002 Ilnamar, 2006 Asian Maze), John Smith’s Anniversary 4-y-o Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc), Citroen C5 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Garde Champetre, 2006 Natal, 2008 Elusive Dream) Cheltenham Festival Wins (17): Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Fiveforthree), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet, 2005 Missed That), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis) Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), William Hill Trophy (2006 Dun Doire), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2007 Denman), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2007 Kauto Star) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2006/07): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73 Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Divides his time riding for Paul Nicholls in Britain and Willie Mullins in Ireland. Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2006/07): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73 Wins in Britain This Season: 59
FIFTH RACE RESULT
4.20pm LITTLEWOODS DIRECT IMAGINE APPEAL NOVICES' HURDLE (GRADE TWO)
£60,000 guaranteed, 2m 1/2f, For 4yo+ Weights 4yo 10st 8lb; 5yo+ 11st Penalties a winner of a class 3 hurdle 3lb; of a class 2 hurdle 5lb; of a class 1 hurdle 8lb Allowances fillies and mares 7lb Entries 28 pay £275 Penalty value 1st £34,206, 2nd £12,834, 3rd £6,426, 4th £3,204, 5th £1,608, 6th £804
1 PIERROT LUNAIRE (USA) (Angela Tincknell) Paul Nicholls 4-10-8 Ruby Walsh 5/1
2 BLUE BAJAN (IRE) (Dr John Hollowood) Andrew Turnell 6-11-0 Tom Scudamore 5/1
3 LAZY DARREN (Woodgate Family) Chris Grant 4-10-8 Dominic Elsworth 50/1
4 KHYBER KIM (Caroline Mould) Nicky Henderson 6-11-5 Mick Fitzgerald
5 GLOUCESTER (Ross Harmon) John Quinn 5-11-0 Dougie Costello
6 GREENBRIDGE (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Alan King 6-11-0 Robert Thornton
7 SALFORD CITY (IRE) (Fergus Galvin) Gordon Elliott IRE 7-11-8 Miss Nina Carberry
8 SONGE (FR) (Alan Halsall) Charlie Longsdon 4-10-13 Tom Siddall
9 FRANK CROW (Janis Macpherson) Jim Goldie 5-11-0 Phil Kinsella
10 ALSADAA (USA) (P Sheen) Laura Mongan 5-11-3 Colin Bolger
11 SIR ARTHUR (IRE) (R Wagner) Bryan Ellison 5-11-0 Denis O'Regan
12 MARSAM (IRE) (Liam Mulryan & Michael Fahy) Mick Quinlan 5-11-3 Paul Carberry
F PIGEON ISLAND (Raymond Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies 5-11-8t Paddy Brennan
P CAPTAIN CEE BEE (IRE) (J P McManus) Edward Harty IRE 7-11-8 Tony McCoy 5/4f
14 ran
Distances: 14, 6, 3 3/4, 1 1/4, sh, hd, 24, 5, 7, dist, dist
Breeder: Skymarc Farm Inc
Breeding: b g War Chant (USA) - Playact (IRE)
Totes: Win: £6.10 Places: £2.00, £2.30, £5.20 Exacta: £51.00
Winning Trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Based: Heighes House, Manor Farm Stables, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset 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) Aintree Festival Wins include: Littlewoods Direct Appeal Top Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Pierrot Lunaire), John Smith’s Topham Chase (2008 Gwanako), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2002 Armaturk, 2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic), John Smith’s Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2008 John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase), Citroen C5 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Natal, 2008 Elusive Dream)), John Smith’s Fox Hunter Chase (2002 Torduff Express), Betfair Bowl (2000 See More Business) Cheltenham Festival Wins (20): JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo), Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman) Other big race wins: Aon Chase (2000 See More Business, 2001 Shotgun Willy, 2003 Valley Henry, 2007 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman), Betfair Chase (2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2001 & 2003 Ad Hoc), Brit Insurance Novices’ Prestige Hurdle (2006 Neptune Collonges), Bula Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman), Charlie Hall Chase (1999 and 2000 See More Business), totesport Classic Chase (2006 Eurotrek, 2007 Ladalko), Desert Orchid H’cap Chase (2000 Fadalko, 2002 Valley Henry), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1993 See More Indians), Game Spirit Chase (2000 Flagship Uberalles, 2004 & 2005 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Mided), Greatwood Hurdle (2003 Rigmarole), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1995 Captain Khedive, 1999 Fadalko, 2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother), King George VI Chase (1997 & 1999 See More Business, 2006 & 2007 Kauto Star), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), totesport.com becher Chase (2006 Eurotrek), Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch, 2005 L’Aventure), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2007 Denman), Lexus Chase (2007 Denman) 1000th Domestic Winner: Noble Action (Bumper, Folkestone, November 15, 2004) First Trainer to Saddle Six Winners on One Card: Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Wincanton Number of Winners (1992/03-2006/07): 20; 29; 28; 53; 56; 82; 110; 71; 83; 136; 152; 127; 152; 148; 124 Wins this Season: 134
Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Background: Ruby (short for Rupert) inherited his name from his grandfather, who was a trainer. He became champion amateur in Ireland in the 1996-97 season, and retained his title the following year, before becoming champion Irish jockey five times, including his debut season. Ruby won the Grand National for his father Ted in 2000 with Papillon, and he is the only current jockey to have ridden the winner of all four nationals. He has broken both his legs, his wrist and his hip whilst race-riding. In Ireland, Ruby mainly rides for Willy Mullins, while he is number one jockey for champion trainer Paul Nicholls in Britain. First Winner: Siren Song, Gowran Park, July 25, 1995 Aintree Festival Wins include: Littlewoods Direct Imagine Appeal Top Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Pierrot Lunaire), John Smith’s Topham Chase (2008 Gwanako), John Smith’s Grand National (2000 Papillon (His first National ride), 2005 Hedgehunter), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2008 Big Buck’s), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic), Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle (2002 Ilnamar, 2006 Asian Maze), John Smith’s Anniversary 4-y-o Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc), Citroen C5 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Garde Champetre, 2006 Natal, 2008 Elusive Dream) Cheltenham Festival Wins (17): Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Fiveforthree), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet, 2005 Missed That), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 Master Minded), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis) Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland), William Hill Trophy (2006 Dun Doire), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2007 Denman), totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup (2007 Kauto Star) Leading Rider at The Festival: 2004 (3), 2006 (3). Other Big Race Wins: Betfair Chase (2006 Kauto Star), Betfred Gold Cup (2003 Ad Hoc); Challow Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Cornish Rebel, 2006 Denman); Stan James Christmas Hurdle (2005 Feathard Lady); totesport Classic Chase (2006 Eurotrek) December Festival Hurdle (2006 Brave Inca), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2003 Strong Flow); Irish Grand National (2000 Commanche Court, 2005 Numbersixvalverde); King George VI Chase (2006 & 2007 Kauto Star); Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch), Lexus Chase (2007 Denman), Dr P J Moriaty Novice Chase (2008 J’y Vole) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2006/07): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73 Other Details: Son of Ted Walsh, former leading Irish amateur rider who is now a trainer and broadcaster in Ireland. Divides his time riding for Paul Nicholls in Britain and Willie Mullins in Ireland. Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2006/07): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77; 62; 81; 69; 73 Wins in Britain This Season: 60
SIXTH RACE RESULT
4.55pm TOTEPOOL HANDICAP CHASE
£60,000 guaranteed, 3m 1f, Mildmay Course, For 5yo+ Minimum Weight 10st Penalties after March 22, a winner of achase 4lb State Of Play’s Handicap Mark 156 Entries 40 pay £”50 Penalty value 1st £37,572, 2nd £11,100, 3rd £5,500, 4th £2,778, 5th £1,386, 6th £696
1 OEDIPE (FR) (Bill Brown) Nicky Henderson 6-10-4 Andrew Tinkler 20/1
2 THREE MIRRORS (Sean Murphy) Ferdy Murphy 8-10-2 Keith Mercer 25/1
3 ALDERBURN (Mrs D Flory) Henry Daly 9-10-13 Tony McCoy 11/2
4 RAYSHAN (IRE) (Mr & Mrs Duncan Davidson) Nicky Richards 8-10-6 Miss Rose Davidson (3) 20/1
5 BOYCHUK (IRE) (Diana Whateley) Philip Hobbs 7-10-6 Richard Johnson
6 BAGAN (FR) (The Centaur Group Partnership VII) Martin Todhunter 9-10-8 Brian Harding
7 CELESTIAL GOLD (IRE) (David Johnson) David Pipe 10-11-7 Timmy Murphy
8 MR STRACHAN (IRE) (Susan Granger) Sue Smith 7-10-4 Dominic Elsworth
9 SILVER SEDGE (IRE) (Ian Hamilton) Ann Hamilton 9-10-0 Paddy Aspell
10 BIBLE LORD (IRE) (M Tedham) Andrew Turnell 7-10-6 Mark Grant
11 STATE OF PLAY (Mr & Mrs William Rucker) Evan Williams 8-11-5 Mr James Tudor (7)
12 KOCK DE LA VESVRE (FR) (O Dakin) Venetia Williams 10-9-11 Aidan Coleman (5)
F MISTER TOP NOTCH (IRE) (Matrie Cronin) Davy Fitzgerald IRE 9-11-10 Barry Geraghty 5/1f
P NEW LITTLE BRIC (FR) (Kathy Stuart) Paul Nicholls 7-11-0 Ruby Walsh
P KINGS EURO (IRE) (N Jones) Tim Vaughan 8-10-6p Seamus Durack
P COAT OF HONOUR (USA) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 8-10-5 Denis O'Regan
P IRISH WOLF (FR) (The Hacking Patnership) Peter Bowen 8-10-0p Tom O'Brien
17 ran
Non-runner: 8 Ardaghey (other - runs in Saturday’s Grand National)
Distances: 3 3/4, 21, 1/2, 2 1/4, 1/2, 1, 5, hd, 1 1/4, 16, 7
Breeder: Bruno Vagne
Breeding: ch g Chamberlain (FR) - Massada (FR)
Totes: Win: £ 26.40 Places: £4.90, £8.90, £2.30, £4.70 Exacta: £564.60
Winning Trainer: NICHOLAS (NICKY) JOHN HENDERSON Based: Seven Barrows, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire Date of birth:10/12/50 Date of first licence: July (1978) Previous Occupation/Apprenticeship: Amateur jockey, assistant to Fred Winter 1975-78 Aintree Festival wins: John Smith’s 250th Anniversary 4yo Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Binocular), totepool Handicap Chase (2008 Oedipe), John Smith’s FoX Hunter’s Chase (2007 Scots Grey), betafir.com Handicap Chase (1985 Green Bramble, 2004 Lord Of The River), John Smith’s Champion NH Flat Race (1987 Rustle), Citroen C6 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1988 Rustle), John Smith’s Melling Chase (1992 Remittance Man), John Smith’s Topham Chase (1990 Wont Be Gone Long, 2006 Liberthine), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (1991 Sparkling Flame, 2003 Irish Hussar), John Smith’s Extra Smooth H’cap Hurdle (1995 Thinking Twice) Cheltenham Festival wins (31): County (1997 Barna Boy, 1993 Thumbs Up), Kim Muir (1990 Master Bob, 2002 The Bushkeeper, 2005 Juveigneur), Mildmay (1985,1986 The Tsarevich, 2005 Liberthine), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal), Cathcart (1994 Raymylette, 1990 Brown Windsor, 1999 and 2000 Stormyfairweather), Supreme Novices H (1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown), Queen Mother (1992 Remittance Man), Arkle (1991 Remittance Man, 1993 Travado, 2000 Tiutchev), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (1985, 1986, 1987 See You Then),Triumph (1985 First Bout, 1987 Alone Success, 1999 Katarino), William Hill National Hunt H’cap Chase (2000 Marlborough), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2005 Trabolgan), Ryanair Chase (2006 Fondmort), Racing Post Plate (2006 Non So), Grand Annual Chase (2006 Greenhope) Other major wins include: Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1993/94/95 Travado), First National Bank Gold Cup (1994 Raymylette, 2003 Iris Royal), Peterborough Chase (1992 Remittance Man, 1993 & 1995 Travado), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1991 Mutare, 1997 Fiddling The Facts), Victor Chandler Chase (1996 Big Matt, 2004 Isio, 2006 Tysou), Agfa Diamond Chase (1996 Amtrak Express), Scottish Champion Hurdle (1986 River Ceiriog), BMW Handicap Chase (1998 Big Matt), West Yorkshire Hurdle (1999 Silver Wedge), Gerry Feilden Hurdle (1999 Bacchanal), Totesport Gold Trophy Hcap Hurdle (1998 Sharpical, 2000 and 2004 Geos, 2001 Landing Light), AON Chase (2002 Bacchanal), Tripleprint Gold Cup (2002 Fondmort, 2003 Iris Royal), Ladbroke Hurdle (2002 Chauvinist, 2007 Jack The Giant), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2003 Fondmort), Racing Post Chase (2004 Marlborough), Vodafone Gold Cup (2004 Isio), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2005 Trabolgan), Finale Juvenile Hurdle (2005 Blue Shark), Adonis Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2007 Punjabi), Docecote Novices’ Hurdle (2007 Shatabdi), Champion 4YO Hurdle (2007Punjabi) Number of Winners (1982/83-2006/07): 40, 43, 40, 46, 67, 40, 43, 41, 49, 52, 53, 48, 45, 47, 58, 54, 73, 67, 81, 92, 69, 79; 53; 85; 74; Wins this Season: 76
Winning Jockey: Andrew Charles Tinkler Born: May 3, 1985 Based: c/o Nicky Henderson, Seven Barrows, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire. Background: Son of trainer and former jump jockey Colin Tinkler. Spent school holidays riding out for Martin Pipe, Philip Hobbs, David Nicholson, Malcolm Jefferson, Ferdy Murphy and in the US Michael Dickinson. Rode his first winner on his first ride in public, aged 16, at odds of 100/1 First winner: Nafith (Royal Bank of Scotland Claiming Stakes for Amateur Riders, May 4, 2001) First Professional Ride: Volano (Samantha Holdsworth Handicap Hurdle, Aintree, May 16, 2003) Aintree Festival Wins: Totepool Handicap Chase (2008 Oedipe) Cheltenham Festival Wins: (1) Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2006 Greenhope) Other Notable Races won: Burton & Smith Amateur Derby Handicap (2003 Red Lion) Number of Wins (2002/03-2006/07): 6; 43; 31; 26; 15 Wins this Season: 12
SEVENTH RACE RESULT
5.30pm JOHN SMITH'S MARES ONLY STANDARD OPEN NH FLAT RACE (LISTED)
£35,000 guaranteed, 2m 1f, For 4-6yo which have not run under any recognised rules of racing, except NH/INH Flat races; horses are not to have run in any more than four NH Flat races, or five such races if the fifth run was in the mares only listed race held at Sandown Park on March 8, 2008 Weights 4yo 10st 8lb; 5yo and 6yo 11st Penalties A winner of a NH/INH Flat race 4lb; of 2 such races 7lb; of 3 such races 10lb Entries 29 pay £175 Penalty value 1st £19,953.50, 2nd £7,486.50, 3rd £3,748.50, 4th £1,869, 5th £938, 6th £469
1 CAROLE'S LEGACY (Carole Skipworth & Paul Murphy) Nicky Henderson 4-10-12 Andrew Tinkler 25/1
2 DIVALI PRINCESS (Joy Fenton & Partners) Alan King 4-10-05 Mr Charlie Huxley (7) 40/1
3 CALL ME A LEGEND (Mrs K Holmes) Alan King 4-11-1 Robert Thornton 13/2
4 RAVELLO BAY (Turf Club 2006) Nicky Henderson 5-11-4 Paddy Brennan
5 ARGENTO LUNA (P Gardner) Oliver Sherwood 5-11-4 Dominic Elsworth
6 OVER SIXTY (Mr & Mrs Christopher Harris) Alan King 5-11-1 Gerard Tumelty (3)
7 ROMANCE DANCE (Shane O’Sullivan (lpc Ltd)) Liam Corcoran 5-11-0 Timmy Murphy
8 CALUSA CRYSTAL (FR) (Peter Luff) Philip Hobbs 5-11-0 Richard Johnson
9 LITTLE LU (IRE) (Dom Flit) Alan Swinbank 6-11-4 Brian Hughes (3)
10 ZARINAVA (IRE) (D Donegan) Jessica Harrington IRE 4-10-12 Ruby Walsh
11 YONDER (Mary Morrison) Hughie Morrison 4-10-12 Tony McCoy 4/1f
12 WYCHWOODS LEGEND (Kevin & Anne Glastonbury) Tim Vaughan 5-11-7 Christian Williams
13 COBBLER'S QUEEN (IRE) (A Timpson) Henry Daly 4-10-8 Mark Bradburne
14 CAIT NI CHAONAIGH (IRE) (Cathaoileach Syndicate) Patrick Martin IRE 5-11-4 Denis O'Regan
15 SOUTHERN EXIT (L Strangman) Mark Rimell 5-11-0 Noel Fehily
16 MOORLANDS TERI (Lynda Williams) Tim Vaughan 5-11-0 Seamus Durack
17 SALLIE'S SECRET (IRE) (Teresa Shaughnessy) Maureen Danagher IRE 5-10-11 J P Holly (7)
18 PEVERIL PANDORA (Mrs E Haycock) Jonathan Geake 5-10-7t Simon Elliott (7)
19 MAISY DAISY (IRE) (Brian Walsh) Paul Nolan IRE 6-11-4 Robbie Power
20 PRIMROSE TIME (The Explorers) Lucy Normile 5-11-4 Tom Dreaper
20 ran
Distances: 1/2, 1 3/4, 1, 1/2, 2 1/4, 1 1/4, 2 1/2, 1/2, 2 1/2, 1, 6, 10, 1, nk, 3, 1 1/4, 6, 15, 21
Breeder: Paul Murphy
Breeding: ch f Sir Harry Lewis (USA) - Carole’s Crusader
Totes: Win: £33.30 Places: £7.80, £16.00, £3.00 Exacta: £827.50
Winning Trainer: NICHOLAS (NICKY) JOHN HENDERSON Based: Seven Barrows, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire Date of birth:10/12/50 Date of first licence: July (1978) Previous Occupation/Apprenticeship: Amateur jockey, assistant to Fred Winter 1975-78 Aintree Festival wins: Joh Smith’s Mares Only Open NHF (2008 Carole’s Legacy), John Smith’s 250th Anniversary 4yo Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Binocular), totepool Handicap Chase (2008 Oedipe), John Smith’s FoX Hunter’s Chase (2007 Scots Grey), betafir.com Handicap Chase (1985 Green Bramble, 2004 Lord Of The River), John Smith’s Champion NH Flat Race (1987 Rustle), Citroen C6 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1988 Rustle), John Smith’s Melling Chase (1992 Remittance Man), John Smith’s Topham Chase (1990 Wont Be Gone Long, 2006 Liberthine), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (1991 Sparkling Flame, 2003 Irish Hussar), John Smith’s Extra Smooth H’cap Hurdle (1995 Thinking Twice) Cheltenham Festival wins (31): County (1997 Barna Boy, 1993 Thumbs Up), Kim Muir (1990 Master Bob, 2002 The Bushkeeper, 2005 Juveigneur), Mildmay (1985,1986 The Tsarevich, 2005 Liberthine), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (1989 Rustle, 2000 Bacchanal), Cathcart (1994 Raymylette, 1990 Brown Windsor, 1999 and 2000 Stormyfairweather), Supreme Novices H (1986 River Ceiriog, 1992 Flown), Queen Mother (1992 Remittance Man), Arkle (1991 Remittance Man, 1993 Travado, 2000 Tiutchev), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (1985, 1986, 1987 See You Then),Triumph (1985 First Bout, 1987 Alone Success, 1999 Katarino), William Hill National Hunt H’cap Chase (2000 Marlborough), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2005 Trabolgan), Ryanair Chase (2006 Fondmort), Racing Post Plate (2006 Non So), Grand Annual Chase (2006 Greenhope) Other major wins include: Haldon Gold Cup Chase (1993/94/95 Travado), First National Bank Gold Cup (1994 Raymylette, 2003 Iris Royal), Peterborough Chase (1992 Remittance Man, 1993 & 1995 Travado), Feltham Novices’ Chase (1991 Mutare, 1997 Fiddling The Facts), Victor Chandler Chase (1996 Big Matt, 2004 Isio, 2006 Tysou), Agfa Diamond Chase (1996 Amtrak Express), Scottish Champion Hurdle (1986 River Ceiriog), BMW Handicap Chase (1998 Big Matt), West Yorkshire Hurdle (1999 Silver Wedge), Gerry Feilden Hurdle (1999 Bacchanal), Totesport Gold Trophy Hcap Hurdle (1998 Sharpical, 2000 and 2004 Geos, 2001 Landing Light), AON Chase (2002 Bacchanal), Tripleprint Gold Cup (2002 Fondmort, 2003 Iris Royal), Ladbroke Hurdle (2002 Chauvinist, 2007 Jack The Giant), Paddy Power Gold Cup (2003 Fondmort), Racing Post Chase (2004 Marlborough), Vodafone Gold Cup (2004 Isio), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2005 Trabolgan), Finale Juvenile Hurdle (2005 Blue Shark), Adonis Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle (2007 Punjabi), Docecote Novices’ Hurdle (2007 Shatabdi), Champion 4YO Hurdle (2007Punjabi) Number of Winners (1982/83-2006/07): 40, 43, 40, 46, 67, 40, 43, 41, 49, 52, 53, 48, 45, 47, 58, 54, 73, 67, 81, 92, 69, 79; 53; 85; 74; Wins this Season: 77
Winning Jockey: Andrew Charles Tinkler Born: May 3, 1985 Based: c/o Nicky Henderson, Seven Barrows, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire. Background: Son of trainer and former jump jockey Colin Tinkler. Spent school holidays riding out for Martin Pipe, Philip Hobbs, David Nicholson, Malcolm Jefferson, Ferdy Murphy and in the US Michael Dickinson. Rode his first winner on his first ride in public, aged 16, at odds of 100/1 First winner: Nafith (Royal Bank of Scotland Claiming Stakes for Amateur Riders, May 4, 2001) First Professional Ride: Volano (Samantha Holdsworth Handicap Hurdle, Aintree, May 16, 2003) Aintree Festival Wins: Totepool Handicap Chase (2008 Oedipe), John Smith’s Mares Only Open NHF (2008 Carole’s Legacy) Cheltenham Festival Wins: (1) Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2006 Greenhope) Other Notable Races won: Burton & Smith Amateur Derby Handicap (2003 Red Lion) Number of Wins (2002/03-2006/07): 6; 43; 31; 26; 15 Wins this Season: 13
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