JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING, AINTREE
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
THIRD DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2008
CROWD UP
The crowd for John Smith’s Grand National day 2008 came to 68,360 - an increase of 260 on the 2007 figure of 68,100.
THE WINNER - COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) 7/1 JF
b g Old Vic - Madam Madcap (Furry Glen)
9-10-09 Form: 11214/1211F2P6/4P//0P211 Owner: David Johnson
Trainer: David Pipe Breeder: Martin Dibbs Jockey: Timmy Murphy
Comply Or Die
Originally trained by David’s father Martin, Comply Or Die posted an easy victory on his racecourse debut in a novices’ hurdle at Taunton on October, 2003. After another comfortable win in a similar event, Comply Or Die stepped up to Graded company and followed a good second in the Grade Two Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow with a convincing three-length victory in the Grade Two Tripleprint Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in December, 2003. A good first season finished with a sound fifth behind Fundamentalist in the Grade One Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival in March, 2004. Having started his chasing career with a victory at Bangor and a second behind Ollie Magern at Cheltenham, Comply Or Die took the spoils in the Grade Two Rising Stars Novices’ Chase at Wincanton in November, 2004. Comply Or Die returned to the Cheltenham Festival in March, 2005, finishing second behind Trabolgan in the Grade One Royal & SunAlliance Chase, before being pulled up in the Scottish Grand National the following month. He finished the 2004/05 season with a creditable sixth in the Betfred Gold Cup, before beginning his second season chasing with a good fourth, again behind Trabolgan, in the Grade Three Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury. Comply Or Die’s season was cut short after suffering a setback in the Coral Welsh National, and it was nearly two years before he saw a racecourse again. Lining up in a handicap chase at Cheltenham in October, 2007, Comply Or Die lacked race fitness and finished a weary 16th. The gelding also disappointed on his next run when pulled up in the Grade Three Servo Computers Services Trophy Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on November 17. The application of blinkers produced a far better display in the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase at Haydock on December 22, and Comply Or Die ran his best race for several years when finishing second behind John Smith’s Grand National favourite Cloudy Lane. Racing over a marathon extended four miles in the Eider Chase at Newcastle on February 23, Comply Or Die showed that he would have the stamina necessary for the John Smith’s Grand National with a brilliant eight-length victory, despite being burdened with top-weight. He wins the 2008 John Smith’s Grand National in fine style.
Race Record: Starts: 20; Wins: 8; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 0; Win & Place Prize Money: £607,025
David Johnson
David Johnson’s is a classic rags-to-riches tale. A docker’s son, born in 1944, from the East End of London, he began working at the Midland Bank in East Ham for £9 a week aged 16 and soon set up in the moneylending business. In 2001 he sold his company, which employed 1,000 people, for £216 million and is now CEO of Commercial First, which he set up in the autumn of 2002. A trip to Newmarket races in the mid 1980s resulted in an introduction to trainer Robert Williams and the purchase of a share in the two-year-old Mister Majestic, who went on to win the 1986 Group One Middle Park Stakes. Despite his colours being the reverse of Robert Sangster’s, he concentrates on jumpers and had his first victory over hurdles when Beebob scored at Chepstow in November, 1992, the start of a highly successful partnership with 15-time champion National Hunt trainer Martin Pipe (now retired). His horses were generally bought in France, including Arkle Chase winners Or Royal (1997) and Champleve (1998) and Cyfor Malta, winner of the Topham Chase as well as the Paddy Power Gold Cup (twice) and Pillar Property Chase at Cheltenham. But in the last few years he has bought horses from Ireland including a large team from Tom Costello, such as the chasers Our Vic, Therealbandit and Celestial Gold, winner of the 2004 Paddy Power and Hennessy Gold Cups. Johnson finished the 1997/8 campaign as the leading owner over jumps, took the title again in 2001/2 when collecting over £725,000 in prize money, in 2002/3 with over £917,000, in 2003/4 when his earnings topped £924,000 and also in 2004/5 with over £1.77 million. Johnson, who has over 80 horses in training, is a keen punter, admitting he frequently bets in five figures, and has enjoyed 10 successes, including a brace in 2005 and Our Vic’s success in the Ryanair Chase this year, at the Cheltenham Festival. He lives in Hornchurch, Essex, with wife Shirley and children Stephen and Lisa. John Smith’s Grand National Record (since 1980): 1998 Challenger Du Luc (Fell 1st); 1999 Eudipe (Fell 22nd), Tamarindo (Fell 6th); 2002 Iris Bleu (Fell 5th); 2003 Iris Bleu (PU bef 16th); 2004 Lord Atterbury (3rd), Jurancon II (Fell 4th), Montreal (Fell 6th); 2005 It Takes Time (4th), Lord Atterbury (Fell 1st); 2006 Therealbandit (PU Bef 27th), It Takes Time (PU Bef 29th); 2007 Celtic Son (PU bef 22nd); 2008 COMPLY OR DIE 1st.
David Pipe
Born on February 7, 1973, David Pipe is the son of 15-times champion jump trainer Martin Pipe. He started out riding in point-to-points in 1992, going on to record 22 wins over the next five seasons, plus two under Rules, which included victory aboard Bonanza Boy in the Ludlow Gold Cup. After finishing as a rider, he had spells with Michael Dickinson in the US, Criquette Head-Maarek in France and Joey Ramsden in South Africa, before setting up as a point-to-point trainer, handling the likes of Horus, Lord Atterbury and Celestial Gold, who went on to have successful careers under Rules when transferred to his father’s yard. Based at Purchas Farm, a mile away from his father’s Pond House, he sent out 164 point-to-point winners over six seasons, with Well Armed successful 15 times. He took over the reins at Pond House in Somerset following the retirement of his father on the last day of the 2005/6 jump season - Saturday, April 29. Pipe Jnr made the best possible start to his training career under Rules when getting on the scoresheet with his first runner, Standin Obligation, in a three mile and one furlong novice chase at Kelso on May 9, 2006. Our Vic landed the Grade Two bet 365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby in October, 2006, on his seasonal return to provide him with his first big success. In his initial season, David sent out 134 winners, with star filly Gaspara providing a memorable double in the Sunderlands Imperial Cup at Sandown and the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival three days later. The winners have continued this season with several big race wins at Ascot and Cheltenham, including victories for Our Vic in the Ryanair Chase and An Accordion in the William Hill Trophy Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. John Smith’s Grand National Record: 2007 Puntal (8th), Celtic Son (PU bef 22nd) ; 2008 COMPLY OR DIE 1st.
Timmy Murphy
Born on August 20, 1974, in Co Kildare - where his father Jimmy managed Newberry Stud - Timmy Murphy rode as an amateur in Ireland for Mick Halford, Noel Chance and Michael Hourigan. His first winner came on Gayloire at Kilmuckridge point-to-point in County Wexford. Murphy opted to relocate to England upon turning professional and joined Kim Bailey's Upper Lambourn yard in 1996. He had earlier ridden his first winner under Rules in Britain on Quiet Amusement at Uttoxeter on August 29 in 1995, and holds the distinction of riding the final jump winner at the now Flat only Nottingham aboard Dominie on February 29, 1996. His first Cheltenham Festival success came on the Martin Pipe-trained Terao in the Mildmay Of Flete Handicap Chase in 1997. Murphy rode for Paul Nicholls, for whom he won the 1998 Pillar Property Chase and Rehearsal Chase on See More Business, but lost the ride to Mick Fitzgerald prior to the horse's Cheltenham Gold Cup and King George VI Chase triumphs and was overtaken in the pecking order at Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat stable in November, 1998, when Joe Tizzard was appointed first jockey. He returned to Nicholls in May, 2001, this time overtaking Tizzard as the stable's main jockey. He had a great ride on the Mark Pitman-trained Smarty when second in the 2001 John Smith's Grand National, however, behind the scenes Murphy was battling with alcoholism and in July, 2002 he was sentenced to six months in prison for assaulting an air stewardess. Released in October, 2002, he returned to the saddle and rode his first winner back on Santenay in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton on November 9, of that year. He has since enjoyed an upturn in fortunes. Following the departure of Tony McCoy from Martin Pipe's stable, Murphy became the retained rider for the stable's leading owner David Johnson in the summer of 2004, and their successes have included Celestial Gold in the 2006 totesport Bowl at Aintree. He also rode the Michael Ryan-owned Al Eile to victory in last year’s Scottish & Newcastle Aintree Hurdle, having won the same race on the same horse two years beforehand. Murphy’s critically-acclaimed biography ‘Ride The Storm’ was published in 2006. John Smith’s Grand National Record: 1997 Dakyns Boy (8th); 1998 Court Melody (Fell 6th); 1999 Tamarindo (Fell 6th); 2000 Flaked Oats (Fell 20th); 2001 Smarty (2nd); 2002 Davids Lad (UR 20th); 2003 Torduff Express (UR 27th); 2004 Davids Lad (11th); 2005 It Takes Time (4th); 2006 It Takes Time (PU bef 29th); 2007 Celtic Son (PU bef 22nd); 2008 COMPLY OR DIE 1st.
FIFTH RACE RESULT
4.15pm JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE THREE)
£800,000 guaranteed, 4m 4f Grand National Course, For 6yo+ which are allotted a rating of 110 or more Minimum Weight 10st Hedgehunter’s Handicap Mark 156 Entries 148 pay £650 1st Forfeit 125 pay £700 2nd Forfeit 115 pay £700 Confirmed 99 pay £950 Penalty Value 1st £450,640, 2nd £169,760, 3rd £84,960, 4th £42,480, 5th £21,280, 6th £10,640
1 COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) (David Johnson) David Pipe 9-10-9b Timmy Murphy 7/1JF
2 KING JOHNS CASTLE (IRE) (J P McManus) Arthur Moore IRE 9-10-11 Paul Carberry 20/1
3 SNOWY MORNING (IRE) (Quayside Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 8-11-1 David Casey 16/1
4 SLIM PICKINGS (IRE) (Doubtful Five Syndicate) Tom Taaffe IRE 9-11-3 Barry Geraghty 10/1
5 BEWLEYS BERRY (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 10-11-0 Denis O'Regan 12/1
6 CLOUDY LANE (Trevor Hemmings) Donald McCain Jnr 8-10-11 Jason Maguire 7/1JF
7 NADOVER (FR) (George Storey) Charlie Mann 7-10-9p Robbie Power
8 BAILY BREEZE (IRE) (Adam Scott) Mouse Morris IRE 9-10-11 Paddy Flood
9 CHELSEA HARBOUR (IRE) (Paul Duffin) Thomas Mullins IRE 8-11-2 Davy Russell
10 MON MOME (FR) (Vida Bingham) Venetia Williams 8-10-11 Aidan Coleman
11 HI CLOY (IRE) (Susan McCloy) Michael Hourigan IRE 11-11-12 Tom Doyle
12 CORNISH SETT (IRE) (Peter Hart) Paul Nicholls 9-10-10 Mr Nick Scholfield
13 HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Willie Mullins IRE 12-11-12 Ruby Walsh
14 IDLE TALK (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) D McCain Jnr 9-10-9 Brian Harding
15 MILAN DEUX MILLE (FR) (Fergus & Judith Wilson) David Pipe 6-10-9t Tom Malone
F2 L'AMI (FR) (J P McManus) Francois Doumen FR 9-11-1p Mick Fitzgerald
F2 BACKBEAT (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 11-10-9 Wilson Renwick
F2 BLACK APALACHI (IRE) (Gerard Burke) Dessie Hughes IRE 9-10-8v1 Andrew McNamara
U3 IRON MAN (FR) (Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar) Peter Bowen 7-11-5p Christian Williams
U3 TUMBLING DICE (IRE) (Lucy Donegan) Tom Taaffe IRE 9-10-10b Tom Ryan
F4 FUNDAMENTALIST (IRE) (Colin Cornes) Nigel Twiston-Davies 10-11-4t Paddy Brennan
F4 ARDAGHEY (IRE) (D & S Goodman) Nigel Twiston-Davies 9-10-7t David England
F6 NO FULL (FR) (Pauline Doyle) Eoin Doyle IRE 7-10-12 Shay Barry
F8 PHILSON RUN (IRE) (Gale Force One) Nick Williams 12-10-8 Daryl Jacob
F8 MADISON DU BERLAIS (FR) (Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds II) David Pipe 7-11-9 Tom Scudamore
F11 CONTRABAND (Fergus Wilson) Paul Murphy 10-11-0 Keith Mercer
F11 KELAMI (FR) (Halewood International Ltd) Francois Doumen FR 10-10-9 Barry Keniry
F20 JOAACI (IRE) (David Johnson) David Pipe 8-10-13b1 Johnny Farrelly
U20 MCKELVEY (IRE) (N Elliott) Peter Bowen 9-11-0p Tom O'Brien
F22 BUTLER'S CABIN (FR) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 8-11-3p Tony McCoy
F25 TURKO (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 6-11-10t Richard Johnson
U25 KNOWHERE (IRE) (Raymond Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies 10-11-11 Joe Tizzard
U25 SIMON (Mercy Rimell) John Spearing 9-11-7 Dominic Elsworth
U27 D'ARGENT (IRE) (Nigel Bunter) Alan King 11-10-12b Robert Thornton
P BEF 29 DUN DOIRE (IRE) (Dunderry Racing Syndicate) Tony Martin IRE 9-10-7b1 Richard McGrath
P BEF LAST MR POINTMENT (IRE) (Stockton Heath Racing) Paul Nicholls 9-11-11 Sam Thomas
P BEF 19 NAUNTON BROOK (David Langdon) Nigel Twiston-Davies 9-10-10t Andrew Tinkler
P BEF 17 POINT BARROW (IRE) (Clune Hughes, Helen O’Dwyer & John Foley) Pat Hughes IRE 10-10-13b Tony Dobbin
P BEF 19 BOB HALL (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 7-10-11 Noel Fehily
P BEF 19 VODKA BLEU (FR) (David Johnson) David Pipe 9-11-2b Paul Moloney
40 ran
Distances: 4, 1 1/2, 16, 8, 3, 13, 9, 1 3/4, 1 1/2, 3 1/4, 1 1/4, 13, 28, dist
Breeder: Martin Dibbs
Breeding: b g Old Vic - Madam Madcap
Totes: Win: £8.90 Places: £2.50, £4.60, £5.00, £3.10 Exacta: £172.10
Winning Trainer: DAVID PIPE Background: Son of Martin Pipe and former point-to-point trainer who took over at Pond House following the retirement of his father First Trainer’s Licence: May 2006 First winner under rules: Standin Obligation in the ‘Persimmon Homes Novices’ Chase’ at Kelso, May 9, 2006 - his first runner under rules Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Grand National (2008 Comply Or Die), totesport Bowl (2008 Our Vic) Cheltenham Festival Wins (3): Ryanair Chase (2008 Our Vic), William Hill Trophy (2008 An Accordion), Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurde (2007 Gaspara) Big Race Wins: Charlie Hall Chase (2006 Our Vic), Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle (2006 Acambo), Boylesports.com Gold Cup (2007 Tamarinbleu), Boylesports.com International Hurdle (2007 Osana) Wins (2006/07): 134 Wins This Season: 95
Winning Jockey: Timothy James Murphy Date of birth: August 20, 1974 Background: Father Jimmy was a leading amateur and manager of Newberry Stud. Timmy began working for Noel Chance during weekends when still at school, and rode for the trainer as an amateur, as well as for Mick Halford and Michael Hourigan. Opted to relocate to England after turning professional and began riding for Kim Bailey. Began riding for Paul Nicholls in 1998, before being overtaken as first choice jockey for the trainer by Joe Tizzard. Returned to Nicholls as number one rider in May 2001, but following a lengthy battle with alcoholism, Murphy was jailed for four months in July 2002 for assaulting an air stewardess. Returned to the saddle on his release in October 2002, and has enjoyed considerable success since. Became the retained jockey for leading owner David Johnson after the departure of Tony McCoy form the Martin Pipe stable. Has published critically acclaimed biography “Riding The Storm”. First winner: Gayloire (Kilmuckridge point to point, Co Wexford) General: Rode the last ever winner over jumps at Nottingham - Dominie (29/2/96) Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Grand National (2008 Comply Or Die), Cordon Bleu Hcap Hurdle (1999 Kinnescash), Unwins Wine Group Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Al Eile), Scottish And Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle (2005, 2007 & 2008 Al Eile), Betfair Bowl (2006 Celestial Gold, 2008 Our Vic) Cheltenham Festival Wins: (7) Ryanair Chase (2008 Our Vic), Mildmay of Flete Chase (1997 Terao, 2004 Tikram), Vincent O’brien County Hcap Hurdle (1999 Sir Talbot, 2005 Fontanesi), Pertemps Final (2004 Creon), Irish Independent Arkle (2005 Contraband) Other major wins: Ericsson Chase (2002 Beef Or Salmon); Hennessy Gold Cup (2004 Celestial Gold); Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (2003 Beef Or Salmon); Paddy Power Gold Cup (2004 Celestial Gold, 2005 Our Vic); Pillar Property Chase (1998 See More Business) Number of Wins (1995/96-2006/2007): 26; 28; 60; 73; 64; 54; 98; 42; 57; 143; 87; 98 Wins This Season: 63
THE JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL PROVISIONAL FINISHING ORDER
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).
1st COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) 9-10-09 David Johnson David Pipe Timmy Murphy 7/1JF
2nd KING JOHNS CASTLE (IRE) 9-10-11 J P McManus Arthur Moore IRE Paul Carberry 20/1
3rd SNOWY MORNING (IRE) 8-11-01 Quayside Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE David Casey 16/1
4th SLIM PICKINGS (IRE) 9-11-03 Doubtful Five Syndicate Tom Taaffe IRE Barry Geraghty10/1
5th BEWLEYS BERRY (IRE) 10-11-00 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson Denis O’Regan
6th CLOUDY LANE 8-10-11 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain Jnr Jason Maguire
7th NADOVER (FR) 7-10-09 George Storey Charlie Mann Robbie Power
8th BAILY BREEZE (IRE) 9-10-11 Adam Scott Mouse Morris IRE Paddy Flood
9th CHELSEA HARBOUR (IRE) 8-11-02 Frances Duffin Tom Mullins IRE Davy Russell
10th MON MOME (FR) 8-10-11 Vida Bingham Venetia Williams Aidan Coleman
11th HI CLOY (IRE) 11-11-12 Susan McCloy Michael Hourigan IRE Tom Doyle
12th CORNISH SETT (IRE) 9-10-10 Peter Hart Paul Nicholls Mr Nick Scholfield
13th HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) 12-11-12 Trevor Hemmings Willie Mullins IRE Ruby Walsh
14th IDLE TALK (IRE) 9-10-09 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain Jnr Brian Harding
15th MILAN DEUX MILLE (FR) 6-10-09 Fergus & Judith Wilson David Pipe Tom Malone
The judge has 14 finishers but it seems that 15 did get round.
Timmy Murphy, the winning rider, said: “I can’t really believe it yet. He’s got into a lovely rhythm. Jumping the last he came through and he picked up again when Paul (Carberry) came to me.
“I was a just worried at the elbow because I’ve seen them curl up there It hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m delighted for my boss David Johnson because it’s a race he’s always wanted to win.”
JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL INITIAL WINNING QUOTES
David Pipe, the winning trainer, said: ““I can’t describe it. Gordon Elliott, a good friend, trained last year’s winner and I was over the moon for him.
“He was one of the first to congratulate me. I had slightly better ammunition that my father to start off with and I’ve had a good teacher. It’s great for everyone. The team back at the yard, we can’t do it without any of them. Our sponsors, Bathwick Tyres, David Johnson has been a fantastic owner, Timmy’s given the horse a fantastic ride.
Martin Pipe, the trainer’s father and a previous 15-time champion trainer, said: “It’s very, very exciting. It’s great, isn’t it? It took me a lifetime to train a National winner and David’s done it, well...
David Pipe: “I did have a good assistant!”
Martin Pipe: “I only sweep the yard!”
David Pipe: “Everything went to plan. Timmy gave him a great ride. He jumped the fences well. The schooling practice, everything he has done, it’s all worked out supremely.
“It’s the same for everyone and we were very lucky today and he’s done it really well. I must just say, one of the pressmen said to me I must have trained two National winners with Gordon winning last year, who was one of the first to congratulate us and now this.
“I was standing with a friend Josh Apiafi and he thought Comply Or Die was going well and he was going well but I always like to keep my feet on the ground.
“Lord Atterbury finished third for David Johnson a few years ago, but there is no feeling like this.”
Timmy Murphy said: “It’s everybody’s dream to win the John Smith’s Grand National. David’s prepared Comply Or Die fabulously and said going out he was a certainty and wouldn’t get beat so what more can you ask for?
“He always did everything well but you can never rest on your laurels over these fences ”
David Johnson, the winning owner, said: “I’ve had probably 20 runners in the race, but’s it’s just unbelievable, it doesn’t seem real.
“I thought Timmy was cool because I’m a fan of his - that’s why he rides for me. He did nothing wrong. He is a horseman and he showed today what a good jockey he is.”
FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL
COMPLY COMPLETES PIPE DREAM
The well-backed 7/1 joint-favourite Comply Or Die was produced with a perfectly time-run by jockey Timmy Murphy to land the John Smith’s Grand National by four lengths from King John’s Castle.
Trainer David Pipe - whose father Martin won the 1994 race with Miinnehoma - was landing the John Smith’s Grand National in only his second season with a licence and admitted that he was hopeful beforehand.
“The horse and jockey were fantastic out there but I knew he had all the right credentials and with a little luck in running we’d have the right result today. He ran well at Haydock, then looked tailormade for this after winning the Eider, which may not have been the greatest race, and there was every reason to think he would take to it, he had schooled very well at home,” said Pipe.
“He had leg trouble and does lots of swimming and we’ve always looked after him. Sometimes they take a long time to get back from injury and DJ (owner David Johnson) has been very supportive. He had a lot of luck in running, which you have to have, and galloped all the way to the line. There were a few well in at the weights, but things have to go right for you and fortunately it did for us.
“He was a good novice and has always been a horse bred to jump and stay - a lot of good’s been done by the team at home.
“I had told a few people tongue in cheek beforehand to come to the party after the race and there will be some sore heads tomorrow. The horse deserves a long rest now, he’ll be aimed at all the long-distance chases next year and they don’t come any better than this.
“Grandad was the one that set us all up. He bought the yard and set Dad up, who was a great teacher to me. I don’t have any overheads and have had a very priviliged upbringing and really appreciate it. It’s an ambition everyone will always have and to fulfil it in my second season is amazing.”
Timmy Murphy added: “It’s everyone’s dream to win the National and the punters aren’t as happy as I am. I built a little National fence at home as a child which I fell from more than I’ve ever fallen here! This is the highlight of anybody’s career, when you think of all the great jockeys that have never won the National. You never really rest on your laurels in the National and even over the last it’s a long way.
“He jumped fantastically all the way and I was praying going to the last, concentrating on getting his stride right, but it’s the same at every single fence in the race. I was worried because Paul Carberry was behind me and he’s not someone you like to see peering at you from behind.
“Mine popped the first and got into a nice rhythm. I usually try and wait for as long as I can and the plan was to be handy and to then get into a nice rhythm, I always planned not to get there too soon. But once we got to the elbow I thought it was time to finish it!
“When the horse was a novice he almost jumped a bit too clean, he was giving them too much height, but I was happy today after the first ditch today, that can really test them.”
Owner David Johnson, who has around 70 horses in training, said: “Martin got me placed in the race a few times and David has a very good assistant now! The Pipe yard is a family yard with Martin, Carol and David and they are a close family and very professional.
“I didn’t back the horse, the occasion was fantastic enough and I’ve got back a bit of the money we gave to Tom Costello for him! I thought he was a bit close at the second but otherwise he never got a stride wrong.
“Timmy was fantastic and it still amazes me that he doesn’t get more outside rides. When he became my retained rider he was the natural choice - Richard Johnson was attached to Hobbs, Ruby was with Nicholls, Barry Geraghty couldn’t do the weight and Timmy was just the right choice. He’s a good horseman, just a good jockey.”
Martin Pipe was proud of his son and added: “Comply Or Die was professionally prepared for this race - Jonathon Lower built some National fences at home and he had schooled very well over them. It was great we had the two young lads - David and Donald McCain - taking each other on and they two are very professional people.”
PLACED JOCKEY REACTION
Paul Carberry, rider of the second King John Castle, said: “He was probably a bit short at the second last but he winged the last and I thought that when he landed he would get a run behind and I thought I had the two of them but Timmy’s mount pulled out a bit more.
“The whole length of the straight and turning in I thought I would win but Davy Russell put the mockers on me, he said when I was passing him, “Go and pick it up to the line” and my horse just sort of folded.”
David Casey, the third home on Snowy Morning, commented: “He ran great. He jumped super and I just wish I had a bit more horse and had hung on a bit longer but he gave me a super ride. Timmy and Paul are both getting married this year and they need money for the wedding stuff!”
Barry Geraghty, on the fourth Slim Pickings, said: “He ran a blinder. I was just saying to the lads it was the best crack I’ve had all year. He’s only a nine-year-old so hopefully he’ll be back. He ran a blinder and it’s great to be involved.”
Race 5 - John Smith’s Grand National - Second-Placed Quotes
NO EXCUSES FOR RUNNER-UP KING JOHNS CASTLE
Trainer Arthur Moore offered no excuses after King Johns Castle finished a gallant second in the John Smith’s Grand National, four lengths adrift of the winner Comply Or Die.
The Irish handler said: “For a few strides after the last I thought we might do it, but the winner just kept battling and had more reserves than us.
“Paul (Carberry) has given him a great ride, a real peach. He always had the leaders in his sights and came through with the perfect challenge.”
The nine-year-old grey definitely has the John Smith’s Grand National in his sights for 2009 and Moore is looking forward to returning next year.
He continued: “There will be nothing else on his agenda next year apart from coming back here again.
“Now that he has proved he can act around Aintree, there is no point in going anywhere else although that might have been his best chance out there today.”
Frank Berry, Racing Manager to owner J P McManus, added: “The horse ran a blinder and jumped like a buck.
“That was a great ride from Paul.
“Timmy was out in front and he had plenty of horse under him, we were never quite getting there.
“He ran an honest race and we were simply beaten by a better horse on the day.”
PLACED QUOTES
RACE 5: JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL
SNOWY AND SLIM DO THEIR TRAINERS PROUD
Snowy Morning, who finished third in the John Smith's Grand National, and fourth-placed Slim Pickings, delighted their trainers.
Willie Mullins, trainer of Snowy Morning, said: "I'm absolutely delighted - he did what I hoped he would do. He seemed to love it round there and I'm looking forward to coming back next year.
"I couldn't understand why he became friendless after one middling run [on his previous outing]. That race came too soon after an earlier run when he won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, but there was no other race a week later so we had to take our chance.
"On the home turn today I was hoping, but I could tell the winner was going better. It's a long straight and hope was all I had. Now I'm hoping we can come back next year."
Tom Taaffe's Slim Pickings was third last year and fourth this time. Taaffe said: "Absolute magic - he ran a cracker. He was third last year, and this time a little more weight took its toll, but I'm only too delighted and we'll be back again next year.
"Barry [Geraghty] said he suffered a bit of interference once or twice and had some luck on other occasions, but the horse jumps so well and from Becher's he just nursed him along the rail quietly getting into contention. He had every chance but wasn't good enough on the day."
MCCOY JOCKEY
Tony McCoy, who fell at Becher’s second time around, said: “I was having a good ride. He was travelling nicely and he just tipped up at Becher’s.”
HEMMINGS REACTION
Trevor Hemmings, the owner of Cloudy Lane the 7/1 joint favourite who finished sixth, Hedgehunter who came 13th and Idle Talk who was 14th, said: “I’m delighted that they all finished. Obviously, you’d like to come in number one, but I would love all of the horses to get round and I think I’ve got three good horses all come home who have given us a lot of fun and you can’t have more than that.
“I had a bit of banter with David Johnson afterwards and they are all a good team and I’m delighted for him. He puts a big investment into racing and it’s lovely to see him being so successful. It’s nice for him, Timmy Murphy and David Pipe. We get on together and from my point of view, I’ve seen all my three horses get round, I don’t know their final positions.
“I think Cloudy Lane came sixth and Jason didn’t want to give him any bangs as he said he had done enough. Ruby said Hedgehunter had a big weight, made one mistake and it’s hard to recover from that at this level. Idle Talk has surprised us all. We were getting worried at one stage that we might have been backing the wrong horse!”
The John Smith’s Grand National Chase
Jockeys’ Quotes
JOCKEYS
Paul Moloney on Vodka Bleu: “He was just a little bit too deliberate.”
David England, on Ardaghey: “Got in a bit tight at the fourth and came down.”
Tom Doyle, on Hi Cloy: “Gave me a great spin, jumped brilliantly the whole way.”
Sam Thomas, on Mr Pointment: “I pulled up before the last. He just got very tired, but he jumped serious.”
Richard Johnson, on Turko: “He dragged his hind legs through a couple, but he was very good for a six-year-old. He took to it very well and he could be back here again.”
Dominic Elsworth, on Simon: “It was only going okay and I was unseated at Valentines the same as last year.”
Christian Williams, on Iron Man: “He just took off too far out.”
Davy Russell, on Chelsea Harbour: “Savage spin, he jumped from fence to fence. He did jump a bit left, but he is game. Perhaps I made a bit too much use of him.”
The John Smith’s Grand National Chase - Jockeys’ Quotes
MORE JOCKEYS
Tom O’Brien, on McKelvey: “He unseated me down the back the second time, but I really enjoyed it.“
Johnny Farrelly, on Joaaci: “He gave me a great spin, but we fell down the back on the second circuit.”
Noel Fehily, on Bob Hall: “He jumped well, but he just got tired. We pulled up going out on the second time.”
Aidan Coleman, on Mon Mome: “I had a great spin - absolutely awesome. He looked after me all the way round. I nearly got bought down at Becher’s second time around, but he did great to get away with it.”
Nick Scholfield, on Cornish Sett: “Absolutely brilliant, jumped super. It was an unreal experience. To get round was like winning for me.”
Tom Ryan, on Tumbling Dice: “He just took off way too early.”
Wilson Renwick, on Backbeat: “He fell at the second and, from the way he jumped the first, I knew he wouldn’t get very far.”
Barry Keniry, on Kelami: “He got in too close and fell. He had jumped brilliantly up to then.”
Robbie Power, on Nadover: “He was deadly. He gave me a serious spin. He’ll not be 150/1 if he comes back next year.”
Paddy Brennan, on Fundamentalist: “He got in far too close and fell at the fourth.”
Brian Harding, on Idle Talk: “He gave me a brilliant ride and I was starting to get a bit excited at Becher’s, but he fell in a heap.”
Andrew McNamara, on Black Apalachi: “I didn’t think he was going to fall, but I was on the way up when he was on the way down.”
Daryl Jacob, on Philson Run: “I hate this race! There were horses falling all around me, Philson Run went one way and I went the other.”
Richard McGrath, on Dun Doire: “He got a bit tired, so I pulled him up but he had jumped really well.”
Tom Malone, on Milan Deux Mille: “I had a fantastic ride out there in front. He’s such an exuberant horse, but I knew if I dropped him in he’d be too keen. In the end, I wasn’t competitive, but I got round and he’s a fantastic old horse.”
Shay Barry, on No Full: “He got a bit tight to Becher’s first time round and couldn’t get his landing gear out.”
Ruby Walsh, on Hedgehunter: “He was grand. He jumped round, but he just wasn’t good enough.”
Paddy Flood, on Baily Breeze: “Fantastic. He jumped well, travelled well and finished eighth.“
Andrew Tinkler, on Naunton Brook: “He didn’t really want to go today. He likes leading and he couldn’t get his own way.”
Jason Maguire, on Cloudy Lane: “I finished sixth. He gave me a great ride. He’s run really well and he’s jumped great. Turning in, I thought if I could tag on to the winning bunch that he would pick up, but the trip has taken a bit of the quickness out of him and he just kept going one pace to the line.”
Denis O’Regan, on Bewleys Berry: “A brilliant ride, got a great run and he jumped great. He probably didn’t get home, but he’s run to his mark.”
The John Smith’s Grand National Chase - Jockeys’ Quotes
STILL MORE JOCKEYS
Tom O’Brien, on McKelvey: “He unseated me down the back the second time, but I really enjoyed it.”
Keith Mercer, on Contraband: “He made a little mistake and his head went down. Then he was knocked by another horse and came down. I was gutted because he was really getting into his stride, but that’s the National for you. You need a lot of luck.”
Joe Tizzard, on Knowhere: “I unseated at Valentine’s the second time around.”
Tom Scudamore, on Madison Du Berlais: “He just got in too close at the Canal Turn.”
Tony Dobbin, on Point Barrow: “He fell at the first last year and I think he remembered it. He jumped safe, but too safe. He was just spending too long in the air.”
QUOTES
RACE 5: JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL
McCAIN PROUD DESPITE CLOUDY LANE DEFEAT
Trainer Donald McCain said he was "proud" of Cloudy Lane after the 7-1 joint favourite finished sixth in the John Smith's Grand National.
McCain said: "He was still involved at the second-last and for a moment I thought he was going to be fourth.
"He's done nothing wrong and he jumped great. It's hard to say he didn't stay the trip, because he didn't completely stop, but neither did he pick up."
McCain also saddled Idle Talk, who finished 14th. The trainer said: "Idle Talk ran really well, too and Brian Harding gave him a hell of a ride."
RECORD TOTE TURNOVER
Today’s Tote on-course cash turnover was £2,061,385, up £257,150 (14 per cent) on the 2007 figure of £1,804,235.
Damian Walker, spokesman for the Tote, said: “It’s a record figure for Aintree and the first time we’ve ever gone through the £2 million barrier at the course. We’re delighted and we’ve been up between seven and 14 per cent every day this week.”
BOOKIE REACTION
DIE PUNTERS GET IT DEAD RIGHT
Cloudy drifts as Comply gamble is landed
COMPLY OR DIE, the best backed horse on the day in the John Smith’s Grand National, was a poor result for the nation’s bookmakers and totesport.
Totesport spokesman Damian Walker said: “We thought Cloudy Lane was going to be the big gamble, but punters went for Comply Or Die and they have got it dead right.
“Amazingly, Cloudy Lane would have been a small winner for us on the day and all the money has been for Comply Or Die.
“Comply Or Die was backed down from 10-1 to 7-1 joint favourite and he had been backed as big as 40-1 ante-post.
“Over £300million was gambled on the race and we quote Comply Or Die at 14-1 to follow up in next year’s Grand National.”
2009 Grand National - 14 Comply Or Die, 20 Butler’s Cabin, King Johns Castle, Snowy Morning, 25 Bewleys Berry, Slim Pickings
GRAND RESULT FOR PUNTERS
John Smith’s Grand National punters were celebrating last night (Sat) as Comply or Die landed a last-gasp gamble.
The David Pipe trained horse was backed into 7/1 joint favouritism on Britain’s busiest ever day at the bookies.
And Ladbrokes was left counting the cost of an enormous old fashion plunge.
The firm’s spokesman, David Williams, said: “Comply or Die was the best backed horse of the day by a country mile. It was the result we were dreading.
“Punters up and down the land have taken us to the cleaners.”
PUNTERS ARE LAUGHING AFTER NATIONAL
Comply Or Die's brave victory at 7-1 joint-favourite in the John Smith's Grand National was not totally disastrous for Paddy Power, who lost a bit on the world's greatest steeplechase, but it was a marvellous result for punters as the winner was the horse who shortened most in the betting today from 10-1.
Those lucky punters who backed the winner with Paddy Power received a 10% bonus on all win and each way singles from the world's friendliest bookmaker, while backers who picked out fifth-placed Bewleys Berry at 12-1 were also delighted as they were paid out each-way unlike with other major layers.
Paddy Power spokesman Paddy Power said: "God's not a bookie after all, but it was a great result for the Pipes and I am delighted to see that they have got a smile on their faces, as have punters who deserve it after the battering that they have taken at Aintree over the last three days. We estimate that the result cost us around £2 million or Euros 2.5 million."
The gamble on Hedgehunter had Paddy Power very worried, sweating profusely, and would have easily been the worst single result for the Irish bookie had he prevailed.
COMPLY OR DIE WIN IS A NATIONAL VICTORY FOR PUNTERS
The victory of 7-1 joint favourite Comply Or Die in the Grand National has been hailed as a 'National victory' for punters by Coral who face one of the biggest ever payouts in the history of the race.
"Comply or Die was the second best backed horse on the day behind Cloudy Lane, and bookies now face one of the biggest payouts in Grand National history. The industry took over £150 million on the race itself and most, if not all, will be paid out to winning punters", said Simon Clare, Coral Spokesman.
"Comply Or Die is only the fifth favourite to win the race in the last thirty years and coincidentally all have started at 7-1. We may have dodged a disaster with the defeat of Cloudy Lane but this has still been a National victory for the punters", added Clare.
Comply Or Die is quoted at 14-1 by Coral to win the 2009 Grand National.
Pipe Dream Comes True as Comply hits Bookies
Comply or Die won the 2008 running of the John Smith's Grand National and the early gamble proved spot on as the horse returned 7/1 joint-favourite - three points lower than his morning price of 10/1.
Bookies had been predicting a huge gamble on Cloudy Lane but that failed to materialise and it was the
David Pipe-trained runner that the punters wanted to be with and they proved to be spot on as he galloped away to a four-length victory.
'Comply or Die was by far the worst result in our book but Bewley's Berry holding on for fifth ahead of Cloudy Lane saved our bacon having paid out on the first five home,' said Blue Square spokesman George Primarolo.
'It was a pretty grim result ante-post as well but the placed horses weren't too bad so it could have been a lot worse.'
Comply or Die is a 16/1 shot for next year's Grand National with Blue Square.
Race 5 - John Smith’s Grand National - Other News
McKELVEY
Regrettably, McKelvey sustained an injury after unseating his rider at the 20th fence and was humanely put to sleep.
MICK FITZGERALD
Mick Fitzgerald, who fell at the second fence on L’Ami, has been transferred to Fazakerley Hospital to receive treatment, after being attended to on the course.
ROBERT THORNTON
Robert Thornton, who was unseated at the 27th on D’Argent, was stood down for the rest of the day after feeling shaken-up.
12.40pm THE JOHN SMITH’S PEOPLE’S RACE
1) ZABEEL PALACE (Curley Leisure) Andrew Stringer/Clare Twemlow
2) Trinity Rose (Karen Bowen) Peter Bowen/Lynda Evans
3) Royal Wedding (Dom Tragmar) Nick Gifford/Jamie Plummer
4) Inspirina (Mrs Gill Quicy) Richard Ford/Amanda Craven
Tote Returns
WIN: £4.40
PLACES: £2.00, £3.30; £3.10
EXACTA: £23.90
Winner’s Charity: Direct Aid for Africa
JACLYN JAMIESON
Jaclyn Jamieson, rider of Summer Soul, fell off after the line and was treated on the course for a head injury.
She has now been taken to Fazakerley Hospital.
JOHN SMITH’S PEOPLE’S RACE
CURLEY HOPES TO NET £1/4 MILLION FOR CHARITY
Owner Barney Curley is hoping that the victory of the well-backed Zabeel Palace in the John Smith’s People’s Race will raise around £250,000 for the Direct Aid for Africa charity.
The six-year-old had not appeared on a racecourse for seven months but ran out a facile two and three-quarter lengths winner under Newmarket accountant Clare Twemlow.
“He’s not been an easy horse to train and has not run since September last year,” said Curley.
“There is £55,000 in the pot for the charity (given by John Smith’s) after this win and I hope that after the cheques that will come in this week we could be talking £250,000.
“It is important for people that have supported the charity to let them know that we are looking after their interests and £250,000 will go a very long way - remember that a teacher or nurse in Zambia earns £40 a week so this will make a big difference to them.”
PEOPLE’S RACE WINNING JOCKEY
JOHN SMITH’S PEOPLE’S RACE
TWEMLOW BITTEN BY THE RACING BUG
An emotional Clare Twemlow returned to the winner’s enclosure victorious after partnering the Andy Stringer-trained Zabeel Palace to land the John Smith’s People’s Race.
An accountant from Newmarket, Clare was realising a long held ambition to ride in a race. Having settled the winner in third on the inside rail for most of the nine furlongs, she switched him wide entering the straight. With the aid of the stands’ side rail, she eased up alongside Trinity Rose before asserting clear a furlong out.
“Everything went so well and, gosh, that was such a buzz. I absolutely enjoyed every second of that,” enthused the 29-year-old.
“The plan was the to get him over to the rail coming into the straight - I probably went a bit wide too soon. Things happen so fast in a race - you blink and it’s over. The ground was better and the rail was obviously going to help him too.
“I looked to the right to check that I wasn’t going to cut anyone out when I went to the far rail. I didn’t see anyone so I was happy with that. I had the front two in my sight. The horse heard the crowd, pricked his ears and he thought ‘This is a big occasion!”
“They went really fast early on and my horse is quite strong so I was conscious just to try to steady him but still not let the first couple get away from me. We just sort of crept up to them and it went from there.
“I got him up the straight and I got down to push him out. I was just so determined to win and I just wanted to get out there and get going.
“It’s an incredible atmosphere coming back into the winner’s enclosure here at Aintree. I’m also so glad that I won the money for the charity, Direct Aid For Africa.
“I got so much help and support from Neil King, who I’ve been riding out for, Barney Curley, Andy Stringer and the British Racing School - they’ve all been fantastic. I wouldn’t have got here without them. I’m so lucky to have been able to do this - it’s been an absolutely brilliant experience.
“As soon as you hit the crowd and the atmosphere it’s amazing. I hit the one furlong pole and I should have been concentrating on what was going on and I suddenly thought ‘I really want to win the money for the charity’.
“It was completely different to the day job. Hopefully I might have shattered the theory that all accountants are boring, grey old men in suits.
“I’m totally bitten by the racing bug. I’d love to see ‘Look out for me on a racecourse’, but we’ll wait and see. I would absolutely love to carry on. I’ll go back to Neil King’s - he’s got some lovely horses there and it’s a lovely yard to ride out in. I would love to point-to-point next year, but we’ll take one step at a time.”
Race 1 - John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle - Winning Quotes
OPENER GOES TO PEARL
The opening race on John Smith’s Grand National day 2008, the John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle, went to the grey Pearl King in the colours of J P McManus.
The six-year-old, a 10/1 chance, was held up off the pace but was travelling ominously well approaching the last and overhauled Khachaturian after the final flight to go on and score by seven lengths.
Winning trainer Philip Hobbs said: “Richard (Johnson) has given him a great ride. To sit off the pace and then bring him along is the way to ride this horse.
“Realistically, I thought he had an each-way today.
“The horse has been off for almost a year because he just needed time. We weren’t happy with the way he was moving at home.
“We could look at taking him to the Ayr now for the Scottish Champion Hurdle, as that race is now a handicap.
“There is also the Swinton at Haydock and we could also look at Market Rasen and Galway.
“We will keep going with him over the summer as he is a good ground horse.”
Winning jockey Richard Johnson added: “The horse didn’t run for a long time because we thought he would improve for a break. He just got a bit jarred up after he won last time.
“The ground today really suited him, just being on the easy side of good. The pace was also very strong which also helped him.
“This horse has really strengthened up well and he also really travelled. Everything came right really.”
Looking ahead to the John Smith’s Grand National, where he rides Turko, Johnson continued: “Turko is probably the best horse in the race having run well behind The Listener in the Irish Hennessy and also run well at Cheltenham last time.
“If he enjoys it, I hope I can be thereabouts at the end.”
FIRST RACE PLACED TRAINER QUOTES
JOHN SMITH’S EXTRA SMOOTH HANDICAP HURDLE (LISTED)
McCAIN MULLING OPTIONS FOR KHACHATURIAN
Trainer Donald McCain Jnr was more than happy with Khachaturian’s second place finish in the opening John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle.
“He’s run an absolute screamer. I thought we had it at the last but to be fair to him he hasn’t stopped, the winner has come by him and they galloped all the way to the line the two of them.
“I don’t think his mistake at the last made any real difference, he landed running and the best horse has beaten him.
“I’m delighted for part-owner John Glews, he’s my biggest owner and he sponsors the yard. He’s one of the main reason that the yard has turned around the way it has. It’s great that he’s got horses to come to these places.
“I don’t know where Khachaturian will go from here. Maybe we’ll have a look to see if there’s a handicap at Punchestown or something. I didn’t quite expect that run. He was beaten in a maiden hurdle two runs back but Jason (Maguire) has been the making of him.”
Philip Hide, rider of third-placed Heathcote, said: “We had a nice run round and I was blaming myself for sitting too long on the bend but then he finished well. I’m looking forward to him going novice chasing next year.”
PLACED QUOTES
RACE 1: JOHN SMITH'S EXTRA SMOOTH HANDICAP HURDLE (LISTED RACE)
FINE RUN BY SERABAD LIFTS BOWEN'S NATIONAL HOPES
A fine run by Serabad in the opening race on John Smith's Grand National day gave a boost to his stablemates in the big race, McKelvey and Iron Man.
Serabad finished fourth of the 21 runners under Iron Man's jockey, Christian Williams, following which trainer Peter Bowen said: "He's a lovely horse. The fact he's a four-year-old [the only one in the race] taking on older horses probably got him beat, but next year he'll be a nice horse.
"We'll probably go for the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr now, although if there's a suitable novices' race we might think about that. We bought the horse in France after my brother-in-law, Willie Bryan, went over there, rode him and liked him."
There has been some support today for Bowen's Iron Man in the John Smith's Grand National, with William Hill cutting the gelding to 66-1 from 150-1. Bowen said: "He should never have been that big - he ran well in the Becher Chase until he took a fall."
Of McKelvey, who broke down when finishing second last year, Bowen said: "He's 10lb higher in the handicap, but he's really well. The vets could not believe the recovery he's made. He did a suspensory [ligament] and his fetlock was on the floor, but we treated it by giving him stem cell treatment, walking him every day, putting him in the spa twice a day and using a machine that puts electric pulses through the leg. One of them has worked, but I'm not sure which one."
JOCKEY VIEWS OF THE GROUND AFTER THE FIRST RACE
Richard Johnson, jockey of the winner Pearl King, reported “Good ground, it is just on the slow side in the straight. It is in great condition and the groundstaff have done a wonderful job.”
Jason Maguire, rider of the second Khachaturian, said the ground was “Perfect, a little bit dead but gorgeous.”
Phillip Hide thought the going “Lovely good ground.”
Mr Mark Walford reported “Good Ground.”
Tom O’Brien said the going was “Just a little bit on the dead side.”
Paddy Brennan said “Good ground.”
Christian Williams described the ground as “Beautiful.”
Robert Thornton said the ground was “Good.”
AP McCoy thought the going “Good.”
Dougie Costello said “Good ground, though probably a little bit on the quick side for my horse.”
SECOND RACE WINNING QUOTES
JOHN SMITH’S MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE
BAY TURNS CHELTENHAM TIDE
Tidal Bay followed up his Irish Independent Arkle Chase win at Cheltenham when justifying 6/4 favouritism to win the John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase for the connections of John Smith’s Grand National contender Bewleys Berry.
“He’s very game and that’s a relief because I was a bit worried about how horses that had been to Cheltenham had run this week,” said trainer Howard Johnson.
“This track is just tight enough for him on fast ground and at the last when he made a slight mistake he was just looking around, he was ducking and diving but he’s clever. He’s a magical horse.
“That’s definitely it for the season, he’ll be out in a field with Inglis Drever in a month’s time, and he really wants two and a half or two and three-quarter miles so he’d love the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham. It would give him more time to get organised because he was flat to the boards today. We made the right decision to go for this race today, anyway.”
Winning jockey Denis O’Regan added: “Ideally he wants two and a half miles and he was jumping very well today - he just made that mistake at the last when he looked around at the crowd. But he showed great courage, he was fantastic,
“It’s a very special victory because all of the Cheltenham winners were getting beat this week, except for Our Vic. I’m just delighted because he didn’t really travel that well today and after Inglis Drever getting beat the other day, I’m absolutely over the moon. I had to really get stuck into him. It’s probably my fault, I ended up giving him a hard race at Cheltenham when I didn’t need to, but it was the Arkle. Two miles around here is sharp and I’m glad he came up with the goods today, thank God.”
The Paul Nicholls-trained Takeroc could not cope with the winning surge of Tidal Bay in the John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase, but there was no disgrace in the defeat.
Tidal Bay won the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy on his previous outing and he is two years older than French-bred Takeroc, who was having just his second run for the champion trainer.
Nicholls said: "We're very pleased with him. He's been beaten by a very good horse today.
"We're still learning about him and he caught us a bit unawares today because we thought he might be a bit slow and he's ended up running a bit too freely.
"Ruby [Walsh] said if he'd known that he would rather have settled him in fifth and switched him down the inner and ridden him a bit differently.
"We're delighted with him and he's improved at home from his last run and if he has a summer off he'll improve again. The physical improvement since we've had him has been incredible and it will help when he learns to switch off.
"He's entered at Punchestown, but I'm not sure whether he'll run there."
The John Smith Maghull Novices’ Chase - 3rd/4th Placed Quotes
MORE THAN A
MODICUM OF TALENT
Trainer Nicky Richards, having his third placed horse of the week, was very satisfied with Modicum, who stayed on well to finish third in the John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase .
“He jumped pretty good and was staying on all the way. I think he’s getting stronger all the time. And didn’t Rosie [Davidson] give him some ride? I doubt if she’s ever travelled so fast,” said Richards.
Davidson, who could not claim her three-pound allowance in the race, was also delighted with the horse, which is owned by her parents Duncan and Sarah Davidson.
“It was just lovely turning for home to be up with them. Jumping the cross fence, we were going just as well as them [Tidal Bay and Takeroc],” she said.
“He wasn’t clean on a couple of them and he can go up a bit at the fences, but we’ve always loved him. I couldn’t believe the price [40/1] and I told all my friends to back him,” she said.
Jimmy Mangan, trainer of fourth-placed Conna Castle, thought the race had “come a bit quick for my horse” but the Irishman readily admitted that his horse would “never have beaten the winner”.
The Scottish And Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle
Winner Quotes
Al EILE ANOTHER CLASS
The busiest winner’s enclosure of the week came with the victory of Al Eile in the Scottish And Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle, as owner Michael Ryan and friends enjoyed the moment with yet another rendering of ‘Dungarvan, My Home Town’.
“Absolutely fabulous,” said Ryan, and so it was. It was the eight-year-old Al Eile’s fifth visit to the course and fourth win, three of those victories coming in the Aintree Hurdle.
“All credit to John who has kept him going since he was a three-year-old and improved him every year, brings him back and gets it right on the day. It’s brilliant!
“He cruised throughout the race and Timmy gets on very well with him which is great. I have to thank Mr Johnson for letting us borrow his jockey for the day, fair dues to him.”
The softly-spoken trainer John Queally acknowledged that this was Al Eile’s easiest win yet. “There was a lot of pressure this week, I suppose, but we knew that he was well. He had a lovely run on the Flat at Dundalk which put him spot on,” he said.
The race had a good pace which, the trainer said, had suited Al Eile. “The faster they go the better. He’s really a specialist two and a half miler - yet he’s good enough to win a Grade 1 over two miles.”
Connections will not rush into decisions about the horse’s future, but Queally is very hopeful that they will be back at Aintree. “We’ll have a look and see. We’ll make no quick decisions. A year is a long time in this business,” he said.
Jockey Timmy Murphy, aboard the first Irish-trained winner of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting, added: “I’ve been associated with him for three seasons and can’t praise John Queally enough, he just knows this horse inside out. He ranks pretty highly among my favourite horses and the flat two and a half mile track here suits him ideally.
“I think he’s getting better! That rode a very good race today. He’s usually travelling strongly down the back where I just had to niggle him a small bit but he’s a very clever horse.
“John has done a fantastic job with him because he knows that Cheltenham is not his ideal track and the horse has improved every year he has run here.”
QUOTES
RACE 3: SCOTTISH AND NEWCASTLE PUB ENTERPRISES AINTREE HURDLE
KAUTO INCHES CLOSER TO £200,000 AND MERIT TITLE
A brave, but fruitless attempt by Lough Derg in the Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle means Kauto Star has taken another step towards the Order of Merit and a £200,000 first prize.
Kauto Star has 100 points, six more than Lough Derg who needed to finish fifth or better in today's Grade 1 contest. However, the David Pipe-trained Lough Derg finished eighth and last, leaving him with one more slim opportunity to claim a title in the race he led for much of the season.
Lough Derg's only realistic hope now lies in the Grade Two Scottish Champion Hurdle over two miles, a distance some way below his optimum, but if he finished fourth or better in that contest he would take the top prize.
Pipe said: "If he ends up second we get £75,000, so that's not bad, but we will give him an entry in the Scottish Champion Hurdle and take a look nearer the time."
WINNER'S QUOTES
RACE 4: JOHN SMITH'S EXTRA COLD HANDICAP HURDLE (LISTED RACE)
FLAGS OUT FOR RUBY ON PENNANT
Ace jockey Ruby Walsh notched his fifth winner at this year's John Smith's Grand National meeting when giving the Peter Hart-owned Forest Pennant a masterful ride in this long distance handicap hurdle.
Runner-up Superior Wisdom seemed to have the prize in the bag two flights from the finish, but Walsh was biding his time and swooped at the last before driving his mount to victory.
Walsh, who took a fall in the opening race, said: "This horse has a turn of foot and has won over two and a half miles, but we thought he would cope with a step up in trip. On the two occasions I've won the National I didn't have an earlier ride on the card, so this might be a jinx, but it's nice to have a winner after the kicking I got in the first race today."
Winning trainer Paul Nicholls, said: "That was just the job. It was an afterthought to go up to three miles with him and I haven't done a lot with him lately, but just kept him fresh. I haven't trained him for this meeting like the others, but he might be one horse who is best fresh.
"Ruby is great on those horses that you just have to sit, mind your own business and come late on. We might take this horse to Ayr now because Peter [Hart] might have other runners, but he is another that will make a smashing chaser next year."
Race 4 - John Smith’s Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle -
Placed Quotes
WISDOM MAYBE HIT THE FRONT TOO SOON-
ANOTHER SOLID RUN FROM PETE
Alex Hales, trainer of runner-up Superior Wisdom, said: “He got the step up in trip well enough but was perhaps left in front just a bit too soon, we could have done with a lead to the second last. I should think that’s it for this season, the ground will dry out now, and I can’t wait for the big ones next season.”
The third-placed horse was According To Pete and his trainer Malcolm Jefferson said: “He has run a grand race, like he did at Cheltenham last time. To finish third at two festivals isn’t bad, is it?
“He is a tough, genuine horse and very consistent. Because of that, he always just creeps up a pound or two in the handicap.
“I’m not sure if he will run again this year, but I think next season we will probably be looking to run him in novice chases.”
STEWARDS’ ENQUIRY
WILLIAMS GETS FOUR DAYS
MULLINS FINED £1,000
Jockey Christian Williams found himself in front of the stewards after the opening race, the John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle. The rider of the fourth-placed Serabad was found to have used his whip with excessive frequency and the stewards suspended him for four days, Saturday, April 19 to Tuesday, April 22 inclusive.
Meanwhile, Willie Mullins was also in the stewards’ room after a member of his staff was found to be in possession of a substance for which permission would not be granted under the ‘Security of Racehorses’ banner. The trainer was found to be in breach of the Rule and fined £1,000.
Jockey James Reveley rode his 39th winner, and his first at Aintree, when romping to victory on 25-1 outsider Endless Power in this handicap chase restricted to conditionals and amateurs.
Ironically Reveley beat Brave Rebellion, a horse trained by his father, Keith.
The winning jockey said: "I've had a few rides here, but that's my first winner at this track, and although it's a bit subdued after the National it's still an amazing place to ride.
"I didn't dare look round, but kept pushing running to the last looking for a stride. He was such a big price I thought they would all be queuing up behind me, but he ran really well.
"I've never sat on the horse before, and he's actually my first outside winner - all the others have been for my father or for Guillaume Macaire when I worked for him in France."
Endless Power was also a first John Smith's Grand National meeting success for Glasgow trainer Jim Goldie, although Lampion Du Bost won the totepool Grand Sefton Chase for him at the November meeting.
Goldie said: "The horse can jump and gallop, and with bottom weight and a 5lb claimer we decided to make the running. It sounds simple now, but it worked out.
"We're chuffed to bits and could take him to Ayr now, but I expect the handicapper will take a dim view."
Of Reveley, Goldie said: "It's his first ride for me, but he's a young lad I've admired. He's certainly going places."
Race 7 - John Smith’s Champion Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race - Winning Quotes
AN HONEST END TO NATIONAL DAY
The 2008 John Smith’s Grand National meeting ended with a win for Honest John in the Grade Two John Smith’s Champion Standard Open National Hunt Flat race.
The winner, a 14/1 chance, stayed on well down the outside to deny Touch Of Irish by two and a quarter lengths with Cape Tribulation back in third and Cloudy Times fourth, meaning that all the first four horses home were trained in Yorkshire.
Winning trainer Tom Tate said: “He’s improving!
“We thought he would come on for his debut.
“He is called Honest John because that is what he is.
“I don’t know where he will go now. The plan was to come here and we will have a think.”
Winning rider Keith Mercer added: “I rode out at Mr Tate’s the other day and he told me this was a nice horse and he was right.
“I was outpaced early on but he was tough, stayed well and ground them down.
“He is very genuine and I think he could be a very nice horse.”
ANNA PEREZ WINS IN STYLE
Anna Perez, a stunning 20-year-old student from Gateacre, Liverpool, was a joyful and tearful winner of Style 2008, the ultimate fashion competition held over three days at the John Smith’s Grand National meeting.
“I was absolutely amazed. I couldn’t believe it and when I saw my friend, Francesca, was crying I started crying too,” said Anna, who was presented with her prize by the celebrity, Coleen McLoughlin.
Last year’s style competition was won by a man, Stephen Wang, but this year all the five finalists were women - Emma Robinson, Victoria Hammond, Ellie Gleeson, Maureen Armstrong and Anna.
The prize was due to be presented at 12:15pm, but the five finalists had to wait as Coleen’s car was held up in traffic. The 40-minute delay must have seemed interminable for them.
Finally, with former world hurdles champion and BBC presenter Colin Jackson hosting the occasion, Coleen opened the enveloped with Anna’s name on it.
The winner looked breathless, and no wonder, for Anna, who is in her second year of a real estate management course at John Moore’s University in Liverpool, had just won a sensational prize.
The Lifestyle Package, worth £35,000, included: A Citroën C-Crosser 2.2 HDi Exclusive car; Home Furnishings and electrical goods from Littlewoods Direct; a luxury 10-day Almond Resorts Caribbean Holiday for two to Barbados or St Lucia (she’s taking her boyfriend, Paul, with her), Expert style advice and a wardrobe for the season from Littlewoods Direct and much, much more.
-----------------------------
Perez was wearing a vintage floral dress from The Dressing Room, brown platform heels by Kurt Keiger, a brown leather handbag, which belongs to her nan, and had yellow lilies and a red rose in her hair.
DIE CAST AS CLOUDY DRIFTS
The market has begun moving on the John Smith's Grand National, and Comply Or Die is the horse in fashion.
William Hill report confidence in the David Pipe-trained, Timmy Murphy-ridden nine-year-old, who has been cut to 8-1 from 10-1 for victory in the world's greatest chase. Comply Or Die's price is also contracting with totesport, and in the half-hour before racing they reported he had been trimmed a point to 9-1.
Interest in Cloudy Lane is waning according to William Hill and that company now says Comply Or Die could head bookies' lists at the off. Cloudy Lane has been pushed out to 13-2 from 6-1 with William Hill.
Other horses being backed with Hills as the big race draws nears include Hedgehunter (14-1 from 18-1) and Vodka Bleu, a stablemate of Comply Or Die (33-1 from 40-1). Popular outsiders include Iron Man (66-1 from 150-1) and Contraband (80-1 from 200-1).
Ladbrokes are in an altruistic mood today and representative David Williams says his employers are "loathe to shorten the price about horses that are popular with once-a-year punters". Comply Or Die was still on offer at 10-1 with Ladbrokes just before the opening race on John Smith's Grand National day, although the same firm had trimmed Vodka Bleu to 40-1 from 50-1.
GOING UNCHANGED FOR FINAL DAY
The going remains unchanged for the final day of the 2008 John Smith’s Grand National meeting, Saturday, April 5.
It is:
GOOD (GoingStick 7.4) on the Mildmay & Hurdle courses
GOOD TO SOFT, GOOD IN PLACES (GoingStick 6.5) on the Grand National course
Andrew Tulloch, Clerk of the Course and Director of Racing at Aintree, said: “We only had one millimetre of rain overnight and the going remains good on the Mildmay & Hurdle courses and good to soft, good in places, on the Grand National course.
“The forecast for today is for generally bright conditions with the chance of a shower.”
All the bends and the running line have been moved in four yards onto un-raced ground on the hurdle course while the two bottom bends on the Mildmay course have also been moved to provide fresh ground.
GOING CHANGE
The going on the John Smith’s Grand National course was changed at 11.30am this morning to
GOOD, GOOD TO SOFT IN PLACES
with a Going Stick reading of 7.1
The going on the Mildmay and Hurdles Courses remains GOOD with a Going Stick reading of 7.5
NON RUNNERS
THIRD RACE 2.50pm The Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle
No.3 Elusive Dream. Self Certificated (Stiff)
No.10 Chomba Womba. Self Certificated (Lame)
2008 JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL LANDMARKS
Jockeys
Youngest jockey: Mr Nick Scholfield (Cornish Sett), 18
Oldest jockey: Mick Fitzgerald (L’Ami), 37
Most successful jockey: Ruby Walsh (Hedgehunter), 2 wins and 3 places from 7 rides
Least successful jockey: Tony McCoy (Butler’s Cabin), 0 wins from 12 rides.
First time jockeys: Aidan Coleman (Mon Mome), David England (Ardaghey), Johnny Farrelly (Joacci), Paddy Flood (Baily Breeze), Barry Keniry (Kelami), Wilson Renwick (Backbeat), Tom Ryan (Tumbling Dice), Mr Nick Scholfield (Cornish Sett)
Trainers
Oldest trainer: John Spearing (Simon), 67. Francois Doumen FR (L’Ami and Kelami) is also 67 but a month younger.
Youngest trainer: Eoin Doyle IRE (No Full), 29
Most successful trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies (Knowhere, Fundamentalist, Naunton Brook, Ardaghey) - 2 wins and 1 place from 25 runners
Least successful trainer: Paul Nicholls - 0 wins from 12
First time trainers: Eoin Doyle IRE (No Full), Dessie Hughes IRE (Black Apalachi), Tom Mullins IRE (Chelsea Harbour), Paul Murphy (Contraband)
Horses
Oldest horses: Hedgehunter and Philson Run, 12
Youngest horses: Milan Deux Mille, Opera Mundi and Turko, 6
Biggest money earner: Hedgehunter £784,593
Smallest earner: Milan Deux Mille £32,429
John Smith’s Grand National placed: Hedgehunter (Won 2005, 2nd 2006), McKelvey (2nd 2007), Slim Pickings (3rd 2007), Philson Run (4th 2007).
STAR SIGNS OF THIS YEAR’S JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL CONTENDERS
Aries
Black Apalachi (April 13, 1999)
Cornish Sett (April 16, 1999)
Dun Doire (April 17, 1999)
Hi Cloy (April 12, 1997)
Milan Deux Mille (March 31, 2002)
No Full (March 21, 2001)
Snowy Morning (April 17, 2000)
Vodka Bleu (April 9, 1999)
Capricorn
L’Ami (January 1, 1999)
Gemini
Backbeat (June 15, 1997)
Bewleys Berry (June 9, 1998)
Bob Hall (May 29, 2001)
Idle Talk (June 1, 1999)
Mr Pointment (May 29, 1999)
Philson Run (May 26, 1996)
Taurus
Ardaghey (May 16, 1999)
Baily Breeze (May 1, 1999)
Butler’s Cabin (April 25, 2000)
Chelsea Harbour (May 4, 2000)
Comply Or Die (May 11, 1999)
D’Argent (May 10, 1997)
Iron Man (April 21, 2001)
Kelami (May 5, 1998)
King Johns Castle (April 26, 1999)
Knowhere (May 16, 1998)
Madison Du Berlais (April 28, 2001)
Mon Mome (April 29, 2000)
Naunton Brook (May 8, 1999)
Point Barrow (May 12, 1998)
Simon (April 27, 1999)
Slim Pickings (May 2, 1999)
STYLE 2008 FINAL
A fabulous £35,000 Lifestyle Package is the reward for the most stylish racegoer at the John Smith’s Grand National meeting, the final of which takes place today in the Winner’s Enclosure at 12:15pm.
Over the past two days of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting, the style judges have been checking the form.
On Thursday, the spotters were out and about on the course, snapping the snappiest dressers for virtual entries into the competition.
On Friday, the racegoers were on the catwalk in the Red Rum Garden, the style gurus choosing the finalists from the 1,600 entries.
And the finalists are:
Emma Robinson, 20, Wigan
Victoria Hammond, 28, Ormskirk
Anna Perez, 20, Liverpool
Ellie Gibson, 20, Liverpool
Maureen Armstrong, 64, Wirral
Coleen McLoughlin will present to the winner a £35,000 Lifestyle Package
which includes:
A sensational Citroën C-Crosser 2.2 HDi Exclusive car
Home Furnishings and electrical goods from Littlewoods Direct Direct
A luxury 10-day Almond Resorts Caribbean Holiday for two to Barbados or St Lucia
Expert style advice and a wardrobe for the season from Littlewoods Direct
and much, much, more...
COMPLY OR DIEMAKES FRIENDS
Jockey Timmy Murphy said it wasn’t a difficult choice when he opted for Comply Or Die as his John Smith’s Grand National ride, ahead of Joaaci and Vodka Bleu, and a few punters are latching on to the fact that the David Johnson-owned nine-year-old could be one to put up against the favourite.
With totesport Comply Or Die is now down to 9/1 from 10/1, and holds a clear second-place in their market behind 11/2 favourite Cloudy Lane.
Simon, who was prominent last year before falling at Valentine’s on the second circuit, has come in for some support at totesport, shortening a point to 11/1.
It’s not surprising that Ruby Walsh couldn’t be tempted by Turko given the exemplary record of Hedgehunter in the John Smith’s Grand National. Walsh has already won the race on Willie Mullins’ horse, in 2005, and finished runner-up the following year.
Hedgehunter is now back to the same mark (156) as he was in 2006 and totesport has seen plenty of interest with his odds down to 18/1 from 22/1.
It’s been 99 years since a French-trained horse won the John Smith’s Grand National.
Francois Doumen has two horses in the race, the full brothers L’Ami and Kelami seeking to emulate Lutteur III, the 1909 winner.
Doumen has already voiced his opinion that the ground may not be soft enough for L’Ami, but that has not stopped the interest with totesport and the horse is in to 33/1 from 40/1.
Given the astonishing run of trainer Paul Nicholls at the John Smith’s Grand National meeting, it would be unwise to dismiss any of his charges and that may be the thinking of the punters who have come for the outsider Cornish Sett - totesport now has him at 80/1 from 100/1.
BATTLE FOR ORDER OF MERIT
Lough Derg will have to come fifth or above in today’s Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle to go into the lead in the Order of Merit, worth £200,000, and would win the title.
If he comes sixth in today’s race at Aintree, he will draw on points with Kauto Star.
However, it is not a split pot as it is a count back and Kauto Star would win the pot based on his Grade One wins.
This would mean that if Lough Derg comes sixth, he would have to race again and come in the first six to win the 07/08 Order of Merit.
Current Leaderboard
1 Kauto Star - Paul Nicholls 100 points
2 Lough Derg - David Pipe 94 points
3 Voy Por Ustedes - Alan King 79 points
4 Our Vic - David Pipe 63 points
5 Inglis Drever - Howard Johnson 60 points
6 Katchit - Alan King 59 points
7 Exotic Dancer - Jonjo O'Neill 56 points
8 Monet's Garden - Nicky Richards 51 points
8 Master Minded - Paul Nicholls 51 points
Remaining Order Of Merit Races
Saturday Apr 5 62. John Smith's Grand National Chase Aintree G3
Saturday Apr 5 63. Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle Aintree G1
Wednesday Apr 16 64. Faucets For Mira Showers Silver Trophy Chase Cheltenham G2
Saturday Apr 19 65. Coral Scottish Grand National Ayr G3
Saturday Apr 19 66. Samsung Electronics Scottish Champion Hurdle Ayr G2
Saturday Apr 26 67. Betfred Gold Cup Chase Sandown Park G3
Saturday Apr 26 68. Betfred Celebration Chase Sandown Park G2
JOCKEY QUOTES
JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL
THORNTON HOPING TO IMPROVE RECORD
Jockey Robert Thornton, who continued his good run of form at Aintree this week with two winners, is looking to improve on his best placing of fifth in today’s John Smith’s Grand National. He takes the mount on D’Argent for boss Alan King.
“You look forward to the John Smith’s Grand National every year, but it seems to have come around a bit quicker this time. I’m definitely looking forward to it though and D’Argent has a great chance,” said the rider.
“We’ve schooled him at home, only over ordinary fences though. We wouldn’t jump Aintree-type fences with him because there’s no point in scaring him before we get here. He jumps well though and he schooled well at home so we’re very happy with him.
“We’ve been having a good week so hopefully it continues in the big one today. I’ve ridden in the race 11 times, but fifth is the best I’ve managed (Supreme Charm, 2002). The rest haven’t got very far - I must improve I think would be a comment that applies to me!”
Tensions are generally high down at the start of the four and a half-mile marathon over 30 daunting obstacles, but Thornton doesn’t let the nerves get to him.
“I wouldn’t be nervous but just looking forward to get going. Once the tapes go up, you’re away and you get settled into it.
“I’ll pop out as handy as I can. He jumps a little bit right so I’ll go towards the outside for a little bit of room and, if he wants to jump out to the right, I won’t be getting in anyone’s way.”
WALSH AND HEDGEHUNTER A POPULAR CHOICE
Ruby Walsh is waltzing away with the jockey’s title at the John Smith’s Grand National meeting, with four wins in the bag after two day’s racing. Small wonder, then, that the punters are looking to the Irish wizard to bring them the winner of the John Smith’s Grand National.
Walsh’s mount, Hedgehunter, winner in 2005 and runner-up in 2006, is coming in for across-the-board support. William Hill, Paddy Power and Boylesports have shortened his price to 16/1 from 20/1. And John Parrott, the BBC’s betting guru, is beaming because he got on at 25/1.
Hills have also brought in Tony McCoy’s mount Butlers Cabin to 14/1 from 16/1. It will be McCoy’s 13th ride in the race, and the 12-time champion jockey has yet to win it.
Cloudy Lane remains a clear favourite, but has generally eased from the opening 5/1 or 11/2 which many thought was too short. Hills and Ladbrokes have Cloudy Lane at 6/1, but Coral make the horse a 13/2 shot and, though there’s plenty of interest, are holding that price.
Cornish Sett from the all-conquering Paul Nicholls stable has been supported with Boylesports down to 66/1 from 100/1. But Cashmans, who had the horse on offer at 200/1, are only laying 50/1 now.
Away from the John Smith’s Grand National, Ladbrokes report interest in the Nick Gifford-trained Straw Bear in the Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle (2:50).
There is also a very interesting market move with Cashmans for Tagula Blue in the John Smith’s Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle (3:25pm). They have shortened the Ian Williams-trained horse from 40/1 to 16/1.
DOBBIN, FITZGERALD AND GERAGHTY THUMBS UP
Tony Dobbin, Mick Fitzgerald and Barry Geraghty, who all relinquished rides following falls during day two of the John Smith's Grand National meeting yesterday, were given the green light to resume riding today.
All three jockeys had to pass the doctor on arrival at Aintree and it proved a formality for each one.
In the world's greatest chase Dobbin will ride Point Barrow for trainer Pat Hughes, Fitzgerald partners L'Ami for Francois Doumen, and Geraghty renews association with Slim Pickings, trained by Tom Taaffe and third in last year's race.
FIRST RACE RESULT
1.45pm JOHN SMITH'S EXTRA SMOOTH HANDICAP HURDLE (LISTED)
£160,000 guaranteed, 2m 4f, For 4yo+ Weights 4yo 11st; 5yo 11st 7lb Allowances fillies and mares 7lb Entries 17 pay £650 Penalty value 1st £91,216, 2nd £34,224, 3rd £17,136, 4th £8,544, 5th £4,288, 6th £2,144
1 PEARL KING (IRE) (J P McManus) Philip Hobbs 6-10-10 Richard Johnson 10/1
2 KHACHATURIAN (IRE) (Brendan Richardson & Jon Glews) Donald McCain Jnr 5-10-11 Jason Maguire 33/1
3 HEATHCOTE (B Siddle & B Haynes) Gary Moore 6-11-3 Philip Hide 25/1
4 SERABAD (FR) (Walters Plant Hire Ltd) Peter Bowen 4-11-0p Christian Williams 16/1
5 DISHDASHA (IRE) (Tristar) Alison Thorpe 6-10-8 Dominic Elsworth
6 THE DUKE'S SPEECH (IRE) (Mary Durkan) Ferdy Murphy 7-10-12 Keith Mercer
7 BUREAUCRAT (Peter Luff) Philip Hobbs 6-11-0 Tom O'Brien
8 HIDE THE EVIDENCE (IRE) (Maynard Hamilton) Victor Dartnall 7-11-7 Jack Doyle (5)
9 OH CRICK (FR) (David Sewell) Alan King 5-10-13 Robert Thornton
10 TAKE THE BREEZE (FR) (Mr & Mrs G Calder) Paul Nicholls 5-10-8 Sam Thomas
11 ASTARADOR (FR) (Aldercald Roofing Ltd & S Rutter) Howard Johnson 6-11-5 Aidan Coleman (5)
12 TARLAC (GER) (J P McManus) Nicky Henderson 7-11-1 Paul Carberry
13 EUROPEAN DREAM (IRE) (You Trotters) Richard Guest 5-10-10p Paddy Aspell
14 INGRATITUDE (IRE) (Club Ism & Jsc Sport) Nicky Henderson 5-10-9 Mick Fitzgerald
15 PEVENSEY (IRE) (Dum Spiro Spero) John Quinn 6-10-9 Dougie Costello
16 KINGS QUAY (Marie Taylor) John Quinn 6-11-0 Mr Mark Walford (7)
17 FORTHRIGHT (Mrs B Quinn) Daniel Loughnane IRE 7-10-11t Ken Whelan
P PLATIN GROUNDS (GER) (D & S Goodman) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-11-0 Paddy Brennan
P MON MICHEL (IRE) (The Gingerbread Men) Gary Moore 5-10-10 Timmy Murphy
P SONG OF SONGS (J P McManus) James Fanshawe 6-10-13 Tony McCoy 7/2f
U POQUELIN (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 5-11-7 Ruby Walsh
21 ran
Non-runner: 6 Crossbow Creek
Distances: 7, 8, 1 1/4, nk, 1, 1, 1/2, 3 ½, 4, nk, 19, 2 1/4, 2 1/4, 5, 16, 20
Breeder: Sean Twomey
Breeding: gr g Daylami (IRE) -Regal Opinion (USA)
Totes: Win: £11.20 Places: £2.70, £5.50, £4.30, £3.50 Exacta: £176.10
Winning Trainer: PHILIP HOBBS Based: Sandhill, Bilbrook, Minehead, Somerset Date of Birth: 26/7/55 Riding Career: Professional NH 1975-86, rode 160 winners Date of first trainer’s licence: August 1, 1985 Wins this season: Cheltenham Festival Wins (11): Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle (1990 Moody Man, 2002 Rooster Booster), Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup Handicap (1996 Kibreet), Coral Cup H’cap Hurdle (2000 What’s Up Boys, 2004 Monkerhostin), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2002 Flagship Uberalles), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (2003 Rooster Booster), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2003 One Knight), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2004 Made In Japan, 2006 Detroit City), Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle (2007 Massini’s Maguire) Aintree Festival wins: John Smith’s Novices’ Handicap Chase (2007 Private Be), John Smith’s Topham Chase (1997 Bells Life, 2001 Gower-Slave), Citroen C6 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1996 Pleasure Shared), John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle (1996 Pleasure Shared), John Smith’s Extra Cold H’cap Hurdle (1999 Papo Kharisma), John Smith’s Top Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Phardante Flyer, 2001 Ilico II, 2002 In Contrast), John Smith’s Fox Hunters’ Chase (2000 Bells Life), John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Lord Brex, 2006 Detroit City), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2001 What’s Up Boys), John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (2006 Wellbeing, 2008 Pearl King) Other major wins include: Anglo Irish Bank Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Boychuk), Aon Chase (2005 Farmer Jack), Betfred Gold Cup (2006 Lacdoudal), Bonusprint.com Gold Cup (2004 Monkerhostin), boylesports.com International (2002 Rooster Booster, 2006 Detroit City), Hennessy Gold Cup (2001 What’s Up Boys), Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase (1989 Joint Sovereignty), Racing Post Chase (1999 Dr Leunt, 2002 Gunther McBride, 2005 Farmer Jack) Number of Winners (1990/91-2006/07): 33; 51; 37; 64; 86; 77; 64; 71; 84; 120; 82; 119; 134; 121; 121; 112; 111 Winners this Season: 97
Winning Jockey: Richard Johnson Date of birth: 21/07/77, Madley, Hereford Background: Parents Keith (a former amateur jockey) and Sue (a successful trainer) have a farm in Madley, and Richard first sat on a horse aged four. Joined David Nicholson, aged 16, but rode his first winner for his grandfather Keith Johnson in April 1994. Became champion conditional jockey in 1995 when 18, and has consistently finished second behind Tony McCoy in the professional’s table since. Now rides predominately for Philip Hobbs, and is married to Fiona, daughter of trainer Noel Chance. First winner 30 April 1994, Rusty Bridge, Exeter Cheltenham Festival wins: (13) Bonusprint Stayers’ Hurdle (1999 Anzum), Mildmay of Flete Challenge Cup H’cap Chase (2000 Dark Stranger, 2003 Young Spartacus), Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (2000 Looks Like Trouble), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2002 Flagship Uberalles), County Hurdle (2002 Rooster Booster), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (2003 Rooster Booster), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2003 One Knight), Cathcart Chase (2003 La Landiere), Coral Cup (2004 Monkerhostin), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2004 Made in Japan, 2006 Detroit City), Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle (2007 Massini’s Maguire) Leading Rider At the Festival: 2002 (2). Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (2008 Pearl King), John Smith’s Top Novices’ Hurdle (1997 Midnight Legend, 2000 Phardante Flyer, 2002 In Contrast, 2005 Mighty Man), Belle Epoque Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1997 Forest Ivory), Martell Cup Chase (1998 Escartefigue), Heidsieck Monopole Mildmay Novices’ Chase (1999 Spendid, 2001 What’s Up Boys), Sportsman Anniversary 4yo Novices’ Hurdle (2000 Lord Brex, 2006 Detroit City), John Hughes Trophy Chase (2001 Gower-Slave) Red Rum Handicap Chase (2002 Dark N’ Sharp), John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle (2006 & 2007 Mighty Man) Other Big Race Wins Include: Aon Chase (2004, Shooting Light, 2005 Farmer Jack), BMW Chase (2003 Flagship Uberalles), Bonusprint.com Gold Cup (2004 Monkerhostin), Boylesports.com International (2006 Detroit City), Bula Hurdle (2002 Rooster Booster) Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2004 Florida Pearl), James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase (2000 Looks Like Trouble), Welsh National (1999 Edmond) Number of Wins (1993/94-2006/2007): 1; 12; 53; 102; 120; 133; 143; 161; 132; 147; 186; 135; 167; 154 Wins This Season: 113
1 TIDAL BAY (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 7-11-4 Denis O'Regan 6/4f
2 TAKEROC (FR) (Sandra Giles & Mark Tincknell) Paul Nicholls 5-11-4 Ruby Walsh 5/2
3 MODICUM (USA) (Mr & Mrs Duncan Davidson) Nicky Richards 6-11-4 Miss Rose Davidson 40/1
4 CONNA CASTLE (IRE) (King Syndicate) James Mangan 9-11-4 Paul Carberry
5 KRUGUYROVA (FR) (Ronald Brimacombe) Charles Egerton 5-10-11p Tony McCoy
F 3 out MAHOGANY BLAZE (FR) (Lorna Berryman) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-11-4 Paddy Brennan
P KING LOUIS (FR) (Capt A Pratt) Richard Rowe 7-11-4 Dominic Elsworth
U KING DANIEL (A Slack) Evelyn Slack 7-11-4 Fearghal Davis
8 ran
Non-runner: 6 Perce Rock (withdrawn)
Distances: 6, 4, 20, 20
Breeder: John Dorgan
Breeding: b g Flemensfirth (USA) - June’s Bride (IRE)
Totes: Win: £2.80 Places: £1.40, £1.40, £6.20 Exacta: £4.60
Winning Trainer: HOWARD JOHNSON Based: White Lea Farm, Crook, County Durham Born: August 11, 1953, Barnard Castle Date of First Licence: 7th July 1986 Previous Occupation: worked for Arthur Stephenson, Roy Johnson Cheltenham Festival wins (7): Irish Independent Arkle Trophy (2008 Tidal Bay), National Hunt Challenge Cup Chase (1993 Ushers Island), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2005 Arcalis), Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle (2005 No Refuge), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2005 Inglis Drever, 2007 Inglis Drever, 2008 Inglis Drever) Aintree Festival wins: John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2007 Tidal Bay), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (1995 Morceli, 1998 Direct Route, 2008 Tidal Bay), John Smith’s Red Rum Chase (1997 Down The Fell), John Smith’s Topham Chase (1996 Joe White), John Smith’s Melling Chase (1999 and 2000 Direct Route), Betfair Bowl (2005 Grey Abbey) Other major wins: Ballymore Properties Long Distance Hurdle (2005 Inglis Drever), Blue Square Speed Dial 64555 Hurdle (2005 No Refuge), Charlie Hall Chase (2003 Ballybough Rasher, 2004 Grey Abbey), Dipper Novices’ Chase (1995 Morceli), Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2005 Arcalis), John Smith’s Hurdle (2005 Inglis Drever), Lonesome Glory Hurdle (1993 Dance Of Words), Pillar Property Chase (2005 Grey Abbey), Peter Marsh Chase (2005 Lord Transcend), Scottish National (2004 Grey Abbey), Stanleybet Handicap Hurdle (2005 Coat Of Honour), Tingle Creek Chase (1998 Direct Route), VC Casino.com Long Distance Hurdle (2006 Ingis Drever) Number of Winners (1988/9-2005/06): 14, 14, 10, 21, 19, 32, 32, 35, 23, 27, 18, 19, 13, 15, 33, 41, 68, 58, 54 Wins this Season: 60
Winning Jockey: Denis O’ Regan Based: Rode out at yard ran by cousin John Crowley, before spending a summer with Francis Flood when sixteen, returning to the yard after finishing his education. Rode first winner for Flood aboard All Honey on April 20, 2001, and rode 12 more winners in the following two seasons. Joined Noel Meade as second stable jockey in 2004 and became stable for Howard Johnson and Graham Wylie in Summer of 2007. Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (2008 Tidal Bay) Cheltenham Festival Wins (2): Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2008 Inglis Drever), Irish Independent Arkle Trophy (2008 Tidal Bay) First Cheltenham Festival Win: Tidal Bay, Irish Independent Arkle Trophy, March 11, 2008 First winner at Cheltenham: Church Island (Steel Plate and Sections Novices’ Chase, November 11, 2005) Big Race Wins: Galway Plate (2005 Ansar), Champion Novice Chase (2007 Offshore Account), Boylesports.com Gold Cup (2007 Tamarinbleu) Wins in Britain 2003/04-2006/07): 0; 0; 1; 1; Wins This Season: 52
1 AL EILE (IRE) (Michael Ryan) John Queally IRE 8-11-7 Timmy Murphy 11/4 JF
2 OSANA (FR) (Thomas Barr) David Pipe 6-11-7 Tom Scudamore 11/4 JF
3 STRAW BEAR (USA) (J P McManus) Nick Gifford 7-11-7 Tony McCoy 15/2
4 KALDERON (GER) (M Masterson) Tom Hogan IRE 8-11-7 David Casey
5 LOUNAOS (FR) (Jim McCarthy) Eoin Griffin IRE 5-11-0 Barry Geraghty
6 MY WAY DE SOLZEN (FR) (B Winfield, A Longman, J Wright & C Fenton) Alan King 8-11-7b Robert Thornton
7 AFSOUN (FR) (Trevor Hemmings) Nicky Henderson 6-11-7 Mick Fitzgerald
8 LOUGH DERG (FR) (W Frewen) David Pipe 8-11-7v Christian Williams
P MEPHISTO (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 9-11-7 Denis O'Regan
9 ran
Non-runners: 3 Elusive Dream (self certificated), 10 Chomba Womba (sc)
Distances: 10, 2, 9, 11, 4 1/2, 2 3/4, 13
Breeder: Michael Ryan
Breeding: b g Alzao (USA) - Kilcsem Eile (IRE)
Totes: Win: £3.10 Places: £1.50, £1.60, £1.70 Exacta: £7.50
Winning Trainer: JOHN QUEALLY Born: July 23, 1955 Based: Coolagh, Near Dungarvon, County Waterford, Ireland Date of First Trainer’s Licence: 1989 Riding Career: Champion Amateur in Ireland 1986 & 1987; Champion Point-to-Point rider 1980 & 1981; Amateur jockey to Francis Flood, Paddy Prendergast and Mouse Morris. Won 1986 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase as a rider on Glyde Court Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Al Eile), Scottish And Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle (2005, 2007 & 2008 Al Eile) Other Big Race Wins: Bonusprint.com Champion Hurdle Trial (2006 Al Eile), bewleyshotels.com December Festival Hurdle (2007 Al Eile) Wins in Britain (2003/04-2006/07): 2; 1; 1; 1; Wins in Britain this season: 1
Winning Jockey: Timothy James Murphy Date of birth: August 20, 1974 Background: Father Jimmy was a leading amateur and manager of Newberry Stud. Timmy began working for Noel Chance during weekends when still at school, and rode for the trainer as an amateur, as well as for Mick Halford and Michael Hourigan. Opted to relocate to England after turning professional and began riding for Kim Bailey. Began riding for Paul Nicholls in 1998, before being overtaken as first choice jockey for the trainer by Joe Tizzard. Returned to Nicholls as number one rider in May 2001, but following a lengthy battle with alcoholism, Murphy was jailed for four months in July 2002 for assaulting an air stewardess. Returned to the saddle on his release in October 2002, and has enjoyed considerable success since. Became the retained jockey for leading owner David Johnson after the departure of Tony McCoy form the Martin Pipe stable. Has published critically acclaimed biography “Riding The Storm”. First winner: Gayloire (Kilmuckridge point to point, Co Wexford) General: Rode the last ever winner over jumps at Nottingham - Dominie (29/2/96) Aintree Festival Wins: Cordon Bleu Hcap Hurdle (1999 Kinnescash), Unwins Wine Group Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle (2004 Al Eile), Scottish And Newcastle Pub Enterprises Aintree Hurdle (2005, 2007 & 2008 Al Eile), Betfair Bowl (2006 Celestial Gold, 2008 Our Vic) Cheltenham Festival Wins: (7) Ryanair Chase (2008 Our Vic), Mildmay of Flete Chase (1997 Terao, 2004 Tikram), Vincent O’brien County Hcap Hurdle (1999 Sir Talbot, 2005 Fontanesi), Pertemps Final (2004 Creon), Irish Independent Arkle (2005 Contraband) Other major wins: Agfa Diamond Hcap Chase (1999 Clever Remark); Ascot totesport Chase (2006 Our Vic); Betfair Bowl (2006 Celestial Gold); Betfred Celebration Chase (2005 Well Chief); Charlie Hall Chase (2006 Our Vic); Commhoist Logistics Champion Hurdle Trial (2006 Al Eile); Ericsson Chase (2002 Beef Or Salmon); Faucets For Mira Showers Silver Trophy Chase (2006 Our Vic); Game Spirit Chase (2006 Don’t Be Shy, 2007 Well Chief); Hennessy Gold Cup (2004 Celestial Gold); Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (2004 Contraband, 2005 Racing Demon); Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (2003 Beef Or Salmon); John Smith’s Hurdle (2006 Redemption); Old Roan Chase (2005 Impek); Paddy Power Gold Cup (2004 Celestial Gold, 2005 Our Vic); Pierse Leopardstown Handicap Chase (2007 Point Barrow); Pillar Property Chase (1998 See More Business); Pricewaterhousecoopers Ascot Hurdle (1998 Juyush); Rehearsal Chase (1998 See More Business); Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (2004 Our Vic); Rising Stars Novices’ Chase (2005 Celtic Son); Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Nous Voila); Sunderlands Imperial Cup (2005 Medison); Swinton Handicap Hurdle (2003 Macs Joy); Tolworth Hurdle (2005 Marcel); Fraser Steele HBLB Chase (2007 Dempsey); Victor Chandler Chase (2005 Well Chief); woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle (2006 Celestial Wave), bewleyshotels.com December Festival Hurdle (2007 Al Eile) Number of Wins (1995/96-2006/2007): 26; 28; 60; 73; 64; 54; 98; 42; 57; 143; 87; 98 Wins This Season: 62
FOURTH RACE RESULT
3.25pm JOHN SMITH'S EXTRA COLD HANDICAP HURDLE (LISTED)
£60,000 guaranteed, 3m 1/2f, For 4yo+ Weights raised 7lb Minimum Weight 10st Penalties after March 29, a winner of a hurdle 4lb Grand Bleu’s Handicap Mark 143 Entries 55 pay £240 Penalty Value 1st £34,206, 2nd £12,834, 3rd £6,426, 4th £3,204, 5th 1,608, 6th £804
1 FOREST PENNANT (IRE) (Peter Hart) Paul Nicholls 6-10-13 Ruby Walsh 9/2f
2 SUPERIOR WISDOM (IRE) (Andrew Cohen & Glenmore Investments Ltd) Alex Hales 8-10-13 William Kennedy 11/1
3 ACCORDING TO PETE (P Nelson) Malcolm Jefferson 7-11-1 Fergus King 16/1
4 REEL CHARMER (George Charlton) George Charlton 8-10-13t Jan Faltejsek 28/1
5 AURORAS ENCORE (IRE) (Alicia Skene & W Skene) Sue Smith 6-10-11Tjade Collier (5)
6 BACKBORD (GER) (Mr & Mrs J Timmons) Lucy Wadham 6-11-2 Dominic Elsworth
7 FRESH WINTER (A Winterton) Jim Mackie 6-11-6 Phil Kinsella
8 ARTISTE BAY (FR) (Weybridge Group Ltd) Eoin Griffin IRE 6-10-12 Barry Geraghty
9 MENDO (Mrs M Sweeney) Noel Chance 8-11-2 Tom Siddall
10 COPSALE LAD (Swallow Partnership) Nicky Henderson 11-11-5 Andrew Tinkler
11 OVERSTRAND (IRE) (Dr Richard Newland, Laura Newland, C Stedman) Dr Richard Newland 9-10-9 Sam Jones (3)
12 HENNESSY (IRE) (Malcolm Denmark) Carl Llewellyn 7-11-4 Noel Fehily
13 GUSTAVO (Gay & Peter Hartley) Venetia Williams 7-10-11 Sam Thomas
14 LAERTES (Panther Racing Ltd) Chris Grant 7-10-13 Mr Oliver Greenall (7)
15 COQ HARDI (FR) (Sir Robert Ogden) Peter Bowen 7-11-4 Tom O'Brien
16 TAGULA BLUE (IRE) (Boston R S Ian Bennett) Ian Williams 8-10-4 Michael Murphy (7)
17 DON'T PUSH IT (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 8-11-4 Tony McCoy
18 BUENA VISTA (IRE) (Matt Archer & The Late Jean Broadhurst) David Pipe 7-11-9 Tom Scudamore
19 CHIEF YEOMAN (B Moore & E Stephens) Venetia Williams 8-10-13 Aidan Coleman (5)
P DREAM ALLIANCE (The Alliance Partnership) Philip Hobbs 7-10-13 Richard Johnson
P GRAND BLEU (IRE) (Uplifting Bloodstock Ltd) Francois Doumen FR 5-11-12 Christophe Pieux
P RIO DE JANEIRO (IRE) (Fraser Miller Racing) Emma Lavelle 7-10-13 Paul Moloney
22 ran
Distances: 1 1/4, 8, hd, 3 1/2, 4, 1, 1 1/4, nk, 5, 1 1/2, 11, 2 1/4, 23, 1/2, 3, 4 1/2, 4 1/2, 1
Breeder: Peter Nelson
Breeding: b or br g Accordion - Magic Bloom
Totes: Win: £5.70 Places: £1.80, £3.60, £2.80, £6.60 Exacta: £64.00
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 Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle (2008 Forest Pennant) 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); Irish Grand National (2000 Commanche Court, 2005 Numbersixvalverde); King George VI Chase (2006 & 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: 61
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 Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle (2008 Forest Pennant), 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: King George VI Chase (1997 & 1999 See More Business, 2006 & 2007 Kauto Star), Scottish Grand National (1997 Belmont King), Tingle Creek Chase (2005 Kauto Star, 2007 Twist Magic), totesport.com becher Chase (2006 Eurotrek), Vodafone Gold Cup (2006 Cornish Sett), Coral Welsh National (2004 Silver Birch, 2005 L’Aventure), 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: 134
SIXTH RACE RESULT
5.00pm JOHN SMITH'S WINNER'S TIPPLE NOVICES’ HANDICAP CHASE (CONDITIONAL/AMATEUR)
£40,000 guaranteed, 2m 4f, Mildmay Course, For 5yo+ Weights raised 1lb Minimum Weight 10st Penalties after March 29, a winner of a chase 6lb Blaeberry’s Handicap Mark 138, Entries 39 pay £190 Penalty Value 1st £26,020, 2nd £7,640, 3rd £3,820, 4th £1,908
1 ENDLESS POWER (IRE) (Fyffees) Jim Goldie 8-10-3 James Reveley (5) 25/1
2 BRAVE REBELLION (Cristiana’s Crew) Keith Reveley 9-11-3 Phil Kinsella 14/1
3 BLAEBERRY (Lady Bland) Emma Lavelle 7-11-7 Jack Doyle (5) 7/1
4 DALDINI (Paul Dixon) Sue Smith 6-10-9 Tjade Collier (5)
5 MERRY COWBOY (IRE) (Sailor’s Bar Syndicate) Eamon Sheehy IRE 7-11-0b1 S Flanagan (5)
6 CRATHORNE (IRE) (The Centaur Group Partnership IX) Martin Todhunter 8-10-13 Mr Harry Haynes (7)
7 GRIPIT N TIPIT (IRE) (Doonbeg Golf Syndicate) Charlie Swan IRE 7-10-11 Denis Hogan (5)
8 TEMPLER (IRE) (Tony Staple) Philip Hobbs 7-11-2 Darren O'Dwyer (7)
F UNOWATIMEEN (IRE) (Sandicroft Stud) Donald McCain Jnr 8-10-13 Paul Benson (5)
F THE ENTOMOLOGIST (IRE) () C R Egerton 7-10-12b1 Miss Nina Carberry
P MY PETRA (Mr & Mrs R Kelvin Hughes) Nicky Henderson 5-11-5 Felix De Giles (5) 5/1f
P FOREST GREEN (FR) (Ged Mason) Paul Nicholls 6-11-6 Mr Nick Scholfield (5)
U THEATRE DIVA (IRE) (Let’s Live Racing) Venetia Williams 7-10-4 Aidan Coleman (5)
U GOOD COMPANY (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 8-10-6 Richard McLernon (7)
U THE REAL DEAL (IRE) (Jane Williams) Nick Williams 7-10-10 Mr Jamie Snowden (5)
15 ran
Non-runner: 9 Dante Hall
Distances: 25, nk, 13, 8, 6, 12, dist
Breeder: Swettenham Stud
Breeding: b g Perugino (USA) - Charroux (IRE)
Totes: Win: £46.00 Places: £9.60, £5.00, £3.00 Exacta: £917.40
Winning Trainer: JIM GOLDIE Based: Uplawmoor, Glasgow Date of First Licence: March 1992 Big Race Wins: Ayr Silver Cup (2006 Geojimali) Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Winner’s Tipple Novices’ Handicap Chase (2008 Endless Power) Number of Winners (Jumps 2001/02-2004/05): 3; 10; 6; 10 Number of horses in training (2003-05): 32; 21; 37 Wins this season: 10
Winning Jockey: James Reveley Age: Turned 17 in March 2006 Based: c/o Keith Reveley, Groundhill Farm, Lingdale, Saltburn, Cleveland Background: Son of trainer Keith Reveley and grandson of Mary Reveley. He was a national junior showjumping champion at the age of 12 and has ridden at Hickstead. First win under rules: Time Marches On, Plumpton, May 8, 2005 (Plumpton Racecourse Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle) First win as a professional: Celtic Legend, Wetherby, November 12, 2005 (“Leeds Rhinos” Novices’ Handicap Hurdle) Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Winner’s Tipple Novices’ Handicap Chase (2008 Endless Power) Big Race Wins: Borders National (2007 Rambling Minster) Wins (2005/06-2006/07) 4; 7; Wins This Season: 15
SEVENTH RACE RESULT
5.35pm JOHN SMITH'S CHAMPION STANDARD OPEN NH FLAT RACE (GRADE TWO)
£40,000 guaranteed, 2m 1f, For 4-6yo which have not run under any recognised Rules of racing except NH Flat races run in GB/IRE; horses are not to have run in more than 4 NH Flat races, or five such races if the fifth race was the Weatherby’s Champion Bumper at the 2008 Cheltenham Festival Weights 4yo 10st 12lb; 5yo and 6yo 11st 3lb Penalties a winner of a Grade One race 4lb Allowances fillies and mares 7lb Entries 38 pay £180 Penalty Value 1st £22,804,
2nd £8,556, 3rd £4,284, 4th £2,136, 5th £1,072, 6th £536 Entries 38 pay £180 Penalty Value 1st £22,804, 2nd £8,556, 3rd £4,284, 4th £2,136, 5th £1,072, 6th £536
1 HONEST JOHN (P Martin) Tom Tate 4-10-12 Keith Mercer 14/1
2 TOUCH OF IRISH (Bill Walker) Alan Swinbank 6-11-4 Dougie Costello 12/1
3 CAPE TRIBULATION (David Abell) Malcolm Jefferson 4-10-12 Fergus King 11/2 jf
4 CLOUDY TIMES (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Sue Smith 5-10-13 Tjade Collier (5) 10/1
5 COPPER BLEU (IRE) (Alan Peterson) Philip Hobbs 6-11-4 Richard Johnson
6 CHARITY LANE (IRE) (M Johnson) George Moore 5-11-4 Barry Keniry
7 PETERS PRIDE (L Davis & The Peaks Partnership) Alan Swinbank 6-11-4 Miss Nina Carberry
8 DAYIA (IRE) (Lady Green) Jeff Pearce 4-10-5 Philip Hide
9 TAKE ME THERE (Paul Devereaux) Paul Nicholls 5-11-4 Ruby Walsh
10 SEEFIN MOUNTAIN (IRE) (Marlborough Racing Partnership) Andrew Turnell 4-10-12 Henry Oliver
11 MINELLA THEATRE (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Henrietta Knight 5-11-4 Denis O'Regan
12 TIMISVAR (IRE) (Mrs A Donnelly) James Leavy IRE 6-10-11p Miss Pauline Ryan (7)
13 CAPTAIN OSCAR (IRE) (Mrs F Walwyn, Lady Aitken, S Johnson ) Ben De Haan 5-11-4 Tony McCoy
14 DESERT VISION (A Black, R Edmonds, J Holdroyd, J Quickfall) Mick Easterby 4-10-5t Mr Oliver Greenall (7)
15 FASSAROE (Martin St Quinton) Oliver Sherwood 6-11-4 Dominic Elsworth
16 BLENCATHRA BAY (IRE) (You Can Be Sure) Venetia Williams 6-10-9 Aidan Coleman (5)
17 EIGHT PALMS (IRE) (The Eight Amigos Racing Syndicate) Paul Nicholls 4-10-12 Sam Thomas
18 KATAPULT (GER) (Mrs B Watson & Copskam Partnership) Alan Swinbank 5-11-1 Brian Hughes (3)
19 SIMPLY BLUE (Deborah Potter) Simon Burrough 4-10-12 Rodi Greene
20 HAVE YOU SEEN ME (IRE) (The Maple Hurst Partnership) Carl Llewellyn 5-11-4 Noel Fehily 11/2 jf
20 ran
Distances: 2 1/4, 1 1/4, 4, 2 1/4, 5, 5, 1, 11, 14, 1/2, 1, 30, 13, nk, 17, 3 1/4, dist, 24, dist
Breeder: David & Nicola Leggate & Richard Kent
Breeding: b g Alzao (USA) - Tintera (IRE)
Totes: Win: £23.00 Places: £5.10, £2.90, £2.60 Exacta: 234.30
Winning Trainer: TOM TATE Based: Castle Farm, Hazelwood, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire Date of birth: 22/01/1948 Background: rode 60 winners as an amatuer under NH Rules, married to Michael Dickinson’s sister, Hazel. Date of first licence: 1968 Permit; 1969 Full Licence Trains: Castle Farm, Tadcaster, N Yorks. Aintree Festival wins: John Smith’s Champion Standard Open NHF (2008 Honest John), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (1996 Ask Tom); John Smith’s Red Rum Handicap Chase (2001 Aghawadda Gold) Major wins: Game Spirit Chase (1998 Ask Tom), Tingle Creek Chase (1997 Ask Tom), Victor Chandler Chase (1997 Ask Tom), Greenalls Grand National Trial (1996 Lo Stregone), Ladbroke Gold Cup (1994 Lo Stregone) Wins (1997/8-2006/07): 9; ?; ?; 6; 4; 8; 7; 2; 9; 3; Wins this Season: 3
Winning Jockey: Keith Mercer Born: Southport, March 24, 1982 Based: c/o Len Lungo, Hetland Hill Farm, Carrutherstown, Dumfriesshire. Background: Spent two years riding in Ireland for Paddy Mullins where he rode six winners from about 70 rides. Returned to Britain in September 2003 to ride as amateur for Ferdy Murphy. Turned professional in May 2004. First win: Torose, Clonmel, February 2002 First win in Britain: Lazy But Lively, Sedgefield, 26/12/03. Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Champion Standard Open NHF (2008 Honest John) Big Race Wins: Scottish Grand National (2005 Joe’s Edge), Ballymore Properties Champion Stayers’ Hurdle (2005 Carly’s Quest), Rowland Meyrick Chase (2004 Trucker’s Tavern). Wins (2003/04-2006/07): 2; 40; 36; 24 Wins This Season: 16
LEADING JOCKEY - FINAL STANDINGS
Jockey 1st 2nd 3rd
Ruby Walsh 5 4 1
Timmy Murphy 3 - -
Robert Thornton 2 - 1
Andrew Tinkler 2 - -
Paddy Brennan 1 2 -
Tony McCoy 1 1 5
Richard Johnson 1 - 1
Denis O’Regan 1 - 1
Aidan Coleman 1 - -
Tjade Collier 1 - -
Mr Josh Guerriero 1 - -
Keith Mercer 1 - -
James Reveley 1 - -
Tom Scudamore - 3 1
Jason Maguire - 2 -
Paul Carberry - 1 2
Dominic Elsworth - 1 1
Dougie Costello - 1 -
Brian Harding - 1 -
Mr Charlie Huxley - 1 -
William Kennedy - 1 -
Phil Kinsella - 1 -
Keith Mercer - 1 -
Mr Sam Waley-Cohen - 1 -
Fergus King - - 2
David Casey - - 1
Miss Jacqueline Coward - - 1
Miss Rose Davidson - - 1
Jack Doyle - - 1
Philip Hide - - 1
Tom O’Brien - - 1
LEADING TRAINER - FINAL STANDINGS
Trainer 1st 2nd 3rd
Paul Nicholls 5 4 1
Nicky Henderson 3 - -
David Pipe 2 2 1
Alan King 2 1 2
Nigel Twiston-Davies 1 2 -
Philip Hobbs 1 - 2
Howard Johnson 1 - 1
Venetia Williams 1 - 1
Jim Goldie 1 - -
Paul Jones 1 - -
John Queally IRE 1 - -
Sue Smith 1 - -
Tom Tate 1 - -
Donald McCain jnr - 2 -
Nicky Richards - 1 1
Alex Hales - 1 -
Arthur Moore IRE - 1 -
Ferdy Murphy - 1 -
Mick Quinlan - 1 -
Keith Reveley - 1 -
Jeremy Scott - 1 -
Alan Swinbank - 1 -
Andrew Turnell - 1 -
Robert Waley-Cohen - 1 -
Malcolm Jefferson - - 2
Willie Mullins IRE - - 2
Jonjo O’Neill - - 2
Henry Daly - - 1
Gordon Elliott IRE - - 1
Nick Gifford - - 1
Chris Grant - - 1
Emma Lavelle - - 1
Gary Moore - - 1
THE VALUE BETTING COLUMN EVERY SATURDAY.
SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2008
THE JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL
Class 1, Grade 3, £800,000 total Prize Fund, 4.15pm, Aintree, Saturday, April 5, 2008.
Going - Good, good to soft in places
for the best odds go to www.BritOdds.com
BP= the best price at the time of writing
Form Horse Age/Weight Owner Trainer Jockey
1) 2/500-P502 HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) 12-11-12 Trevor Hemmings Willie Mullins IRE Ruby Walsh
Form: 2222/242621/223102/431F/0240611/04222/500-P502 Owner: Trevor Hemmings Hedgehunter’s career began in February, 2001, with four seconds in bumpers. He started the 2001/2002 campaign over hurdles, adding another ‘2' to his form figures when going down by five lengths in a maiden at Punchestown in November, 2001.It was on his 10th start that he registered a first success when coming home 20 lengths clear on heavy ground in a Clonmel maiden hurdle in February, 2002. He was sent chasing in the 2002/03 season and his form progressed to a new level over the larger obstacles. Two seconds and a third in novice and beginners’ chases were followed by an 11-length win in the Grand National Trial Handicap at Punchestown on February 2, 2003. He then, after being bought by Trevor Hemmings, travelled to the 2003 Cheltenham Festival for the four-mile National Hunt Chase where he was going exceptionally well before a mistake two out almost brought him down. That season was rounded off by finishing second to stablemate Rule Supreme at Punchestown. The 2003/04 season began with a second visit to Britain when finishing fourth to Strong Flow in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury and continued with third place, 23 lengths behind Bindaree, in the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on December 27 before an eight-length win in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park on January 22. He then headed for the John Smith’s Grand National and ran a game race from the front, looking assured of at least a place when falling at the last. In the 2004/05 season, his first five races came over hurdles, with his best effort being a second at Thurles in December. He put himself in the picture for another crack at the John Smith’s Grand National when landing the Bobbyjo Chase at Leopardstown on February 19 after the weights came out. He made up for his last fence blunder the previous year when scoring an emphatic victory in the 2005 John Smith’s Grand National under Ruby Walsh, beating Royal Auclair by 14 lengths when the 7/1 favourite. He finished 14th of 23 on his first start of the 2005/06 season in a Fairyhouse handicap hurdle on December 4. He was a respectable fourth to Beef Or Salmon in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown later that month, and returned to that venue to be runner-up to the same rival in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup on February 12. He then ran right up to his best when two and a half lengths second to War Of Attrition in the 2006 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 17. He subsequently made a gallant attempt under top-weight to become the first horse to win consecutive John Smith’s Grand Nationals since Red Rum when he found only Numbersixvalverde six lengths too good. For the 2006/07 campaign, Hedgehunter made three appearances, finishing fifth to stablemate Mossy Green in a handicap hurdle at Thurles in November and ninth of 16 over hurdles at Limerick at the start of April. He proved he was still a major player as an 11-year-old in last year’s John Smith’s Grand National, finishing ninth under top-weight, despite being hampered twice on the second circuit. This season, Hedgehunter has been kept busy in some of Ireland’s top chases. Having been pulled up in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in December, the 12-year-old followed up disappointing efforts in the Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles and the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown with a far better display in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February, finishing a good second to Afistfullofdollars. Race Record: Starts: 39; Wins: 5; 2nd: 15; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £784,593 BP= 20/1
2) P-2625142 HI CLOY (IRE) 11-11-12 Susan McCloy Michael Hourigan IRE Tom Doyle
Form:0/231144F5/26213331112/53/231146313/6532365P-2625142 Owner: Susan McCloy
Hi Cloy has won four Grade One races, including the prestigious two and a half mile John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree. He began his career with a runner-up finish in a point-to-point at Lemonfield on March 3, 2002, and scored in that sphere next time out at Naas. He made his debut under Rules in the Powers Bumper at Fairyhouse the following month and came seventh of 19 to Ross River. The 2002/2003 season commenced with two good efforts in bumpers, followed by a quickfire brace of hurdle wins at Leopardstown. Pitched against the best of his peers for his next four starts that term, Hi Cloy ran with credit without troubling the judge. Hourigan switched Hi Cloy to novice chases at the start of the 2003/2004 season but the gelding was beaten on his first three attempts. He broke his chasing duck at Limerick on December 26 in the Grade Two Guinness Greenmount Park Novice Chase. He was third on his next three outings, two of which came in Grade One company, before rattling off a hat-trick. The last of those three triumphs came in the Grade One Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on April 13, when he defeated subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kicking King. That victory prompted connections to withdraw him from the Cheltenham sale for which he had been entered. He ended the campaign behind Lord Sam in a Punchestown Grade Three. Hi Cloy ran only twice without success the following term. The 2005/2006 campaign was the best of his career as he captured three Grade One triumphs. At Punchestown in December he took both the John Durkan Punchestwon Chase by a head from Jim and the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase from Fota Island. Three subsequent defeats were forgotten when he captured the John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree in April, again holding Fota Island in second. The season ended with a fine third to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition in the Grade One Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup. Hi Cloy failed to rescale those heights in the 2006/2007 season. He failed to win in eight starts, albeit most of those came in the top grade. This season began over hurdles at Aintree in November, when he was four lengths second to the classy novice Shuffler. Back over fences he came home sixth to The Listener in the John Durkan Punchestown Chase on December 9, was runner-up to Our Ben in the Grade Two Hilly Way Chase at Cork on December 16, and finished a well-beaten fifth to Kauto Star in the King George Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Hi Cloy returned to the winner's enclosure at Thurles on January 17, when, sporting first time blinkers, he took the Grade Two Kinloch Brae Chase under joint top-weight, defeating the likes of One Cool Cookie, Knight Legend, Central House, Hedgehunter and Tumbling Dice. He failed to repeat that effort at Gowran Park on February 16 but his most recent start, on March 24, offered more promise of a good run at Aintree. The 11-year-old came home five lengths second to Shakervilz in a three-mile handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse.Starts: 46; Wins: 10; 2nd: 9; 3rd: 10; Win & Place Prize Money: £407,160 BP= 150/1
3) U-135P16 KNOWHERE (IRE) 10 -11-11 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies Joe Tizzard
Form: 11/P/11F22300U-135P16 Owner: Raymond Mould
The decisive winner of his only point-to-point start at Farmaclaffley, Co Armagh, in February, 2004, Knowhere was subsequently bought by Raymond Mould and transferred to Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Naunton stable. He landed his first two starts for his new connections that October, sauntering home in a novice hurdle at Hexham and following up in the Grade Two Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow, edging out Ladalko by a neck, before injury kept him off the track for 15 months. He reappeared in January, 2006, making his chasing debut in the Grade Two Dipper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, but never looked entirely happy during the race, pulling up before two out, and was not seen out again that season. Knowhere was sent to Perth for his comeback race in the 2006/07 season, over an extended two and a half miles in September, where he treated his rivals with contempt to score by an easy 23 lengths, and the gelding landed another comprehensive victory at Bangor the following month over the same trip, coming home 15 lengths in front of Steppes Of Gold. Pitched into handicap company in the Grade Three Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on November 11, Knowhere was travelling well in the lead when falling at the eighth fence, and, after a runner-up finish to Cerium in Grade Two company at Ascot on November 18, returned to Prestbury Park the following month for the Grade Three Boylesports.com Gold Cup, producing a career best effort to run the highly progressive Exotic Dancer to a length and a half. Dropped back into novice company in the Grade One Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, Knowhere could only finish third to Ungaro, and did not shown his true ability on his two following outings at Cheltenham, running eighth in the Grade Three Ladbrokes Trophy on January 27, 2007 and 12th behind Denman in the Grade One Royal & SunAlliance Chase. Lining up as a novice in the 2007 John Smith’s Grand National, Knowhere fluffed his lines at the Canal Turn on the first circuit, unseating Tom Doyle. This season Knowhere has again proved himself to be one of the top chasers around, winning a handicap chase at Cheltenham on his seasonal reappearance in October before returning to the Cotswold track to finish a close third behind L’Antartique in the Grade Three Paddy Power Gold Cup the following month. A rare foray away from Cheltenham saw Knowhere line up in the Grade Three Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury two weeks later, where the gelding put in another spirited display of jumping to finish fifth behind Denman. He made a swift reappearance in the Grade Three Boylesports.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham under first time blinkers, but the hard Newbury race took its toll and he was pulled up after a mistake three fences out. Knowhere began 2008 with a deserved Grade Two success over fences, coming with a strong challenge to beat Our Vic in the Letherby & Christopher Chase at Cheltenham on January 26. Having been successful in the recognised trial for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, Knowhere fully deserved to take his chance at The Festival, but the gelding made several mistakes under the strong pace and eventually faded to finish sixth behind his Newbury conqueror Denman.
Race Record: Starts: 18; Wins: 6; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 2; Win and Place prize money: £201,972 BP= 66/1
4) 5/122-416 MR POINTMENT (IRE) 9-11-11 Stockton Heath Racing Paul Nicholls Sam Thomas
Form: 14/1415/122-416 Owner: Stockton Heath Racing
Mr Pointment began his racing career under the care of Charles Egerton, who trained the gelding to immediate success with a galloping victory in a bumper at Bangor in December, 2004. Following a good fourth in a competitive Grade Two bumper at Newbury in February, 2005, the son of Old Vic made the transition to hurdles look easy with a comfortable win in a novice event that November, but he couldn’t live with the strong pace on his next start in a similar event at Newbury, and made a bad mistake two from home to finish a tired fourth behind Wee Robbie. He put this disappointment firmly behind him with a convincing six-length victory in a novice hurdle at Fakenham in February, 2006, a display which earned him a crack at the Grade One Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Appreciating the step up in trip, Mr Pointment led the race with four flights left, but a mistake at the third last cost him valuable momentum, and he went on to finish fifth behind Nicanor. A switch to fences the following season brought about more improvement in Mr Pointment, and the gelding produced a faultless display of jumping to run out a game winner of a beginners’ chase at Bangor in November, 2006. Another good display followed with a close second behind the smart Don’t Push It at Cheltenham in December, before a lacklustre effort behind future stablemate Denman over three miles on soft ground at Newbury in February, 2007. Put away for the season, Mr Pointment moved to the powerful Paul Nicholls yard that summer, and his first start for the Ditcheat-based handler, a close fourth in handicap company at Cheltenham in October, 2007, proved that the gelding could stay further than three miles. Mr Pointment’s best performance over fences followed with a fantastic display in the totesport.com Becher Chase over the Grand National Fences at Aintree on November 25, 2007. Out in front after the third fence, Mr Pointment ground out a game length victory over Bewleys Berry, a win that catapulted him to the top of the John Smith’s Grand National betting. On his final start before this year’s John Smith’s Grand National, Mr Pointment broke a blood vessel in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster on March 1, and could only finish sixth behind new National favourite Cloudy Lane. Trainer Paul Nicholls is adamant that Mr Pointment will be a far bigger threat to the Donald McCain Jnr-trained contender on April 5. Race Record: Starts: 12; Wins: 5; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 0; Win & Place Prize Money £85,599 BP= 33/1
5) 210P-P123 TURKO (FR) 6-11-10 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls Richard Johnson
Form: 411221652/11210P-P123 Owner: The Stewart Family
Turko is a Turgeon half-brother to the high-class French hurdler Aroldo. He started his career as a two-year-old on the Flat with trainer Jehan Bertran De Balanda, finishing ninth in a provincial 10-furlong maiden at Lyon-Parilly on November 26, 2004. Two more unsuccessful efforts came the following May before the then three-year-old made his hurdling debut with a fourth place behind the smart Oh Calin at Clairefontaine on August 5. He returned to the course later that month for his first career triumph. Turko was subsequently sold to the Stewart family and moved to Paul Nicholls’ Dicheat stables in Somerset and made a winning debut for his new connections in a juvenile hurdle at Newbury on November 25, 2005. The following month saw him finish second to Afsoun at Cheltenham and to Blue Shark in a Grade One at Chepstow. A win at Wincanton that February was followed by a fair sixth to Detroit City in the Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and a to the same rival fifth in the Grade One John Smith’s Anniversary Four-Year-Old Hurdle at Aintree in April. He completed his juvenile hurdle campaign with a runner-up finish to Osactello in two mile, five furlong novice hurdle at Cheltenham later that month. Turko began his novice chase campaign at Aintree in October 2006, defeating Il Duce, Cloudy Lane and L’Antartique in the Digital Prints From Bonusprint.com Novices’ Chase over two and a half miles. He followed up in a Grade Two at Wincanton before filling second behind My Way De Solzen in the Grade Two Dipper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham in January, 2007. Victory at Fontwell in February was followed by a respectable seventh to the mighty Denman in the Grade One Royal & SunAlliance Chase at Cheltenham in March, but he was pulled up behind Aces Four at Aintree in the Grade Two John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase next time. The 2007/2008 season began as the previous campaign ended as Turko was pulled up in the Grade Two Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. He bounced back with victory in an extended three-mile chase at Sandown in November. He was second to The Listener in the Grade One Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 10 and, on his most recent start at the Cheltenham Festival, Turko was a fine third to Our Vic in the Grade One Ryanair Chase over an extended two and a half miles. Race Record: Jumps Starts: 19; Wins: 7; 2nd: 5; 3rd: 1 Win & Place Prize Money: £166,057 BP= 33/1
6) 03-4425 MADISON DU BERLAIS (FR) 7-11-09 Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds David Pipe Tom Scudamore
Form: 22/F23/231252U311133/8641153173-4425 Owner: Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds II
Originally trained by Guillaume Macaire, from his stables at Les Mathes in the Charente-Maritimes region of France, Madison du Berlais was a model of consistency. In 11 outings for the Frenchman (a mixture of hurdles and chases) he was placed nine times, though winning just the once, in a chase at Le Lion D'Angers. The horse was bought by Roger Stanley and Yvonne Reynolds in late 2005. On his first UK outing at Haydock in December of the same year, the young Andrew Glastonbury was unseated at the ninth when going well enough, but a month later, the horse was back in the money again, finishing third in a two-mile chase at Warwick. This was followed by three successive victories under Tony McCoy, at Market Rasen, Exeter and Newbury, which took the horse’s official rating up from 112 to 129. At the Cheltenham Festival, he showed the progression was continuing with a fine third to Greenhope in the Grand Annual Chase. The 2006/2007 season started on a quiet note, with Madison Du Berlais finishing down the field in competitive events at Ascot and Cheltenham. A fairly busy period after Christmas - seven races in three months - saw the horse continuing to make progress. Two victories over two miles, at Warwick and Southwell, and a third over two and a half miles at Newbury took Madison Du Berlais' rating rise to 152. This season the horse's stamina has been put to the test, with his four outings all at three miles or further. The best performance came at Ascot in December, when he was second in the BGC Silver Cup to his stablemate Vodka Bleu. He has not raced since finishing fifth at Cheltenham in January.
7) 11F-52U4 SIMON 9-11-07 Mercy Rimell John Spearing Dominic Elsworth
Form: 1224203/4341211/52611F-52U4 Owner/Breeder: Mercy Rimell
The home-bred Simon is the apple of owner and former trainer Mercy Rimell’s eye, being out of a winning half-sister to the 1983 Champion Hurdle winner Gaye Brief, who was trained by Rimell herself. Following a successful novice chase campaign, he stamped himself as a leading staying handicap chaser last season with victory in the Grade Three Racing Post Chase at Kempton. Rimell initially sent Simon to Ireland where he was placed under the care of trainer Philip Fenton, winning his only point-to-point at Ballysteen on April 25, 2004. The then five-year-old made a winning debut under Rules on soft to yielding ground in a two-mile novice hurdle at Wexford on November 12, 2004. Pitched into Grade Three company and upped to three miles on his second start at Cork, he went down by four lengths to the classy Homer Wells. Simon failed to win in five subsequent starts that term but proved to be game and consistent, only once finishing out of the frame at distances from two miles to two and three quarter miles. He returned home and joined the Kinnersley yard of John Spearing, where the Rimells previously trained, for the start of the 2005/2006 season. A disappointing start to his chasing career saw him finish a remote fourth behind Mount Clerigo at Uttoxeter in November. He improved to finish 13 lengths third, conceding 12lb to the winner Nadover in an extended two and a half-mile contest at Bangor in December, but again disappointed in taking fourth at Huntingdon later that month. He was fortunate to break his chase duck at Wincanton in January, 2006, when he benefited from Nayodabayo’s last fence fall to take the spoils. A heavy ground Haydock handicap was the setting for a creditable second in February, and he rounded off the campaign in fine style with victories over three miles on heavy going at Uttoxeter in March and over an extended three miles on soft going at Bangor in April. Last season began with a fifth place at Bangor, before coming a good second to Tana River in the extended three miles, five furlongs williamhill.co.uk Marathon Chase at Sandown in December. He was sent off the 11/2 favourite for the 2006 Coral Welsh National but paid the price for racing a touch too keenly under Andrew Thornton and crossed the line sixth of the 12 finishers behind Halcon Genelardais. An improved effort at Southwell in January, 2007, brought success in the Listed Sky Bet Chase over an extended three miles, when nine lengths clear of Ardaghey and he continued his upward curve in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton with a 10-length defeat of Cornish Sett before falling at the 25th when still in with a chance in the 2007 John Smith’s Grand National. He returned this season in a Grade Three handicap chase at Cheltenham in November, when finishing fifth to Sir Rembrandt, and went on to be runner-up a month later at Prestbury Park in a 3m 2f handicap chase. He was travelling well when unseating his rider in the Grade Two Letheby & Christopher Chase at Cheltenham in March and his latest start came when a staying-on fourth to Gungadu in the Racing Post Chase. Race Record: Jumps Starts: 24; Wins: 6: 2nd: 6; 3rd: 2; Win and Place Prize Money: £178,236 BP= 13/1
9) r416F5PP IRON MAN (FR) 7-11-05 Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar Peter Bowen Christian Williams
Form: 67212312U/4152/26P1554U000U3-11r416F5PP Owner: Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar
Bought by Graham Wylie after a couple of good efforts in Listed hurdles in France, Iron Man finished second on his British debut for then trainer Howard Johnson in a novice hurdle at Wetherby in October, 2004. He got off the mark on his next attempt, winning by 15 lengths and went on to record three places and one win on novice company before unseating jockey Graham Lee on his final start of the season at Perth in a handicap hurdle in April 2005. After a break of seven months, Iron Man made his debut over fences in a Grade Two novice contest at Sandown, finishing a creditable fourth behind Racing Demon, and he landed the odds on his next start at Carlisle in January, 2006. After a fifth behind Monet’s Garden and a distant second on his final start of the season, Iron Man was sold to trainer Peter Bowen for 70,000 guineas at the Doncaster May Sales. After two below par efforts in handicap chases, Iron Man was a convincing winner in a similar contest at Market Rasen in November. Good efforts followed, but Iron Man unseated his rider in a handicap chase at Wincanton in January, 2007, before going on to two more laboured displays, including a last place behind Simon in the Grade Three Racing Post Chase at Kempton. A far better display followed with a good run in the Grade Three Racing Post Plate at the Cheltenham Festival, before a serious error at the first fence saw him unseat Tom O’Brien on his first attempt at the famous Grand National fences in the John Smith’s Topham Chase in April. A summer jumping campaign beckoned, and Iron Man showed a return to form with victories at Stratford and in a Listed event at Market Rasen, before a disappointing display in the Galway Plate, where he ran out at the sixth fence when contesting the lead. After a good fourth at Newton Abbott at the start of September, Iron Man returned to Market Rasen to pick up another valuable handicap chase, but a 9lb rise in the weights coupled with an early jumping error meant that the gelding could only finish sixth in the United House Gold Cup at Ascot. Iron Man jumped far better on his second attempt over the Grand National fences, challenging for the lead until falling at Becher’s in the totesport.com Becher Chase in November. Further disappointment has followed in his three starts outside of handicap company before this year’s John Smith’s Grand National, and Iron Man was pulled up on his final start in the Grade One totesport Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival on March 14. Race Record: Starts: 36; Wins; 7; 2nd 5; 3rd 2; Wind and Place Prize Money: £130,842 BP= 150/1
10) 6P-2412103 FUNDAMENTALIST (IRE)10-11-04 Colin Cornes Nigel Twiston-Davies Paddy Brennan
Form: 121/112U/4FF0/2056P-2412103 Owner: Colin Cornes
A point-to-point winner in Ireland, Fundamentalist was successful on his first start for Nigel Twiston-Davies in a novice hurdle at Kempton in February 2004. Stepped up markedly in class, the then six-year-old found only Royal Rosa half-a-length too good in the Grade Two Prestige Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock two weeks later, and finished his first season under Rules with a superb victory over future star hurdler Inglis Drever in the Grade One Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Fundamentalist was equally impressive on his first two starts over fences, scoring at Perth on his chasing bow before coming home eight lengths clear in a Grade Two chase at Cheltenham in November. He was a touch too keen in a tactical affair when finishing a close second behind Vodka Bleu in another Grade Two chase at Newbury the following month, but his reputation was further dented when he made several mistakes before unseating Carl Llewellyn in the Grade Two Dipper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on January 1, 2005. A tendon injury meant Fundamentalist missed the rest of the season, but the gelding disappointed once again on his return in the Grade Two Castleford Chase at Wetherby in December, only to fall in two Grade One events at the start of 2006, including a tired looking fall in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. His season finished with a last place in the Scottish & Newcastle Aintree Hurdle. Returning to fences for the 2006/07 season, Fundamantalist posted his best result for two years when chasing home Cornish Sett in a graduation chase at Cheltenham in November, 2006, but this encouraging performance was swiftly forgotten with unspectacular efforts at Newcastle and Cheltenham before a slightly better run in the Grade Three Connaught Cup at Newbury in March, 2007, when he finished a close fifth. A frustrating campaign ended with Fundamentalist being pulled up in a handicap chase at Aintree in April. This season again began with a promising display, with a good second in a competitive handicap chase at Aintree in October, but mistakes cost him badly next time out at Cheltenham, where he could only finish a distant fourth. Better followed at Ascot in December, when a rare faultless display of jumping allowed Fundamentalist to register his first victory for more than three years, and a new found confidence saw him finish second behind the smart novice Jack The Giant before another triumph, in handicap company at Wincanton at the end of January, 2008. On his final two starts before this year’s John Smith’s Grand National, Fundamentalist finished eighth in the Grade Three William Hill Trophy Chase before reappearing two days later to finish a close third in the Grade Three Racing Post Plate at the Cheltenham Festival.
Race Record: Starts: 23; Wins: 6; 2nd 5; 3rd 1; Wind and Place Prize Money: £176,476 BP= 66/1
11)43011-303 BUTLER'S CABIN (FR) 8-11-03 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill Tony McCoy
Form: 22/4337/311143011-373 Owner: J P McManusButler’s Cabin was a 25,000 guineas purchase at Tattersalls in October, 2001. He made his racecourse debut for owner J P McManus and trainer Jonjo O’Neill in an extended two mile, one furlong, bumper at Folkestone on November 15, 2004, finishing second to Noble Action. He filled the same berth in a Newbury bumper 13 days later to conclude his initial campaign. Butler’s Cabin commenced his second season in December, 2005, with a fourth place in a Bangor bumper. He then had three starts in novice hurdles, coming home third twice before a disappointing effort at Leicester on January 24, 2006, brought another premature end to his season. He returned to action for the 2006/7 season at Worcester on September 3 and posted a promising first effort over fences, coming home third, a length behind Cansalrun. He finally opened his account on October 15, 2006, in a two mile, three furlong handicap chase at Hereford. Success at Aintree came just six days later in the Win At Intercasino.co.uk Handicap Chase over two and a half miles. Three days on and Butler’s Cabin secured a rapid hat-trick when winning an extended two and a half mile handicap at Cheltenham. He continued his progress with a fine fourth to Exotic Dancer in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham that November. Third at Newbury later that month, he was then a disappointing 10th behind Exotic Dancer in the boyelsports.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham and was given a break before returning at the Cheltenham Festival on March 15. Stepped up significantly in trip, he benefited from the fall two out of Gungadu to take the four mile, one furlong National Hunt Chase from Character Building. Jonjo O’Neill then sent his charge to the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on April 9 and Butler’s Cabin ended his campaign with a fantastic victory under Tony McCoy. Butler’s Cabin started out the 2007/8 season at Leicester on January 8, when he was a promising third to Jack The Giant in an extended two and a half mile handicap chase. He has disappointed on his two most recent outings. At Sandown on February 2, he was a distant last of seven finishers behind Gungadu while, although finishing third at Wincanton in the Country Gentlemen’s Association Chase over an extended three miles and a furlong on February 16, he was 54 lengths behind the winner Neptune Collonges.
12) F53-62S5 SLIM PICKINGS (IRE) 9-11-03 Doubtful Five Syndicate Tom Taaffe IRE Barry Geraghty
Form: 201317/21F412/33P3F53-62S5 Owner: Doubtful Five Syndicate
It took three attempts in bumpers with trainer Robert Tyner before Slim Pickings got off the mark at Gowran Park in January, 2005, when justifying favouritism by two lengths from My True Romance. He then began his hurdling career, entering the winner’s enclosure at the second time of asking in a maiden at Leopardstown in March. He went chasing in October, 2005, after finishing as bridesmaid on his initial effort, he went one better in a Grade Three novices’ chase at Punchestown in November. That victory came over 2m 6f and Tyner opined that his charge would be better over three miles and it was at that distance that Slim Pickings gained his next victory in a Listed chase in April at Cork where he mastered Sher Beau by four lengths. He rounded off the campaign with a creditable second to Missed That in a Grade Two novices' chase at the Punchestown Festival. Slim Pickings did not win last season but managed three thirds - behind Oodachee in a Grade Three chase at Limerick on his reappearance, adrift of Sir Oj in a similar event at one grade higher at Gowran Park in October, and in arrears of Public Reaction in the Thurles Chase the following month - before moving to Tom Taaffe’s stable. He fell on his first outing for Taaffe before finishing fifth behind Idole First in the Racing Post Plate at the Cheltenham Festival and then running a blinder when finishing two-lengths third to Silver Birch in last season’s John Smiths Grand National. This season he finished sixth in a Naas handicap chase on his return in October before coming a good second in a handicap hurdle at Navan. Most recently he came fifth to Well Tutored in a handicap chase at Leopardstown on March 2.Race Record: Jumps Starts: 23; Wins: 4; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 5; Win and Place Prize Money: £148,969 BP= 12/1
13) 4P3F6514 CHELSEA HARBOUR (IRE) 8-11-02 Frances Duffin Tom Mullins IRE Davy Russell
Form: 6/06626610U2/100F4114U0-04P3F6514 Owner: Frances Duffin
A beaten favourite on his debut in a bumper at Punchestown in April, 2005, Chelsea Harbour switched to hurdles for his next two starts but failed to land the spoils, finishing ninth and sixth. Reverted to bumpers, he was sixth again before being returned to hurdles and coming second at Tramore on New Year’s Day, 2006. Another two sixth place finishes in January were followed by success in a two mile and six furlong handicap hurdle at Thurles on February 23. He ran poorly on his next outing in the two and a half miles John Smith’s No Nonsense Handicap Hurdle at Aintree, while he returned for a similar event over three miles at Punchestown later that month but unseated his rider at the fifth. He ran there two days later and finished a close second in a novices’ hurdle. Chelsea Harbour returned to the County Kildare track on May 20, 2006, when he landed a two and a half mile hurdle. Campaigned over fences the following winter, Chelsea Harbour ran in four beginners’ chase before getting off the mark in a two and a half mile handicap chase at Naas on January 7, 2007. Back at Naas on January 20, he landed a Grade Two novices’ chase before finishing fourth in the Grade One Dr P J Moriarty Novices’ Chase at Leopardstown the following month. He travelled to Cheltenham that March for a crack at the Grade One Royal & SunAlliance Chase but was well held when unseating his rider five from home. He ended last season with 10th place in the Irish Grand National. This season began in a amateur riders’ Flat race at Galway in October, but he was well beaten. His following two starts in chases failed to result in success, while he ran a good third in a Navan handicap hurdle in which fellow John Smith’s Grand National hopeful Slim Pickings was second. He took a heavy fall at the first in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, before filling being sixth and fifth on his next two starts in valuable handicap chases. He dug deep to land the Grand National Trial over three and a half miles at Punchestown on February 3, 2008. On his most recent outing, he finished fourth in a two mile and three furlong handicap chase at Leopardstown on March 2.
Race Record: Jumps Starts: 30; Wins: 5; 2nd 2; 3rd 1; Wins and Place Prize Money: £74,543 BP= 16/1
14) 400-01105 VODKA BLEU (FR) 9-11-02 David Johnson David Pipe Paul Moloney
Form: 11U/325053/P11612112311//2P0400/01105 Owner: David Johnson
Purchased by David Johnson after winning a bumper for Eddie Hales at Leopardstown in February, 2003, Vodka Bleu scrambled home on his debut for Martin Pipe in a similar race at Haydock the following month, but hit the deck on his next appearance in the Grade Two John Smith’s Champion National Hunt Flat Race at Aintree. His first season proved to be disappointing, beginning with two placed efforts in novice company before a couple of unsuccessful attempts in handicap company, and finishing with a third under in a novice hurdle at Cheltenham. A summer campaign followed with Vodka Bleu breaking his hurdling duck in a low grade event over three miles at Worcester on June 16, 2004. Vodka Bleu switched to the larger obstacles in August, and the gelding was immediately victorious in a novice chase at Huntingdon. Three further victories followed in a busy autumn period, before Vodka Bleu out-pointed Fundamentalist to take the Grade Two Fulke Walwyn Novices’ Chase at Newbury at the end of November. A tendon injury kept Vodka Bleu out of action for the following two years, during which time David Pipe took over the reins from his father Martin, and the gelding returned to action in November, 2006, to contest the Grade Three Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Having been gambled into favouritism despite his long lay-off, Vodka Bleu ran well to finish second behind the well-treated Exotic Dancer, but was pulled up on his next start in the Grade Three Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury two weeks later. Further disappointing efforts followed, with his best placing being a fourth behind Monet’s Garden in the Grade One Ascot Chase in February 2007, and his season finished with a 12th over the National fences in the John Smith’s Topham Chase. The application of cheek pieces had little impact on Vodka Bleu on his seasonal reappearance in the Grade Three Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November, but first time blinkers did the trick on his next start, when he ran on strongly to take a Listed handicap chase at Ascot in December. Further proof of his return to form followed with a convincing victory in another Listed handicap chase at Cheltenham on January 1, 2008, followed by a rare outing over hurdles at Sandown, where the gelding was unable to take advantage of his lower mark and finished down the field. On his final start before this year’s John Smith’s Grand National, Vodka Bleu could never get competitive when finishing fifth behind Kauto Star in the Grade One Ascot Chase on February, a race sponsored by his owner David Johnson. Race Record: Starts: 32; 1st: 11; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 3; Win & Place prize money: £208,691 BP= 50/1
15) 00-63003 L'AMI (FR) 9-11-01 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR Mick Fitzgerald
Form: 225542/F05F0121F143/3324243/534200-63003 Owner: J P McManus
L’Ami, a brother to fellow John Smith’s Grand National contender Kelami, raced four times on the Flat in France with his best effort coming when third on his debut in October, 2003. Subsequently sold by Doumen’s Haras d’Ecouves to Jim McCarthy, L’Ami made his chase debut over an extended two miles and a furlong at Auteuil in September, 2003. He finished second that day and filled the same spot in a similar event one month later. Doumen’s charge raced six times that season, finishing second again on his final start in March but failing to notch a victory. L’Ami had a busy second season over fences as he raced 12 times. He showed little in five further starts at Auteuil before capturing an elusive first win in an extended two miles, five furlongs handicap at the Parisian venue on November 7, 2004. A second-place finish in a Listed contest later that month booked his ticket to Lingfield for the three-mile Grade Two December Novices’ Chase on December 11, in which he defeated Distant Thunder. After another win at Warwick, he proved himself a classy staying novice with a fourth-place finish in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase behind Trabolgan and was then third to Like-A-Butterfly in the John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree in April. He returned to Auteuil at the start of the 2005/2006 season, finishing third in two prestigious events, before returning to England for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury in November, when second to Trabolgan. A fourth to Kicking King in the King George VI Chase at Sandown in December was followed by a runner-up finish behind stablemate Innox in the Racing Post Chase at the Esher track in February. He ran another fine race when fourth in the 2006 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup won by War Of Attrition. J P McManus purchased the gelding privately ahead of Aintree in 2006, when he finished third behind Celestial Gold in the Grade Two totesport Bowl. The 2006/07 season commenced with a fifth placing over hurdles at Auteuil ahead of taking third spot behind the great Kauto Star in the Grade One Betfair Chase. He went to Leopardstown in December for the Grade One Lexus Chase but was no match for The Listener on heavy going and came home fourth. L’Ami then took on Kauto Star again in the Grade Two AON Chase at Newbury in February and, in receipt of 10lb, he got to within a neck of causing an upset. However, he was no match for Kauto Star in the 2007 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 16, as he crossed the line in seventh. On his first start in the John Smith’s Grand National last season, L’Ami ran well for much of the contest before fading to finish a tired 10th. This season, L’Ami again started his campaign over hurdles at Auteuil before running a sound race when finishing third in a Grade Three chase at Cheltenham in November, then returned to the Cotswold track to finish 10th in a Listed handicap chase the following month. After a below par effort in a similar contest at Doncaster in January, 2008, L’Ami returned to form with the application of cheek pieces, finishing a close third behind An Accordion in the Grade Three William Hill Trophy Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on March 11. Race Record: Starts: 36; 1st: 3; 2nd: 7; 3rd: 7; Win & Place prize money: £326,055 BP= 40/1
16) 124-F1133 SNOWY MORNING (IRE) 8-11-01 Quayside Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE David Casey
Form: 121121124-F1133 Owner: Quayside Syndicate
A winner of seven of his 14 starts, Snowy Morning has become one of Ireland’s leading chasers and has only finished out of the frame on two occasions. The son of Moscow Society - who won two of his six starts in point-to-points - was successful on his first racecourse appearance, winning a bumper at Ballinrobe by the minimum distance in May, 2006. Following a good second on his first start over hurdles at Navan later that month, Snowy Morning greeted the judge in a competitive maiden hurdle at Punchestown in June, and followed up with an impressive 12 length victory on his chase debut at Navan in December. After a good second and another victory in low-key chases at Naas and Gowran Park, Willie Mullins let Snowy Morning take his chance in the Grade Two Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan in February, 2007, where the gelding produced a superb performance to prevail by four lengths, despite blundering at the penultimate fence. He continued to improve, beating all bar the future Gold Cup winner Denman in the Grade One Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in the following month. Perhaps feeling the effects of a long season, Snowy Morning posted a rare under-par display in the Grade One Champion Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival in April, 2007, finishing a well-beaten fourth. He returned to England the following season and started his campaign as favourite for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury in December, but made a terrible error at the seventh fence, giving jockey Tony McCoy no chance. Snowy Morning returned to hurdles later that month, winning at Fairyhouse and Punchestown, before producing a solid display of jumping in the Grade One Irish Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown on December 31, finishing third, six lengths behind winner The Listener. However, concerns over his jumping resurfaced in the Grade Two Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse on February 23, when Snowy Morning made several mistakes and could only finish third behind Afistfullofdollars and stablemate Hedgehunter. Race Record: Starts: 14; Wins: 7 ; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £129,078. BP= 20/1
17) P/420F-2P BEWLEYS BERRY (IRE) 10-11-00 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson Denis O’Regan
Form: 1/121FP/1236P/420F-2P Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie
Having established a big reputation on the Irish point-to-point scene for Co Wexford-based trainer John Berry during 2003, winning impressively at Wexford (twice) and Loughrea, Bewleys Berry made his first appearance under Rules in a bumper at Gowran Park in April, 2004, when he saw off 15 rivals in fine style to score by eight lengths. That victory prompted big-spending owner Graham Wylie to pull out the cheque book to secure Bewleys Berry, who was transferred to the Co Durham yard of Howard Johnson. He made his debut for his new connections in an extended two-mile novice hurdle at Hexham on December 15, 2004, recording a facile six-length success. On his next start 12 days later at Ayr over an extra half mile, Bewleys Berry suffered his first reverse at the hands of the promising Villon, but regained the winning thread in a Grade Two event over three miles at Doncaster in January, 2005, defeating Indy Mood by 10 lengths. Sent to the Cheltenham Festival that March, Bewleys Berry fell at the fifth flight in the Grade Two Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle, and failed to figure next time at Aintree in the John Smith’s Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, pulling up behind Asian Maze. His chasing career got off to a great start when he recorded a decisive 12-length success at Wetherby in November, 2005, however that was to be his first, and so far, only victory over fences. Although he ran some good races as a novice, including when a close third to Darkness in the Grade One Feltham Novices’ Chase at Sandown in December, 2005, Bewleys Berry failed to figure at both the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals, finishing a well-beaten sixth in the Grade One Royal & SunAlliance Chase behind Star De Mohaison, and pulling up behind that same rival in the Grade Two John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase. Bewleys Berry ran respectably on his first outing of the 2006/7 campaign at Ascot in October, coming home fourth to See You Sometime in a valuable three-mile contest, and then produced a fine performance to chase home Eurotrek in the totesport.com Becher Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree on November 19, going down by eight lengths over three miles and a quarter. Next time out in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock, Bewleys Berry trailed home in ninth place behind Heltornic. He ran a fine race for a long way in the John Smith’s Grand National on his final start of last season, taking it up at the 18th fence and finding a good rhythm until unfortunately crumpling at Becher’s second time. He returned to action this term in the totesport.com Becher Chase at Aintree in November and again finished runner-up, this time to Mr Pointment. For the second year in succession, Bewleys Berry failed to run his race in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock. The 10-year-old was pulled up four from home in the extended three and half mile contest on February 16, which was won by Miko de Beauchene. Race Record: Starts: 17; Wins: 4; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 1; Win and Place prize money: £91,917 BP= 14/1
18) 2P0450-0P CONTRABAND 10-11-00 Fergus Wilson Paul Murphy Keith Mercer
Form: 311120021/2213103/53/2P0450-0P Owner: Fergus Wilson
After several good campaigns on the Flat, including a fifth in the 2003 Ebor Handicap at York, Contraband was bought by David Johnson at the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale in October 2003. He made his hurdling debut for new trainer Martin Pipe, finishing third in a Grade Two novices’ hurdle, and the gelding opened his account with a facile victory in a maiden hurdle at Taunton 13 days later. Following three further wins and a second in novice company, Contraband took a keen hold in the Grade Three totesport Trophy at Newbury February, 2004, finishing down the field behind Geos. After another disappointing effort in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, Contraband returned to form with a good second in the Grade Two John Smith’s Imagine Appeal Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree, before going one place better in a novice hurdle at Cheltenham two weeks later. Sent novice chasing for the 2004/5 season, Contraband began his career over the larger obstacles with two seconds in Listed and Grade Three company before registering a sound victory in the Grade Two Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown in December. After another sound effort in Graded company at Uttoxeter, Contraband enjoyed his finest hour at the 2005 Cheltenham Festival, winning the Grade One Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy by a length from Ashley Brook. However, the Kevin Bishop-trained gelding turned the tables the following month at Aintree, winning the Grade One John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase, a race in which Contraband ran a stinker to finish a distant seventh. He returned to form on his final start of the season, chasing home stablemate Well Chief and Azertyuiop in the Grade Two Celebration Chase at Sandown. Contraband only made two appearances in the 2005/06 season, finishing fifth in a Grade Two Chase at Exeter before another third in the Celebration Chase, this time behind River City. David Pipe took over from his father in the summer of 2006, and Contraband posted a creditable display on his first start of the 2006/07 season, finishing second in a graduation chase at Sandown in November, before showing a dislike for visors and being pulled up in a handicap chase at Ascot 11 days later. The poor runs continued with a last in the Grade Three boylesports.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham, and three more frustrating efforts before he was eventually sold to current owner Fergus Wilson for 14,500 gns at the Doncaster May Sales. This season, Contraband has been trained by Paul Murphy, and has made two starts. He finished second last in the Grade One Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle before being pulled up three days later in the Grade One totesport Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival on March 14. Race Record: Jumps Starts: 26; Wins: 6; 2nd 5; 3rd 4; Win and Place Prize Money: £195,735 BP= 300/1
19) 410612-00 MCKELVEY (IRE) 9-11-00 Noel Elliott Peter Bowen Tom O’Brien
Form: 53112/1221UP3U2/417612-80 Owner: Noel Elliott
McKelvey came within three quarters of a length of John Smith’s Grand National glory last year when putting in a great performance to just lose out to Silver Birch. His most notable success came in the 2006 Summer National at Uttoxeter, when the ground was on the fast side of good. It was the horse's first attempt at four miles as well and also assured connections that there should be no stamina doubts for Aintree. Starting his racing career in Ireland, trained by Shane Donohoe, his debut victory nevertheless came at Newcastle in February, 2005. The going was bottomless that day and blinkers were applied. After the race, owner Noel Elliott moved the horse from Donohoe to Peter Bowen and the blinkers came off, but the graph continued on an upward curve. Another novice win at Ludlow and a narrow second at Cheltenham preceded an early switch to chasing. With Tony McCoy up, the horse started a warm favourite for his debut and obliged at Sedgefield in May, 2005. His 2004/05 season ended with a narrow defeat, and the following season started with another second. At Wetherby, in December, 2005, came a comprehensive success in the totesport.com Handicap Chase but three weeks later, at the same course, it was a different story, the horse unseating Tom Doyle four out when in the lead. If the wheels didn't exactly come off over the next few outings, they were untypically wobbly. Not until April, 2006, with a second place at Ayr, did McKelvey get back on track. After running sixth in the totesport.com Becher Chase at Aintree over the National fences in November, 2006, the horse was laid out for the 2007 John Smith’s Grand National and a pipe-opener in March at Bangor, which he won, was his only race before his fine second. This season he reappeared at Doncaster on March 1, when eighth in a handicap hurdle, and he was well-beaten again over the smaller obstacles at Newcastle a fortnight later. Race Record: Starts: 22; 1st: 6; 2nd: 5; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £247,762 BP= 28/1
20) P-20030 JOAACI (IRE) 8-10-13 David Johnson David Pipe Johnny Farrelly
Form: 112F/1BFP/P1140P-20030 Owner: David Johnson
A winning Irish point-to-pointer, Joaaci made a winning debut for Martin Pipe in a three-mile beginners’ chase at Chepstow in March, 2005. He followed up with another success over four furlongs further in a handicap chase at Ayr the following month before going down by a head to My Will in a novice chase at Perth five days later. Two days later he returned to the West Country and contested a handicap chase at Newton Abbot, where he was well-beaten when falling. In the 2005/6 he began the season with an impressive victory in a three mile, one furlongs handicap chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, when he defied top-weight to score by a length and three quarters from Lord Of Illusion. He failed to complete the course on his next three outings that season after being brought down at Warwick, falling at Haydock and running a lifeless race when pulled up at Aintree. Last season, by which time David Pipe was now at the helm at Pond House, Joaaci started off with a disappointing display in the valuable Servo Computer Services Trophy Handicap Chase at Cheltenham’s Open Meeting, when he was pulled up behind My Will. For his next four starts he was switched to hurdles, rattling off too victories at Hereford in December and January before finishing fourth in a Grade Two event at Haydock in February. He ran respectably when ninth to Wichita Lineman in the Grade Two Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before ending the season by being pulled-up in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. This season, he ran well when runner-up to Always Waining at Uttoxeter in May, before posting disappointing displays at Newton Abbot and Market Rasen. On his penultimate start, he showed signs of a return to form when third at Cheltenham in October but was a well-beaten seventh when last seen out in a handicap hurdle at Bangor on December 29.
21) 2-0000403 POINT BARROW (IRE) 10-10-13 Clune Hughes,Helen O’Dwyer & John Foley Patrick Hughes
IRE Tony Dobbin
Form: 1F152/54211150/600061/P04B133F2-0000403 Owner: Mrs Phil Clune Hughes, Helen O’Dwyer & John Foley
Point Barrow won a 12-runner bumper at Leopardstown in December, 2003, on his debut and despite falling on his hurdling bow at Naas the following month, he made amends next time out back at Leopardstown, when holding off Mesmeric by a head. He went on to run with credit in better company that season, chasing home Sadlers Wings in Grade Two company at Fairyhouse, and running fifth to the same rival in the Grade One Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown in April, 2004. Sent novice chasing for the 2004/05 season, he followed two good efforts with a hat-trick of wins, including the Grade Two Woodlands Park 100 Club Novice Chase and the Grade Three Ten Up Novice Chase, both at Naas over three miles. He acquitted himself well when a close fifth to Another Rum in the 2005 National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival over four miles and a furlong, before failing to get competitive behind Numbersixvalverde in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. He started the 2005/6 campaign in disappointing fashion, managing no better than sixth in five outings, but came back to form with a vengeance when landing a 20/1 surprise in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in April, 2006, coming home a length in front of Oulart under Philip Carberry. After a quiet start last season, he outpointed A New Story in the valuable Pierse Leopardstown Handicap Chase in January, 2007, and went on to put in good efforts in the Grade Two Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse and over hurdles at Navan before starting 8/1 co-favourite for last year’s John Smith’s Grand National when he got no further than the first fence. He rounded off the campaign with second place in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown. He made a relatively quiet start to this season but has put in some better efforts recently when fourth in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park in January and third to In The Loop in a three and a quarter mile chase at Down Royal on March 17.
Race Record: Starts: 35; Wins: 7; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 3; Win and Place prize money: £235,264 BP= 28/1
22) PP2-P014 D'ARGENT (IRE) 11-10-12 Nigel Bunter Alan King Robert Thornton
Form: 0211/00/351115P/F052U/1PP2-P014 Owner: Nigel Bunter
D'Argent enjoyed a fruitful first season in 2001/2, scoring twice that March. He got off the mark at the third attempt in a two and a half mile Doncaster novices' hurdle, before following up at Exeter in a similar contest. The following season was a virtual write-off as he raced only twice, both times finishing down the field. The 2003/4 campaign began with a couple of promising efforts in Newton Abbot handicap hurdles as he came home third and fifth, before a switch to fences brought a rapid hat-trick of novice chase triumphs at Warwick in December and January. Upped in grade at Wincanton and Aintree on his final two outings that term, he was unable to land a blow. The following season brought frustration as D'Argent failed to win in five starts but finished a game second to Baron Windrush in a real test of stamina for the Grade Three totesport Classic Chase at Warwick that January, and he was leading the field in the John Smith's Midlands Grand National when unseating Robert Thornton three fences from home. He took that good form forward to his seasonal debut the following December when winning a thrilling renewal of the Listed boylepoker.com Chase at Cheltenham by a pair of short heads from New Alco and My Will. He was pulled up in both the totesport.com Classic Chase and the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival before taking second behind his old rival Baron Windrush in the John Smith's Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter. This season began at Cheltenham for D'Argent who was pulled up in the Grade Three Servo Computer Services Trophy, on November 17. He headed to Newbury on December 1, for the Grade Three Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup but paid the price for attempting to chase the relentless Denman and was a well-beaten 12th of 18. He made it third time lucky when finally landing the Grade Three totesport Classic Chase at his favoured Warwick on January 12, defeating Philson Run by seven lengths. Last time out, D'Argent was 26 lengths fourth to Miko De Beauchene in the Grade Three Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock on February 16.
Race Record Starts: 26 Wins: 7; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £184,075 BP= 28/1
23) 30-434P2 NO FULL (FR) 7-10-12 Pauline Doyle Eoin Doyle IRE Shay Barry
Form: 002/0314P2103/D0P30-434P2 Owner: Pauline Doyle
Having begun his career in his native France, where he scored once from six jump starts, No Full was bought in January by new connections and had his first start for them in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park on January 24. No Full was fancied to run well by connections but pulled-up before the fourth last having suffered a bad cut on his hind leg. His second start for his new owner came just last Saturday, when he ran an encouraging second to Sher Beau in a Grade Three Chase at Navan. After beginning his career in France, No Full was in the care of Paul Webber, for whom he won once from 11 starts. That victory came at Haydock on February 18, 2006, in a two-and-a-half-mile novices’ chase. He followed up that run with a ninth in the Jewson Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival over a furlong further, before ending the season with a good third at in a three-mile, one-furlong chase at Ayr. He was second on his seasonal bow in a valuable Newbury handicap chase over two and a half miles in November, 2006, but was disqualified when a banned substance was found in his sample. No Full put a couple of below-par runs behind him with a good third in last season’s Connaught Gold Cup at Newbury before finishing mid-division in the Racing Post Plate at Cheltenham. He started this season off with Tom Foley, who switched him back to hurdles for his first start. He ran encouragingly to finish fourth and then ran a good third in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. Reverted back to hurdles once again, No Full ran a fine race at Naas in early January to get within eight lengths of subsequent Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle runner-up Venalmar before being sold.
Race Record: Jumps Starts: 22; Wins: 2; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 4; Wins and Place Prize Money: £72, 929 BP= 200/1
24) 3-F106P0 BAILY BREEZE (IRE) 9-10-11 Adam Scott Mouse Morris IRE Paddy Flood
Form: 90/5/0021/0P211P/P006P913-F176P0 Owner: Adam Scott
Baily Breeze had a somewhat back-to-front start to his career; his first race at Thurles in April, 2003, was a four-year-old maiden hurdle and his second, just 10 days later, came in a bumper at Cork. The horse was only seen out once in the next 18 months, but showed plenty of promise to finish fifth in 2m 4f hurdle at Navan in November, 2003, with Conor O'Dwyer in the saddle. It was almost a year before Baily Breeze's next race, but with four outings in just five weeks in October and November, 2004, it was like he was making up for lost time. In the third of those four runs, there was a notable step-up in form, the horse finishing a four-length second to Asian Maze in a Listed hurdle at Cork. Two weeks later, Baily Breeze broke his duck in a maiden hurdle at the same venue, with claimer Mark Darcy riding. There was another 11-month break before Baily Breeze re-appeared but, after successive failures in chases at Galway and Thurles, he reverted to hurdling and, with cheek pieces fitted, was a commendable second at Clonmel. It was back to chasing two weeks later. The headgear, having proved its worth, stayed on. The successive victories which ensued, at Thurles and Clonmel, must rank as the best performances of the horse's career to date. The second of those victories was in a Grade Two chase at Limerick and was the first time that Grand National jockey Paddy Flood had the mount. In his final outing of the 2005/2006 season, he pulled up lame in the Dr P.J.Moriarty Chase at Leopardstown. With his chase rating now up to 135, Baily Breeze alternated between chasing and hurdling in the 2006/2007 season, his solitary win coming in a hurdle at Clonmel off a rating of just 105, and with the cheek pieces replaced by the blinkers which have stayed on since. This season opened with a fall at the Galway Festival, but at the same venue almost three months later, he recorded a dour victory on bottomless ground. In the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown, in October, the horse was a commendable sixth, but his last two outings, in very competitive races at the same venue, have been disappointing although the stable was rather out of form during that period. Race Record: Starts: 27; 1st: 5; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £77,256 BP= 100/1
25) 522-360P BOB HALL (IRE) 7-10-11 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neil Noel Fehily
Form: 0/121/31522-360P Owner: J P McManus
Bob Hall is a brother to the classy chaser Cane Brake and made his career debut for trainer David Wachman on January 9, 2005, with a distant eighth place finish in a Leopardstown bumper won by Finger Onthe Pulse. He was not seen again until the following November when making a winning return in a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle. A good second at Wexford was followed that January by a race of exceptional promise when he pulled off a head defeat of subsequent Grade One Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle winner Nicanor. Bob Hall did not race again that term and reappeared for the 2006/2007 season in the care of Jonjo O'Neill. He came home third on his seasonal bow at Bangor that November, three lengths behind the winner Mr Pointment. That good first effort over fences was followed by a first chase victory over an extended two and a half miles at Leicester, with Bob Hall brushing aside Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Genghis for a 27-length success. He disappointed when only fifth to Jack The Giant in the Grade Two Wayward Lad Novices' Chase at Kempton at Christmas but returned to form with a fine second to L'Antartique in the Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He rounded off the campaign with another runner-up finish to Private Be, to whom he was conceding 18lb, in the John Smith's Novices Handicap Chase at Aintree. The 2007/2008 season began at Cheltenham in October with a promising third to Knowhere over an extended two and a half miles. He was far from disgraced when sixth over the same course and distance behind L'Antartique in the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November, but returned to Cheltenham on New Year's Day and was a distant 12th behind Vodka Bleu. Stepped up to three miles for the first time in the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival on March 11, Bob Hall was tailed off in rear when pulled up before three out. Race Record Starts: 13; Wins: 3; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £49,787 BP= 150/1
26) 201U-5111 CLOUDY LANE 8-10-11 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain Jnr Jason Maguire
Form: 21/F21121/361201U-5111 Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr
Trevor Hemmings’ homebred Cloudy Lane has headed the John Smith’s Grand National antepost market since defying a 20lb rise to outpoint Ungaro by seven lengths in the Coolfun Ltd Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster on March 1, with totesport.com Becher Chase winner and former market leader Mr Pointment last of the six finishers. Cloudy Lane has enjoyed a career full of promise. He was runner-up on his career debut in a Uttoxeter bumper on April 30, 2005, and went one place better at Southwell the next month. The following campaign saw him open his account over hurdles at the third attempt, scoring over two and a half miles at Haydock in January, 2006. He returned to the course and distance the following month and, racing on heavy ground, saw off this season’s Welsh National winner Miko De Beauchene. A runner-up finish at Bangor over three miles followed but Cloudy Lane ended the 2005/2006 season with a third triumph at Haydock, seeing off subsequent Pertemps Final hero Oscar Park by six lengths in the Red Square Vodka “Fixed Brush” Novices’ Hurdle Final. Cloudy Lane’s debut over fences came at Aintree in the Digital Prints From Bonusprint.com Novices’ Chase on October 22, 2006, when he was third to Turko. He was then only sixth to Mr Pointment at Bangor that November but hit the scoresheet in a three-mile beginners’ chase at Newcastle on December 16 that year. A return to the course and distance saw a blunder at the last, with the race at his mercy, bringing defeat at odds on, and a foray into handicap company in the Grade Three Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock was a bridge too far at that stage of his career as he came home a distant 10th. He bounced back in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup to give his trainer a first success at the Cheltenham Festival. His novice season ended when he was hampered and unseated Tony Dobbin in the Irish Grand National. Cloudy Lane has progressed throughout the 2007/2008 season. Defeat on his seasonal bow was followed with victory over Comply Or Die in the Sodhexo Prestige Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock on December 22. On February 9, he went to Ayr and trounced Another Rum by eight lengths, carrying top-weight of 11st 12lb on heavy going, before completing the hat-trick in fine style at Doncaster. Race Record: Starts: 19; Wins: 9; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £130,960 BP= 13/2
27) U22P-2221 KING JOHNS CASTLE (IRE) 9-10-11 J P McManus Arthur Moore IRE Paul Carberry
Form: 014/3F1P523/1PU22P-2221 Owner: J P McManus
A winner of his sixth start in Irish point-to-points, King Johns Castle was raced by his breeder John O’Neill in the early part of his career. He won his bumper on his second attempt at Gowran Park on December 16, 2004, and turned out 11 days later for a crack at the Christmas Bumper at Leopardstown, where he ran a fine fourth to Travino. Third on his first start over hurdles 10 months later, he fell next time out at the final flight when holding every chance. Bought by J P McManus and moved to Arthur Moore’s yard, King Johns Castle opened his hurdling account at Naas on January 8, 2006, in a two-mile-three-furlong maiden hurdle. Stepped up to three miles, he was pulled up the following week before having his first start over fences a month later. On that occasion, he finished last of five, but improved to chase home stablemate Mansony in the Kilcock Novices’ Chase at Naas on March 13. Reverting back to hurdles for his next outing in April, he was third in a valuable two-mile-and-six-furlong handicap hurdle at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival. He started the following season with a clear-cut victory in a two-mile-and-one-furlong beginners’ chase at Navan on November 12, 2006. Thrown into Grade One company for a two-and-a-half-mile novice chase, King Johns Castle was pulled up, while he was running well in a Grade Two novices’ chase at Leopardstown in January, 2007, when making a blunder and unseating his rider three out in a race won by this year’s Irish National winner Hear The Echo. Back at Leopardstown two weeks later, he was a two-length runner-up in the Grade One Irish Arkle Chase and was again second the following month in the Grade Two Flyingbolt Novices’ Chase at Navan. He ended the 2006/07 campaign when pulled up in the Grade One Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse. A run of three seconds over fences, including in the valuable Pierse Handicap Chase at Leopardstown in January, came to an end on his most recent start, when he proved four lengths too good for the field in a Naas handicap hurdle over two miles and three furlongs on March 9.
Race Record Jumps Starts: 20; Wins: 4; 2nd 6; 3rd 2; Win and Place Prize Money: £71,612 BP= 20/1
28) 422434-P36 MON MOME (FR) 8-10-11 Vida Bingham Venetia Williams Aidan Coleman
Form: 2/7U36245/U2121121U/422434-P36 Owner: Vida Bingham
Mon Mome is one of 10 French-bred horses who will line up for the John Smith's Grand National. Mon Mome, whose name means ‘My Kid', had just one run in his native France, finishing second in a Flat-race at Pontivy. Bought by Mrs Vida Bingham, the horse's first outing in the UK was in a decent novices’ hurdle at Newbury in December, 2004, when he finished seventh of 12. The horse had six further races in the 2004-2005 season, all novices’ or maiden hurdles, without breaking his duck. However, a second at Fontwell, over two-and-a-half miles, and a third at Folkestone, over two furlongs shorter, showed the horse had ability. Mon Mome didn't last too long in his first chase at Cheltenham in October, 2005, coming to grief at the third, but with that aberration behind him, he set about compiling an impressive sequence of results. In his next seven races, Mon Mome registered four wins and three seconds. The wins - at Uttoxeter, Plumpton, Fontwell and Aintree - came on ground that was easy or softer. The last of those wins was at the 2006 John Smith's Grand National meeting in the novices' chase, when he was ridden by Will Biddick. To give his season a certain symmetry, Mon Mome unseated his jockey in the four-mile-one-furlong Scottish National at Ayr in his last race of the season. Consistency was the name of the game in 2006-2007, with the horse placing in the top four in each of his six races, but without winning. He came close, though, in the Coral Welsh National, a four-length second to Halcon Genelardais and, three weeks later, showed his powers of recovery by finishing the same distance behind Ladalko in the totesport.com Classic Chase at Warwick. Mon Mome's final outing last season was in the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival and again the horse acquitted himself well, finishing fourth, eight lengths behind the winner. This season he did not come out until February, when he pulled up in the Country Gentlemen's Association Chase at Wincanton. Ten days later he contested a hurdle at Folkestone and, 36lb lower than his chase rating, was made favourite. The horse, though, was tapped for toe and could only finish third. On the agenda for the second successive year was the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival, but he did not match the fourth place of a year earlier, plugging on for sixth, over 20 lengths behind the winner An Accordion. Race Record Starts: 26; 1st: 4; 2nd: 7; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money: £114,286 BP= 33/1
29) 026-2P0 CORNISH SETT (IRE) 9-10-10 Peter Hart Paul Nicholls Mr Nick Scholfield
Form: U121141/2142217F/01726/2P8 Owner: Peter Hart
Cornish Sett did not make the most illustrious start to his racing career, throwing off Mark Bradburne at the start of a Hereford bumper. Two days later, though, he made amends with a victory at Ludlow. In a brief hurdling career, the horse displayed a tendency to hang, but that did not stop him recording three wins from just five races. His best hurdling performance was probably at Ayr - his last race over the smaller obstacles - when he beat Howard Johnson's Coat Of Honour in a Class 2 event. His first race over fences was impressive, placing second to Philip Hobbs’ decent novice Chilling Place by just half a length at Exeter, despite appearing to look for an alternative exit as he approached the last. Little wonder then that headgear was applied for his next race at Newbury where he duly recorded his first chase victory. A failure at Warwick, where the ground may have been testing enough, was followed by two seconds and a first, the win coming on good to firm ground at Newbury (when he dead-heated) in the Vodafone Gold Cup. At the Cheltenham Festival he was down the field in the Jewson Novices' Chase and, returning to the course a month later, fell for the first time in his career when still travelling well behind Old Vic in a two-mile five-furlong chase. Last season, Cornish Sett raced just five times, the most impressive outing was when he won the Jersey Graduation Chase over three miles and half a furlong at Cheltenham in November, though he was also a decent second over three miles to Simon in Kempton's Racing Post Chase. His season ended with a disappointing sixth in the Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown, after being well fancied. This season, a promising opener at Cheltenham in November, when he was second to a revitalised Sir Rembrandt, has been followed by lacklustre runs in the Boylesports.com Chase at Cheltenham and the Welsh National. Cornish Sett is related to Grand National winners Hallo Dandy and Rhyme N' Reason. Race Record Starts: 23; 1st: 7; 2nd: 5; 3rd: 0; Win & Place Prize Money: £138,994 BP= 100/1
30) PP-104329 NAUNTON BROOK 9-10-10 David Langdon Nigel Twiston-Davies Andrew Tinkler
Form: 48132/F1P/1P7P6130/8411530PP-104320 Owner: David Langdon
Though sired by 1995 Champion Hurdle winner Alderbrook, like many of his progeny Naunton Brook has stamina very much as his forte, his six victories all coming at two miles six furlongs or further. As a four-year-old, Naunton Brook showed a glimmer of talent in two National Hunt Flat races in the 2003/04 season. That promise was quickly realised when the horse bolted up in its first hurdle race, a three mile one furlong novices’ event at Warwick. He placed in two more races the same season; a level of consistency that has not always been reproduced since. The following season, he started just three races. A heavy fall at the first at Huntingdon was followed nine days later by a gritty success at Worcester. But a month after that, when starting odds-on in a four-horse race at Newcastle he pulled up with puncture wounds in his leg and was absent for almost a year. He returned in October, 2005, in very good fettle, scoring with some ease over two miles six furlongs at Towcester. The horse pulled up in two of his next four races, but did spring back to life in February, winning at Market Rasen and acquitting himself well in the three-miles-and-six furlongs Devon National at Exeter when he was third. The horse's campaign in the 2006/07 season was marked out by back-to-back victories at Hexham in November and Exeter in December, a fifth place in the Welsh National at Chepstow and a third in the totesport.com Classic Chase at Warwick. Last season ended in disappointment, as the gelding pulled up at both the Cheltenham Festival and in the John Smth’s Grand National. The current campaign began with a win in the Cumberland Handicap Chase at Carlisle and he has run some good races in defeat since, most notably when third to D’Argent in the totesport Classic Chase at Warwick and when runner-up to Neptune Collonges at Wincanton. Last time out he was a well-beaten ninth in the John Smith’s Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter on March 15.
31) 554-50626 TUMBLING DICE (IRE) 9-10-10 Lucy Donegan Tom Taaffe IRE Tom Ryan
Form: 00023150140/F4112F33/103P13P/201554-50626 Owner: Lucy Donegan
Having started his career with two unsuccessful starts on the Flat for Charles O’Brien, Tumbling Dice was acquired by his current owners and sent for a National Hunt career with Tom Taaffe. His first start over hurdles came in October, 2003, when he was a well-beaten eighth. He then finished 11th in a race that saw subsequent totesport Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition finish second. Although only ninth next time out, he was only two lengths off Macs Joy in a race won by Lingo. His next two starts saw considerable improvement with a runner-up placing followed by a third to Mansony. Stepped up from two miles to two and a half miles, Tumbling Dice got off the mark at Cork on January 3, 2004 with a gutsy half-length victory. Three runs later he was back in the winner’s enclosure at Wexford on March 13 that season. His 2004/2005 campaign got off to a bad start when he took a fall two out in a handicap hurdle when making his challenge. However, he soon rattled off a couple of wins at Punchestown in November and December. He came close to completing a good double for his trainer at Kempton Park on Boxing Day when just failing by a neck on a day when Kicking King landed the featured King George VI Chase. After an unlucky penultimate hurdle fall, Tumbling Dice travelled to Cheltenham and was third in the Coral Cup. He filled the same spot a month later in the Grade Two John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle, 11 lengths behind Monet’s Garden. Sent novice chasing the following season, Tumbling Dice got off to the perfect start, scoring at Cork in October before finish seventh at The Open meeting at Prestbury Park the following month. Having finished third in a Grade One novices’ chase at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, he returned to winning ways at Clonmel in February, 2006, before again finishing third at the Cheltenham Festival, this time in the Jewson Novices’ Chase. Last season he landed Cork’s Grade Two Hilly Way Chase in good style in December, while he recorded some good efforts in Grade Two events. This season began with a fifth placing in the same Cork Grade Two event and, while he has failed to make it into the winner’s enclosure, he ran a creditable second in the Grade Two Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown on February 3.
Race Record: Jumps Starts: 37; Wins: 7; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 5; Win and Place Prize Money: £130,885 BP= 150/1
32) FP/24/0-14 BACKBEAT (IRE) 11-10-09 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson Wilson Renwick
Form: 240/41P/P/211FP/24/0-14 Owner: Andrea & Graham Wylie
Backbeat began his career with trainer David Elsworth for his owner/breeders Bill and Shirley Robins, finishing five lengths behind the dead-heating pair of Thisthatandtother and Alvino in an Ascot bumper in December 2001. He raced twice more that season without coming close to victory. Backbeat raced three times the following term, following a fourth place in an Ascot novice hurdle with his first triumph in a similar contest at Newbury on February 23, 2003. On his final outing that term at Ascot in April, he weakened badly and was pulled up before two out. It was the same story on his chase debut at Newbury the following November and he failed to reappear that term. The fragile gelding fared better in the 2004/2005 season as he raced five times. After chasing home Ashley Brook in a two-mile novices’ chase at Exeter on November 2, he was stepped up to two and a half miles at the same track 17 days later and scored by nine lengths from Charlie’s Future. He completed a quickfire double over the distance at the Devon course on December 3, defeating Liverpool Echo. Sent to Kempton to contest the Grade One Feltham Novices’ Chase next time, he made several jumping errors and fell two out behind Ollie Magern. Dispatched to Ascot Sales in February 2005, he was knocked down to Bob Woodhouse for 50,000 guineas, on behalf of Andrea & Graham Wylie, and joined Howard Johnson’s County Durham yard. His first start for his new connections came in the Grade One Royal & SunAlliance Chase but jumping errors again proved his undoing as he was pulled up behind Trabolgan. He reappeared over three miles at Huntingdon in October 2005, finishing two lengths second to Run For Paddy under top-weight. He was next seen at Carlisle in January, when lack of fitness and a welter burden told on the heavy going as he came home fourth. His season was again curtailed and the following campaign consisted of a single effort. The current campaign began promisingly with a victory at Sandown postponing the threat of his trainer that he would be sold to go point-to-pointing. Backbeat drew six lengths clear of Eric’s Charm in the extended three mile handicap on January 5. Switched to hurdles for the first time in five years, the injury prone Backbeat was a creditable fourth over an inadequate two and a half miles on his latest outing at Musselburgh on February 3.
33) 6/4P/-0P21 COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) 9-10-09 David Johnson David Pipe Timmy Murphy
Form: 11214/1211F2P6/4P//0P21 Owner: David Johnson
Originally trained by David’s father Martin, Comply Or Die posted an easy victory on his racecourse debut in a novices’ hurdle at Taunton on October, 2003. After another comfortable win in a similar event, Comply Or Die stepped up to Graded company and followed a good second in the Grade Two Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow with a convincing three-length victory in the Grade Two Tripleprint Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in December, 2003. A good first season finished with a sound fifth behind Fundamentalist in the Grade One Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival in March, 2004. Having started his chasing career with a victory at Bangor and a second behind Ollie Magern at Cheltenham, Comply Or Die took the spoils in the Grade Two Rising Stars Novices’ Chase at Wincanton in November, 2004. Comply Or Die returned to the Cheltenham Festival in March, 2005, finishing second behind Trabolgan in the Grade One Royal & SunAlliance Chase, before being pulled up in the Scottish Grand National the following month. He finished the 2004/05 season with a creditable sixth in the Betfred Gold Cup, before beginning his second season chasing with a good fourth, again behind Trabolgan, in the Grade Three Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury. Comply Or Die’s season was cut short after suffering a setback in the Coral Welsh National, and it was nearly two years before he saw a racecourse again. Lining up in a handicap chase at Cheltenham in October, 2007, Comply Or Die lacked race fitness and finished a weary 16th. The gelding also disappointed on his next run when pulled up in the Grade Three Servo Computers Services Trophy Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on November 17. The application of blinkers produced a far better display in the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase at Haydock on December 22, and Comply Or Die ran his best race for several years when finishing second behind John Smith’s Grand National favourite Cloudy Lane. Racing over a marathon extended four miles in the Eider Chase at Newcastle on February 23, Comply Or Die showed that he would have the stamina necessary for the John Smith’s Grand National with a brilliant eight-length victory, despite being burdened with top-weight. Race Record: Starts: 19; Wins: 7; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 0; Win & Place Prize Money: £156,385 BP= 10/1
34) UU-20U505 IDLE TALK (IRE) 9-10-09 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain Jnr Brian Harding
Form: 141P/11324/32UUUU-20U505 Owner: Trevor Hemmings
Idle Talk’s career to date is largely one of unfulfilled potential. The lightly-raced gelding, a 2,000 guineas purchase as a foal at Tattersalls Ireland in November 1999, competed three times in Irish point-to-points, finishing fourth on his debut at Bartlemy in May 2003, before scoring by a distance in a three-mile maiden at Carrigtwohill on February 1, 2004. He unseated his rider in his final point at Liscarroll the following month. Transferred to Tom George in Gloucestershire ahead of the 2004/2005 season, Idle Talk made an impressive winning debut under Rules in a three-mile soft ground maiden hurdle at Chepstow on October 30, 2004. Pitched into Grade Two company for his second start, he ran with great credit to take fourth behind Brewster in the Brit Insurance Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in December. A smooth victory in a novices’ contest at Lingfield followed in February, 2005, before an anti-climax to the campaign in the Grade One John Smith’s Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in April, in which he was pulled up behind Asian Maze. Steeplechasing beckoned and Idle Talk made a great start to his fencing career, defeating Lord Killeshanra in a Worcester beginners’ chase on November 1, before dismissing Reflected Glory in a novices’ event at Exeter on January 2, 2006. His unbeaten status over fences came to an end in the Grade Two Reynoldstown Chase, run over three miles on heavy ground at Lingfield on February 18, as he was beaten a distance in third, by Montgermont. He posted a career best effort on his next start in the Grade One Royal & SunAlliance Chase at Cheltenham that March as he filled the runner-up spot, six lengths behind Star De Mohaison, conceding 10lb. His novice season ended with a cracking effort against seasoned handicappers in the four miles, one furlong Grade Three Scottish Grand National at Ayr, in which he finished fourth to Run For Paddy. The 2006/2007 season began promisingly when a half-length second to My Will in a Grade Three handicap at Cheltenham in November. He was then only sixth in the Grade Three Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury won by State Of Play later that month. Jumping errors cost him dearly in the Grade Two Letheby & Christopher Chase at Cheltenham on January 27, as he unseated Richard Johnson at the ninth fence. Subsequently sold to Trevor Hemmings and switched to Donald McCain’s Cheshire yard, Idle Talk also unseated in his next start in the Grade One Cheltenham Gold Cup. It was the same story in the John Smith’s Grand National as he unshipped his rider at the 19th fence and again unseated on his final start of the campaign in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. The 2007/2008 season commenced with a runner-up finish in a graduation chase at Carlisle on November 12, but he was then a well-beaten eighth in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle in December. Jumping errors returned as Idle Talk unseated Stephen Craine in the Welsh National at Chepstow on December 27. Although completing in each of his last three starts, he has failed to trouble the judge, including most recently when fifth in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. Race Record: Jumps Starts: 21; Wins: 4: 2nd: 3; 3rd: 1; Win and Place Prize Money: £89,407. BP= 66/1
35) 2P-4300F2 KELAMI (FR) 10-10-09 Halewood International Ltd Francois Doumen FR Barry Keniry
Form: 22P/4382315/36514B0/0003F4313/06/10302P2P-4300F2 Owner: Halewood International Ltd
A French-bred gelding and full-brother to fellow John Smith’s Grand National contender L’Ami, Kelami originally raced for trainer Francois Doumen’s Haras d’Ecouves, before he was transferred to the ownership of the late Queen Mother for his British debut when second in a juvenile hurdle at Newbury on December 19, 2001. Following the Queen Mother’s death in March, 2002, he returned to the Doumens’ ownership until being bought by John Halewood at the start of 2004. Kelami has appeared at the Cheltenham Festival three times. He was pulled up in the 2002 JCB Triumph Hurdle, fourth in the 2004 William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase, and successful in the same race in 2005. He has only won four times during a 47-race career, although he has run some good races in defeat, most notably when third in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock and the Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown in 2005. For the 2006/07 season, he began with a victory over hurdles at Compiegne, France, in October. He did not appear to be at his best for his next three outings, before returning to form when second to Rambling Minster in the Agfa Diamond Handicap Chase at Sandown in February. However, he failed to repeat that level of form when pulling up on his next start in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup at Haydock Park but bounced back again with a good second in a Grade Two Chase at Auteuil in March. Kelami had his second attempt over the John Smith’s Grand National fences in last year’s contest, having been brought down at the first in 2004, and made it over 28 of the 30 fences before being pulled up. This season, Kelami has once again contested some of this country’s top handicap chases, including valuable events at both Cheltenham and Sandown, without much success. His final start prior to Aintree did however produce an encouraging return to form with a staying on second behind Gungadu in the Grade Three Racing Post Chase at Kempton on February 23. Race Record: Starts: 47; 1st: 4; 2nd: 8; 3rd: 10; Win & Place Prize Money: £280,523 BP= 66/1
36) 11305-540 MILAN DEUX MILLE (FR) 6-10-09 Fergus & Judith Wilson David Pipe Tom Malone
Form: 21U35/601111305-540 Owner: Fergus & Judith Wilson
Milan Deux Mille was purchased by Hubert Barbe at Goffs France in June, 2005, and made his racecourse debut for trainer Martin Pipe and the Wilsons in a three-year-old bumper at Huntingdon on November 8 that year, finishing second to Jass. Victory came at the second attempt in a similar contest at Exeter on December 2. He unseated on his hurdles debut back at the Devon course in February and raced twice more that term without success. He was then offered for sale at Doncaster in May, 2006, but passed through the ring unsold. Returned to Pond House stables, where David Pipe had taken over from his retired father, Milan Deux Mille began his 2006/2007 campaign as inauspiciously as he had ended the previous season. He finished down the field in both his pre-Christmas starts in chases. A new year brought a new Milan Deux Mille however, as the gelding notched a much-needed win on heavy ground at Newbury on January 17. He added another success eight days later at Warwick, completed a hat-trick with a Catterick triumph and notched the four-timer at Kempton on February 9. Having shot 40lbs up the handicap in 23 days, he headed to Chepstow on February 15, finishing third to Nozic. A fair effort in the Listed Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival saw him take 8th behind L’Antartique and his season ended with a good fifth to Dunbrody Millar in the Topham Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree on April 13. This season began belatedly on January 1, when a fair fifth in a two-mile, one-furlong novices’ hurdle at Cheltenham. He was then fourth in a gruelling novice hurdle at Chepstow on February 4. Returned to fences on March 1, Milan Deux Mille was a disappointing seventh to Natal in the Grade Three Connaught Gold Cup at Newbury.
Race Record: Starts: 17; Wins: 1; 2nd: 1; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £32,429 BP= 200/1
37) 3PF-013P7 NADOVER (FR) 7-10-09 George Storey Charlie Mann Robbie Power
Form: 21253544/2511/P13PF-013P0 Owner: George Storey, Frazer Evans, Ian Bond & Gary Martin
Nadover began his racing career in France with trainer Guillaume Macaire, winning first time out as a three-year-old on the Flat at Pornichet-La-Baule in July 2004, prior to switching to hurdles at Pompadour for his next two outings. Nadover finished runner-up in the first of those but was successful on his return, August 22. He then raced in a trio of steeplechases at Auteuil without success, between September and November. Nadover was sold to join trainer Charlie Mann in Lambourn and made his British debut in a Sandown novices’ hurdle on January 8, 2005, in which he came home fifth behind Diego Cao. A couple of fourth places in similar events at Folkestone and Plumpton rounded off his campaign. The 2005/2006 season began with a runner-up finish behind Von Origny in a two-and-a-half -mile Market Rasen novices’ chase on November 6, before taking fifth in a Newbury novices’ handicap later that month. He reversed form with Von Origny when scoring at Bangor on December 14, and added a further triumph next time on heavy going at Wetherby, on January 14, 2006. He was not seen again until the following October when pulled up at Exeter on his first attempt at three miles, but the winning thread was regained in a competitive handicap chase at Chepstow over about half a mile shorter on December 27. Stepped up to an extended three miles at Sandown on January 6, 2007, Nadover failed to cope with a 9lb rise but ran well to be a close third behind Kerstino Two. He was tailed off when pulled up behind Simon in the Listed Skybet Chase later that month and subsequently fell in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in March. This season commenced at Haydock on November 24, when a long way behind Opera Mundi in a soft ground three-mile handicap chase. Dropped down in trip at Chepstow next time, Nadover bounced back with a second successive victory in the two-mile, three-and-a-half-furlong handicap on December 27. He was no match for Regal Heights when third at Ascot in January, and ran badly when pulled up at Chepstow in February. The seven-year-old returned to Chepstow for his latest start, finishing seventh in a two and a half mile handicap hurdle. He was due to pass through the ring at the Doncaster Lincoln Sale four days before the John Smith’s Grand National but was withdrawn and remains with trainer Charlie Mann. Race Record: Starts: 22; Wins: 5; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money: £61,820 BP= 200/1
38) 0-564420 BLACK APALACHI (IRE) 9-10-08 Gerard Burke Dessie Hughes IRE Andrew McNamara
Form: 1/20136100/4131660/0P050-564420 Owner: Gerard Burke
Initially trained by Philip Rothwell, Black Apalachi made the perfect start to his career, winning a two-mile bumper at Down Royal on January 15, 2004. The gelding made his second start the following November, coming home second in a Listowel bumper behind L’Antartique, before finishing down the field in a similar contest at Galway the following month. Switched to hurdles, Black Apalachi made a winning debut in that sphere over two and a quarter miles on December 15, 2005 at Downpatrick. Pitched in against experienced handicappers in a three-mile Pertemps Hurdle Qualifier next time, he came home a fine third to Cloudy Bays. The Grade One Deloitte Novices’ Hurdle was his next outing, in February, but he was never a factor over the two-and-a-quarter-mile trip. He bounced back on February 20, when seeing off Homer Wells and Sweet Kiln to win the Grade Two Woodlands Park 100 Johnstown Novices’ Hurdle at Naas. Grade One engagements at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals failed to reap any reward. The 2005/2006 campaign began for Black Apalachi on November 4, with a fourth place in a Down Royal beginner’s chase. Sent to Thurles on November 10, he landed the spoils by four lengths. A fine third in the Cork Grand National was followed by a further victory, this time in the lucrative Paddy Power Chase over three miles at Leopardstown on December 27. He failed to win in three further starts in competitive handicaps, ending the campaign a distant 10th to Point Barrow in the Irish Grand National. The 2006/2007 season turned out to be disappointing as he failed to finish better than fifth in five starts up to February 21, when his campaign ended. Black Apalachi reappeared this season in the care of Dessie Hughes, taking fifth in the Thurles Chase on November 8. Sixth in the Troytown Handicap Chase was followed by his best effort for some time when taking fourth in the Paddy Power Chase, four lengths behind the victorious Newbay Prop. Another fourth place followed in the Pierse Leopardstown Handicap Chase on January 13, and he was subsequently a good runner-up, sporting first time blinkers, in the Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park on January 24. Black Apalachi’s latest start came on March 2, in the Mick Holly Memorial Handicap Chase. The nine-year-old failed to shine in the two-mile, five-furlongs contest, beating only one of the 11 finishers.
39) 1P6/04-2B PHILSON RUN (IRE) 12-10-08 Gale Force One Nick Williams Daryl Jacob
Form: 1/P110/0FP21P6/04-2B Owner: Gale Force One
The winner of an Irish point-to-point in March, 2003, Philson Run had his first run under Rules when winning a Wincanton hunter chase in February, 2004. He sustained a tendon injury and did not run again until Boxing Day of that year when he reappeared in a handicap chase on the same course, but lost his action and was pulled up four out. It was a different horse that contested a handicap chase at Chepstow three weeks later. Staying on strongly, he pulled clear of Nigel Twiston-Davies' Prominent Profile and earned himself a place in the Midlands Grand National in March, 2005. The Uttoxeter race was only his fourth under Rules and the horse had suffered from both wind and leg problems, but the setbacks and his inexperience proved no barrier and, with Paul Carberry up, won a very competitive renewal of the contest. In his last race of the season, he finished seventh in the Scottish Grand National. His first experience of the Aintree fences was not a happy one, the horse failing to negotiate Valentines, the very first fence in the totesport Becher Chase in November, 2005. After the Becher Chase, the horse had no sort of run in the Welsh National, but came back to form with a vengeance in February, 2006, when running the race of his life to take the Eider Chase at Newcastle. For the 2006/07 season, Philson Run was specifically aimed at the John Smith’s Grand National, and did not see a racecourse before lining up in the Grade Three Red Square Vodka Gold Cup in February, 2007, where the gelding made a bad mistake when beginning to challenge two fences from home, eventually finishing fourth behind Heltornic. In the John Smith’s Grand National, Philson Run ran a fantastic race on ground many considered too fast for him, finishing a gallant fourth behind Silver Birch. This season, all roads have again led to Aintree, and Philson Run made his first appearance of the campaign in the Grade Three totesport.com Classic Chase at Warwick on January 12, where the 12-year-old revelled in the heavy ground to finish second behind D’Argent. Philson Run appeared in the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup for a second time on February 16, but the gelding made several mistakes before being brought down by Sixo five fences from home.
Race Record: Starts: 16; 1st: 4; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 0; Win & Place Prize Money: £169,309 BP= 33/1
40) 0F251P-062 DUN DOIRE (IRE) 9-10-07 Dunderry Racing Syndicate Tony Martin IRE Richard McGrath
Form: 0/000000130/151111117/0F251P-062 Owner: Dunderry Racing Syndicate
The winner of an Irish point-to-point at Oldcastle in March, 2004, Dun Doire finished well beaten on his first six outings under Rules (a hunter chase, two novice chases and three maiden hurdles) before showing better form when a staying on eighth of 24 in a two-mile handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in January, 2005. The promise of that effort was realised on his next start at Navan the following month, in a handicap over two and a half miles, when Dun Doire, who was bred by trainer Tony Martin’s wife Sarah, recorded a ready half length success from 25 rivals. He landed a second handicap hurdle, over three miles, at Limerick in May, 2005, showing his liking for a stamina test and testing ground with a neck defeat of Rock Snow Drop. Sent back over fences for the 2005/06 campaign, Dun Doire found the two-mile trip too short at Naas in October, 2005, but put over longer trips after that run, he went from strength to strength, racking up a superb six-timer. Novice handicap victories in England at Wetherby and Haydock were followed by wins at Navan and Fairyhouse, before Dun Doire landed his first major success, in the Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park in January, 2006, when he survived a bad mistake at the final fence to score by a length and a half from Coljon. Sent back to England for the Cheltenham Festival that March, Dun Doire captured the William Hill Trophy, beating Juveigneur by two lengths - scoring off a 50lb higher mark than for his first chasing success at Wetherby - before his winning run was brought to an end in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse, finishing seventh to Point Barrow on ground too quick. For the 2006/07 season, Dun Doire mixed hurdling and chasing, running 11th on his return over hurdles at Cork in early November, but failing to complete later that month at Aintree in the totesport.com Becher Chase over the Grand National fences, falling at the Chair. After two decent runs over the smaller obstacles, yielding second and fifth-place finishes at Navan (December) and Punchestown (February), Dun Doire returned to the winners enclosure with a narrow success at Down Royal in March, keeping on doggedly to hold off Romaha by three-quarters of a length. Sent off a quietly fancied 20/1 shot in last year’s John Smith’s Grand National, Dun Doire could never settle into a jumping rhythm and was eventually pulled up before the 27th fence. This season, Dun Doire has once again had a quiet preparation for the John Smith’s Grand National, beginning with a couple of spins over hurdles at Punchestown and Navan, before a good second behind In The Loop in a chase at Down Royal on March 17.
Race Record: Starts: 28; Wins: 9; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1; Win and Place prize money: £143,058 BP= 33/1
8) 62-166P0P ARDAGHEY (IRE) 9-10-07 Dave & Shirley Goodman Nigel Twiston-Davies David England
Form: 1441/36P21UF0/1P062-166P0P Owners: Dave and Shirley Goodman
Ardaghey’s talents were first advertised publicly on March 6, 2004, in a point-to-point at Tyrella in Northern Ireland when he ran out a 20-length maiden winner. He was sold to join Nigel Twiston-Davies Gloucestershire stable and made an immediate impact for his new connections when winning a Uttoxeter bumper in October, 2004. He broke his hurdling duck at Leicester starts three runs later when beating The Listener by a head in February, 2005. That was his last start over the smaller obstacles and his chasing career began at Aintree in October, 2005, when third in a novice event to Star De Mohaison. He was successful four runs later in a beginners’ event at Towcester before running on consecutive days at the 2006 Cheltenham Festival. He unseated his rider in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase and then fell in the four-mile National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup before being a well-beaten 10th in a handicap chase at Aintree. The 2006/07 campaign began with a handicap chase success at Cheltenham before he was pulled up in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury. His season finished with second place behind Simon in the Sky Bet Chase at Southwell. The current campaign began with a victory in the Showcase Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in October and he went on to be sixth in both the Badger Ales Trophy and a Newbury handicap chase. He has gone on to pull up in the BGC Silver Cup at Ascot, finish 10th to Gungadu in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton and pulled up when his saddle slipped in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. Race Record: Starts: 23; 1st: 5; 2nd: 2; 3rd: 1; Win & Place Prize Money: £56,287 BP= 200/1
SUMMARY
Turko is great value each-way.
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