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Paddy Power 2010 Grand National offers

AP McCoy is 16-1 with Paddy Power to ride the winner of The 2010 John Smith’s Grand National. The Champion Jockey is yet to win the big race in 14 attempts and will be looking to land one of the few honours to elude him with a victory this April.

The Venetia Williams trained Mon Mome, a 100-1 outsider in 2009 is now 25-1 this time round with Paddy Power for a back-to-back win in the world’s greatest steeplechase.

At 10-1 Tricky Trickster is the early market leader but will Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s War Of Attrition fly in to take the honours at 16-1 joint second favourite?

Paddy Power’s Five Star Value
Paddy Power are paying ¼ odds first FIVE places at this year’s John Smith’s Grand National

Paddy Power’s Latest John Smith’s Grand National Betting

10 Tricky Trickster; 16 Niche Market, War Of Attrition; 20 Black Apalachi, Big Fella Thanks, Possol, Vic Venturi; 25 State Of Play, Comply Or Die, Character Building, Mon Mome, Backstage, Dream Alliance; 33 My Will, Don’t Push It, Arbor Supreme, Notre Pere, Can’t Buy Time, Snowy Morning, Ballyholland, King John’s Castle, Taranis, Alberta’s Run, Casey Jones, The Package, Whinstone Boy, Kilcrea Castle; 40 Irish Raptor, Hello Bud, Gone To Lunch, Offshore Account, Parsons Legacy, Madison Du Berlais, Roulez Cool, Siege Master, Abbeybraney, Beroni, Le Beau Bai, Maljimar, Palypso De Creek; 50 Bar

EW ¼ odds 1-2-3-4-5. Others on request

Paddy Power 2010 Grand National Specials

16-1 AP McCoy to win his first Grand National
9-4 Winner to be trained in Ireland
3-1 Any Horse to be leading at the elbow and lose
4-1 All the runners to clear the 1st Fence safely
4-1 Paul Nicholls to Train the Winner
7-1 JP McManus to Own the Winner

Which jockey will fare best in the race:
7-4 R.Walsh, 3 D.Russell, 7-2 T.Murphy, 5 A.P.McCoy, 8 B.Geraghty, 10 R.Thornton

Which Irish horse will do best:
3 Black Apalachi, War Of Attrition, 7-2 Vic Venturi, 4 Backstage, 5-2 any other horse

Number of false starts:
5-6 None
5-6 One or more

Number of Finishers:
13-8 Up to and incl 14
7-2 15 to 17 incl
11-10 18 or more

Denman suffers shock defeat in Aon Chase

Denman met with a dramatic shock defeat at Newbury in the Aon Chase when unseating new jockey Tony McCoy at the third last fence. Having started slightly sluggishly Denman came through to take it up from Niche Market after the seventh fence and looked to be going with all his normal fluency as they jumped the cross fence five from home. Denman then made a very bad blunder at the fourth last before taking off at least a stride too early at the next, giving the champion jockey no chance whatsoever. Stable companion Tricky Trickster went on to win the race having chased down Niche Market in the closing stages under Denman’s usual partner Ruby Walsh.

Denman’s trainer, Paul Nicholls, although obviously ruffled by the reversal made light of the incident commenting that we’ve been here before, that Denman was none the worse after his mishap and that he will be back in action for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Master Minded survives last fence blunder

Master Minded proved he is back to peak fitness with an outstanding display in The Game Spirit Chase at Newbury although he and jockey Ruby Walsh did have to survive a dramatic last fence blunder.

Having tracked the leaders early on Walsh made his move upsides the leaders as they rounded the home turn. Master Minded then put in three magnificent leaps at the line of fences down the home straight putting the race to bed and burning off his rivals with a scintillating turn of pace. However with the race at his mercy he inexplicably put down at the last and blundered his way over it, Walsh doing well to sit tight before easing his way up the run-in to score by a convincing 13 lengths from Mahogany Blaze second and Fix The Rib third.

Walsh completely blamed himself for the error stating that his own efforts at the last were akin to that of a seven pound claimer. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls was delighted with the performance especially in light of the fact that the horse could not be ridden for six weeks after suffering a rib injury. Master Minded will now head straight for Cheltenham and The Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Kauto Star takes record breaking fourth King George

Kauto Star was at his brilliant best at Kempton Park on Boxing Day winning the King George V Chase for the fourth consecutive season. Kauto saw off his challengers in imperious style and never looked like being beaten at any stage under a confident ride from Jockey Ruby Walsh.

Having been held up during the early stages of the contest, Walsh moved the Champion into contention to track the leaders before they reached the twelfth. With many of the field, including both the fancied Imperial Commander and Deep Purple, struggling before half way the well backed 8/13 Favourite moved up to join Nacarat as they headed towards the home straight.

Having struck the front three out the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner sprinted away to record his fourth and arguably most impressive King George victory by an astonishing 36 lengths. Madison Du Berlais and Tom Scudamore eventually ran on for second with Barbers Shop and Barry Geraghty third and long time leader Nacarat fourth.

Kauto Star is now likely to head straight to The Cheltenham Festival in March for a fourth crack at the Gold Cup according to Trainer Paul Nicholls.

Denman demolition job in the Hennessy

Denman put up a magnificent weight carrying performance to win his second Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup under 11 stone 12 lbs at Newbury. Partnered by Ruby Walsh the former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner powered to victory having dominated for much of the second circuit finally seeing off stablemate What A Friend and Sam Thomas in the closing stages.

The performance, from the 11/4 favourite, left Paul Nicholls both emotional and speechless. It was obvious from the Champion Trainers reaction that having brought Denman back from so many problems last season that this particular performance was extremely satisfying.

Denman tops the weights in the Hennessy

Denman will carry top weight of 11 stone 12 lbs in Saturdays Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury as he bids to emulate his staggering performance of two years ago conceding weight all round. Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls has issued a note of caution however about the chances of the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, expressing the view that the horse may just need the run.

Add to that the fact that there are many horses in the handicap with outstanding prospects due to Denman’s presence in the line up, including stable mate What A Friend and you can see why Nicholls is a little spectacle of a repeat.

Other fancied runners in the handicap include Joe Lively, 2009 John Smith’s Grand National winner Mon Mome, Roll Along, My Will, Killyglen and Her Majesty The Queens Barbers Shop. Evan Williams looks to have a strong hand with State Of Play and Cappa Bleu whilst Irish National winner Niche Market could also start. A fascinating race looks in prospect.

Kauto Star wins a Betfair thriller

Kauto Star won an absolutely thrilling Betfair Chase at Haydock Park beating Imperial Commander in a head bobbing finish. Many thought that the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner had just been beaten by Nigel Twiston Davies’ runner but Kauto was given the decision by the shortest of margins under Ruby Walsh.

Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls was suitably relieved and delighted after the race expressing the view that the 4/6 favourite was in need of the run and that all roads would now lead to Kempton and The King George Chase on Boxing Day before a fourth attempt at The Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Having looked beaten when passed by Kauto Star two out, Imperial Commander highlighted himself as a future challenger to Nicholls grip on the leading staying chases in the future. A mouth watering rematch over Christmas or in the spring will be one to savour especially if Denman makes the line up in good form as well.

The gallant Madison Du Berlais finished third under Tom Scudamore for Trainer David Pipe but he never really threatened in the home straight.

Kauto Star all set for Haydock Park

Kauto Star has been declared very much a definite starter for Saturday’s Betfair Chase by Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls and following Monday’s entries looks set to encounter a quality field at Haydock Park.

A maximum of 13 runners will go to post in the likely testing conditions as Kauto bids to win the race for the third time having won it in 2006 and 2007. Last year however, things did not go according to plan with the dual Gold Cup winner unshipping Sam Thomas at the last fence when well in contention.

Fancied rivals this time include the Irish trained Notre Pere, winner of last seasons Welsh Grand National at Chepstow. Madison Du Berlais, winner of The 2008 Hennessey Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury and Betfair Bowl at Aintree. Albertas Run, Barber’s Shop, Imperial Commander, Tidal Bay and Halcon Genelardais are other eye-catching entries worthy of note.

Master Minded beaten in Connaught Chase

Master Minded put up a slightly worrying display for his seasonal debut at Cheltenham’s Open Meeting on Sunday in the newly framed Connaught Chase over two miles. Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls’ was left scratching his head as the dual Queen Mother Champion chaser appeared to hang right for much of the contest before weakening into third up the hill at odds of 4/7 Favourite.

Second Favourite Well Chief from David Pipe’s yard and ridden by Timmy Murphy was the victor on the day with Nigel Twiston Davies’ Mahogany Blaze running on for second. It has to be said that both horses were in receipt of 10 lbs from the Favourite, however bookmakers were quick to react by pushing Master Minded out from Evens to around 11/8 for The Cheltenham Festival two mile Championship in March.

It will be interesting to see if anything comes to light as a result of the race. Paul Nicholls had previously stated that Master Minded would come on for the run and that Sunday was being used as a prep for The Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park in early December.

Cheltenham’s Paddy Power Open Meeting

Cheltenham’s Open meeting sponsored by Paddy Power provided some brilliant action over the weekend as The National Hunt season finally engaged into full swing.

A glut of top equine talent was on display including Master Minded’s eagerly awaited seasonal comeback on Sunday but it was the Irish trained Tranquil Sea who grabbed the feature Chase on Saturday when scoring for Trainer Edward O’Grady and Jockey Andrew McNamara. Having been backed in to 11/2 favourite, Tranquil Sea never looked like being beaten as one by one in the testing conditions all comers were seen off with ease. It was left for Poquelin (second) and Hold Em (third) to chase home the winner on ground thought to be totally unsuitable for both horses.

Other highlights over the first two days included Garde Champetre’s win during Countryside day on Friday. The Cross Country specialist owned by JP McManus and trained by Enda Bolger was ridden as usual by Nina Carberry and the partnership duly obliged with ease at the cramped odds of 4/6 Favourite.

Loosen My Load, Weird Al, Pistolet Noir and Pettifour all put up impressive performances in their respective Novice races at varying distances whilst Galant Nuit trained by Ferdy Murphy and ridden by Graham Lee threw his hat into the Grand National ring by staying on dourly in the long distance chase on Saturday.

Choc says Tarotino every bit as good as his previous Paddy Power Horses

Robert ‘Chocolate’ Thornton reckons that Tarotino, a 7-1 shot with the sponsors after today’s five-day declarations for the Paddy Power Gold Cup, is every bit as good as Il Duce and Kandjar D’Allier, who he finished second and third on in the same race in 2007 and 2005 respectively.

The seven-year-old, who is trained by Alan King, completed a hat-trick on his last start in a handicap chase at Bangor on May 1 by 18 lengths from Thunder Rock, following victories in novice chases at Doncaster and Kempton.

Thornton said: He’s been very good at home and although I’ve not ridden work on him, I’ve been told that he’s been going well. Schooling wise I popped him over six to nine fences the other morning and he jumped very well as he always does.

Wayne Hutchinson rode him at Bangor as I had to go to Punchestown to ride one or two for Alan, but now this fellow’s going for a bigger race. Wayne was very pleased with him. He should have won his first race for us at Huntingdon, but his confidence has grown from there and hopefully he’s still progressing.

We did consider the Summer Plate at Market Rasen for him, but his owner, Mr Webb, thought that we would go for the Paddy Power instead as it is more prestigious and in the proper jumping season and and he is a proper jumping man.

Two and a half miles is absolutely spot on for him and he wouldn’t want it too soft. Good/good to soft would be ideal and any slower is a minus.

He is definitely up there with Il Duce and Kandjar D’Allier and every bit as good as them. I am going there pretty hopeful, but it’s ironic that we’ve been begging for rain for racing and now we could do with it being dry this week!

Paddy makes Poquelin and Chapoturgeon, both trained by Paul Nicholls, 6-1 joint favourites for Saturday’s contest.

The larger than life bookie has also come up with one of his extraordinary money back specials and punters will get their cash back if a Nicholls-trained horse wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Paddy Power himself said: Punters usually really start to get stuck in at the five-day stage when they know which of Paul’s horses is his number one. It’s more difficult this year as he appears to have three really good chances and that’s one of the reasons we’re offering probably the most generous money back special ever.

Nicholls hoping to run three in Paddy Power

Paul Nicholls said today that the plan is to run Poquelin and Chapoturgeon, 6-1 joint-favourites with the sponsors, as well as Tatenen, a 10-1 chance with the universe’s friendliest bookmaker, in Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup at the Paddy Power Meeting at Cheltenham depending on what the weather does between now and the weekend.

He said: The plan is to run all three in the Paddy Power, but we’ll see what the weather does and that could change things. We’ll make a decision later in the week and obviously Poquelin wouldn’t want it too soft, while Tatenen wants soft.

Poquelin won the other day at Cheltenham and I hadn’t thought about the Paddy Power before that and it was only the way that he won then. Tatenen will only run if it’s soft and Chapoturgeon was always going to go for the Paddy Power first time out. Again it will depend on the weather, but Ruby Walsh will ride Poquelin.

Paddy has come up with one of his extraordinary money back specials and punters will get their cash back if a Nicholls-trained horse wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

PADDY POWER GOLD CUP

Paddy Power, sponsors, bet: 6-1 Chapoturgeon, Poquelin, 7 Tarotino, Tranquil Sea, 9 My Petra ,10 Northern Alliance, Tatenen, 16 Watch My Back, Bible Lord, From Dawn To Dusk, Ballyfitz, 20 Akilak, Tartak, 25 Hold Em, According To Pete, Im So Lucky, Three Mirrors, Jaamid, 28 Our Vic, Il Duce, Pop, Gaelic Flight, 33 Knowhere, Leslingtaylor, 40 Commemoration Day, Island Life

Denman Day at Exeter Racecourse

Denman was the guest of honour at the official opening of Exeter Racecourses newly completed £2.2 million conference centre building on Tuesday 10 November 2009. The Denman building named in the honour of the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero was opened to the public by Denman’s owners Paul Barber and Harry Findlay.

Denman for his part undertook a lap of honour of the racetrack before racing partnered by Ruby Walsh, alongside stable mate Beshabar ridden by Christian Williams.

Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls has highlighted that the exercise was intended as more of a celebratory day out rather than a racecourse gallop. Nicholls went on to dominate the days racing recording a treble with Inchidaly Rock, Take The Breeze and The Minack.

Likely targets for Denman still include a second crack at The Hennessey Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury at the end of this month before a trip to Ireland for The Lexus Chase around Christmas time.

Cheltenham Showcase their season

Top quality racing returned to Prestbury Park over the weekend with the two day Showcase meeting on Friday and Saturday giving a taster of things to come. Friday saw a winning debut over fences for Phillip Hobbs’ useful hurdler Snap Tie. Although not particularly impressive at prohibitive odds of 1/2 the favourite did battle bravely to hold off stable mate Safari Journey on the run in. Hobbs went on to complete a double with Templer (17/2) in the next race however the highlight of the first day was a Tony McCoy treble. The Champion Jockey completed a hat trick thanks to Nelson’s Spice (7/1), The Jigsaw Man (4/6 Fav) in the finale but perhaps the most impressive display was by Barizon for Evan Williams who made light work of his three opponents and justified the cramped odds of 1/4 Fav with ease for McCoy.

Saturday’s card was dominated by the two feature races shown on Channel Four. Firstly Starluck triumphed with an ultra smooth success in the Sportingbet.com Four year old Hurdle. Ridden confidently by Timmy Murphy the 5/6 Fav pulled clear effortlessly up the run in by two and a half lengths from Classic Swain.

Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls took the feature Zetorf.com Handicap Chase over two and a half miles with top weight and 9/2 joint favourite Poquelin (Ruby Walsh) who put in a much improved round of jumping to win cosily while his main rivals were making mistakes. Poquelin may now go to The Open Meeting for a crack at The Paddy Power Gold Cup although a drop back in trip was also voiced as a possibility. Nicholls and Walsh went on to record a double with Just Amazing (2/1 Fav) who made all and jumped them silly in the three mile Novice Chase.

Emma Lavelle’s Kangaroo Court (Evens Fav) also won his Novice Chase over half a mile shorter whilst other winners also included Benbane Head (8/1), Right Option (11/1) and the bumper winner Start Me Up (7/2) for the Irish.

Inglis Drever sadly passes away

The former Triple World hurdler Inglis Drever has sadly been put down on humane grounds after suffering a bad bout of colic at owner Graham Wylie’s stud where he was starting a well earned retirement.

This Cheltenham Festival great formerly trained by Howard Johnson was retired early in 2009 having sustained a leg injury at Newbury on his seasonal re-appearance during November 2008. Ten year old Inglis Drever won 17 races from 35 starts and amassed over £750,000 in prize money including the first ever Order of Merit prize. He will be sadly missed by all those connected with him.

Sea The Stars is retired

As expected Sea The Stars has run his last race. The announcement came from Trainer John Oxx on Tuesday 13 October 2009 after talks with owner Christopher Tsui. The six times Group 1 winner who's victories included both the Epsom Derby and The Prix de l'arc de Triomphe at Longchamp boasts a fabulous career record of nine runs with eight victories. No details of where the horse will stand at stud have yet been made public.

Jumps Season steps up a gear

The 2009/2010 National Hunt season stepped up a gear at Chepstow yesterday (Saturday) with by far the best jumps card we have seen since the spring.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls was immediately into his stride with seven runners on the day, all of whom ran with credit. Nicholls and stable Jockey Ruby Walsh recorded a double with Tito Bustillo (11/8 Fav) in the opening Free Bets Novices Hurdle and the impressive Gullible Gordon (4/6 Fav) two races later in the Free Bets Novices Chase.

The feature Free Bets Handicap Chase went the way of the 4/1 second favourite Beat The Boys. The grey gelding trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and ridden by Paddy Brennan put up a tremendous front running display to score by 14 lengths from Coq Hardi. The supporting Free Bets Handicap Hurdle (Limited Handicap) went to James De Vassy (11/1) ridden by Darryl Jacob for Welsh trainer Nick Williams with Nicholls’ Classic Swain a further four lengths back in second.

Dantari (16/1) provided a bit of a surprise in the two and a half mile Handicap Hurdle earlier in the day as did Olofi (10/1) in the three year old Hurdle. Finally the Bumper went the way of Cavingdon (8/1) who upset the red hot Nicholls favourite Murrell in the last race of the day.

Meanwhile over at Bangor the best race on the card saw the aptly trained Seven Is My Number maintain an upward curve with victory by the narrowest of margins in a driving finish between Timmy Murphy and AP McCoy (Khachaturian). The winner was a welcome success for Trainer David Pipe and Owner David Johnson in a race named after their 2008 John Smith’s winning Grand National Hero Comply Or Die.

Nicholls plots season for Stable Star’s

I was fortunate enough to visit Paul Nicholls’ stables in Ditcheat, Somerset last Tuesday (6 October) and can report that the most formidable National Hunt yard in the country including the ‘big four’ looks in tremendous form.

The Champion trainer has made no secret of his desire to prolong Kauto Star’s career for as long as possible by plotting relatively light campaign for the next couple of seasons. Kauto Star will have a maximum of three engagements with The King George at Kempton over Christmas and The Cheltenham Gold Cup in March being the obvious prime targets. That will just leave Kauto’s seasonal debut which is likely to be a choice of either Down Royal in Ireland on Saturday, 7 November or Haydock Park two weeks later for The Betfair Chase. Nicholls was favouring the earlier race but the weather may have the final say on the decision.

Denman is reported to be in rude health and a much happier horse than 12 months earlier. Nicholls is hopeful that the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner has returned to the form of two years ago and has been delighted with his recent schooling sessions at home. Denman may well kick off the season back at Newbury with a second crack at The Hennessey Cognac Gold Cup which he won back in 2007 although that will mean carrying automatic top weight in a potentially hot handicap. Other than that, plans remain fluid for the season with The Lexus Chase in Ireland a probable mid season target. All roads will then lead to a much anticipated decider with stable mate Kauto Star in the 2010 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup at The National Hunt Festival in March.

The Ditcheat handler has mapped out a very similar programme to that of last season for Master Minded which will take in all the top two mile championship races including The Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown. The Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot in February will be next before bidding to complete a hat trick in The Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham’s National Hunt Festival in March. One addition to six year olds targets for the year will be the newly framed £50’000 conditions chase at Cheltenham’s Open Meeting in November also sponsored by Nicholls stable sponsor Connaught.

With the Champion trainer having completely ruled out a return to chasing for at least another year, Big Buck’s (Pictured right)is likely to make his seasonal debut at Newbury for the three mile hurdle at Newbury on Hennessey Cognac Gold Cup day. Next will come The Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot just before Christmas followed by two trips to Cheltenham. Firstly for Festival trails day at the end of January, followed by a defence of his Ladbrokes World Hurdle crown at The 2010 National Hunt Festival.

Sea The Stars wins The Arc

Sea The Stars capped a magnificent season with a wonderful power packed display in France to capture The Qatar Prix de L’arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday (4 October).

The well backed 4/6 Favourite not only took on older horses but also many of the best from Europe and having pulled hard during the early part of the race produced a scintillating burst of speed during the final two furlongs to record his sixth Group 1 victory of the season for Trainer John Oxx, Owner Christopher Tsui and veteran jockey Mick Kinane.

Youmzain (20/1) who was completing a unique hat trick of second places in the race was just 2 lengths behind Sea The Stars at the winning post with Cavalry (12/1) and Frankie Dettori a head further back in third. Sea The Stars remains unbeaten as a three year old during 2009 and his career race statistics read nine races with eight victories, winning approximately £4 million in prize money.

Although no fixed decision has been made it is likely that Sea The Stars has run his last race with The Breeders Cup in America, on 7 November, the only temptation for connections before the end of the year. Once retired Sea The Stars will go to stud boasting an outstanding career record and will undoubtedly be worth Millions in terms of future breeding.

Party Politics sadly passes away

The 1992 Martell Grand National winner Party Politics has sadly been put to sleep aged 25 years old at his owner, Patricia Thompson’s, Stud at Chevley Park.

The giant gelding who also finished runner up in 1995 was a popular winner of the 1992 race when his topical name tied in with that year’s general election.

Party Politics was ridden by Carl Llewellyn on his big day for trainer Nick Gaselee beating Romany King and Richard Guest by two and a half lengths on a glorious sunny day. He also took part in the debacle void race of 1993 when pulling up after one circuit like so many others. After suffering from a breathing problem and missing the 1994 running he returned just as good as ever in 1995 when he and Mark Dwyer chased home Jenny Pitman’s Royal Athlete.

Sea The Stars wins The Coral Eclipse

Sea The Stars put up a gutsy display to win the one and a quarter mile Coral Eclipse at Sandown Park on 4 July. The 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby winner triumphed over Rip Van Winkle by just a length having been committed for home early by jockey Mick Kinane two furlongs out. Second favourite Conduit finished a further four and a half lengths back in third having never been able to reach the front two.

Returned Favourite at odds of 4/7 Sea The Stars is likely to next appear at York during August.

Royal Ascot has Vision on Day 2

Day 2 (Wednesday) of Royal Ascot was full of drama with last season’s French Derby winner Vision D’etat taking the feature Prince Of Wales’ Stakes.

In a thrilling blanket finish 4/1 shot Vision D’etat ridden by Olivier Peslier for trainer Eric Libaud came from last to first up the home straight to just head the well backed 6/4 favourite Tartan Bearer under Ryan Moore. Fellow Frenchman Never On Sunday (7/2) was close up in third just a head in front of the consistent Twice Over fourth.

Earlier in the afternoon their was a one-two for the Cheveley Park Stud when Spacious took the Windsor Forest Stakes under Johnny Murtagh beating the more fancied first string of the owners, Heaven Sent ridden by Ryan Moore. Trained by James Fanshawe the 10/1 Spacious had Eva’s Request back in third with the well backed Irish challenger Lush Lashes only sixth having been clearly beaten some way from home.

Murtagh went on to complete a double when the favourite for The Royal Hunt Cup, Forgotten Voice scored at 4/1 for trainer Jeremy Noseda. Huzzah was second with Mia’s Boy third and Nanton fourth. The winner looks a real Group 1 prospect for the future and was never in danger of losing at any stage during this normally competitive handicap.

The Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes was taken in impressive fashion by the American challenger Jealous Again under John Velazquez. The two year old trained by Wesley Ward, was completing a famous double over the last two days with Strike The Tiger winning the final race on Tuesday. Jealous Again at 13/2 made a procession of the Group 2 event well clear of runner-up Misheer with Ceedwell third.

Trainer Barry Hills won the opening Jersey Stakes with stable second string Ouqba at 12/1. The 5/1 favourite Inferaad ridden his son Richard finishing plumb last, however punters fared better in the finale (Sandringham Handicap) which was taken by Moneycantbuymelove at 9/2 favourite for Jamie Spencer and Oakes winning trainer Michael Bell.

Master shines on Royal Ascot Day 1

Day 1 of Royal Ascot got off to a flying start on Tuesday with some early Group 1 action.

Mastercraftsman and Delegator fought out a tremendous tussle in The Group 1 St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on Day One with Aidan O'Brien's charge just coming out on top for Johnny Murtagh having looked in trouble during the last two furlongs.

The race for the best three year old milers was run at a cracking pace with the O'Brien pace makers setting a fast gallop from the off. The runner-up Delegator ridden by Jimmy Fortune lost little in defeat but had to give way by a neck to the well backed 5/6 Favourite in the closing stages. Lord Shanakill finished a further length and a half back third to complete the placed horses.

Paco Boy took The Queen Anne Stakes for the older generation of milers winning by a length and a half from Cesare with Aqlaam third. Trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Richard Hughes Paco Boy came through to win easily under Hughes and was returned the 7/2 second favourite. The Favourite Gladiatorus was the big dissapointment of the race finishing well back having blazed the trail early on.

The King Stand Stakes, a five Furlong sprint which now forms the first leg of the Global Sprint Challenge, was taken by Australian sprinter Scenic Blast ridden by Steve Arnold. The 11/4 Favourite put in a powerful display to win from Fleeting Spirit who was second with Anglezarke back in third.

Scenic Blast's trainer Daniel Morton says that the horse is unlikely to take his chance in Saturday's Golden Jubilee Stakes.

The Group 2 Coventry Stakes was taken in impressive fashion by Canford Cliffs under Richard Hughes. The two year old trained by Richard Hannon, who completed a double on the day, made a procession of the first group contest of the season for that generation.

Canford Cliffs finished the well backed 7/4 favourite and finished well clear of runner-up Xtension with Rakaan third. The winner is quoted as low as 8/1 Favourite for next years 2000 Guineas.

Richard Hughes went on to complete a treble with 13/2 shot Judgethemoment in the two and a half Ascot Stakes for trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam. The jump race trainers taking the minor honours, Willie Mullins second with Sesenta and David Pipe third with Royal Rationaile.

It's Time for Royal Ascot

Royalty, Horses, Colour, Fashion and Noise are brought together like no other event in the world when Ascot opens its gates to the great and the good on Tuesday.

With four of England’s classic races having now past, this week signals the emergence of summer with a carnival of Hats, Champagne and Strawberries.

Royal Ascot is quite simply top of the list with regards to England’s finest society days. Champion Racehorses, Trainers and Jockeys are watched and enjoyed as the packed crowds sip their Pimms on the lawns or dine on Lobster and fine wine in the Hospitality areas.

Around 300,000 members of the general public are joined by Royalty, Celebrities and Millionaires as a very public punt happens on 30 races over five days in Royal Berkshire. A unique mixture of Handicaps and 17 Group Races are staged over distances from 5 Furlongs to 2 ½ Miles as horses from all over the world compete for the £4 million pounds of prize money on offer. The seven Group one contests though the week make this meeting one of the finest on the planet as does Ascot Heath itself and the lovely the Windsor Great Park backdrop.

Sea The Stars wins The Derby

Sea The Stars became the 230th Epsom Derby hero on Saturday, 5th June 2009, winning for trainer John Oxx and jockey Mick Kinane. Owned by Christopher Tsui, the 11/4 second favourite beat the Aidan O’Brien trained Fame And Glory, the 9/4 Favourite ridden by Seamus Heffernan, into second place by 1 ¾ lengths. 16/1 shot Masterofthehorse, also trained by O’Brien was a further Neck back in third.

Sea The Stars, having been keen early on was settled just behind the leaders in the early stages as Aidan O’Brien’s Chester Vase winner Golden Sword took them along. Once into the straight, it was Golden Sword who kicked on again from Age Of Aquarius who soon dropped away before Sea The Stars cruised into the lead during the final furlong to lengthen away to win impressively from Fame And Glory and Masterofthehorse with Rip Van Winkle fourth.

Sea The Stars was Jockey Mick Kinane’s third win in The Derby following Commander In Chief (1993) and Galileo (2001) on his 21st ride, whilst trainer John Oxx was recording his second victory after Sinndar in 2000.

Sariska wins The Oaks

Sariska trained by Michael Bell and ridden by Jamie Spencer was a narrow winner of The Oaks at Epsom this afternoon (Friday).

In a tremendous tussle with Henry Cecil's filly Midday, the 9/4 Favourite battled on strongly to win by a head with High Heeled a further 2 1/2 lengths back in third with the fancied Rainbow View only fourth.

Sariska having settled well in the midfield throughout the race came there to take it up with four furlongs to go and bravely held off the challengers. However connections could not immediately celebrate with Sariska having to endure a lengthy Stweards Inquiry following some minor interference at around the three furlong mark.

Lucky thirteen for Epsom Derby

All thirteen horses stood their ground for the Epsom Derby on Saturday with the bookmakers now heading the market with 2000 guineas winner Seas The Stars at 11/4 generally.

Long time anti-post favourite Fame And Glory is on the drift at 4/1 with stable mate Rip Van Winkle (the choice of stable jockey Johnny Murtagh) shortening to 4/1. The latter two horses are joined by four other Aidan O’Brien representatives in Black Bear Island, Masterofthehorse, Age Of Aquarius and Golden Sword.

Sea The Stars’ old rival Gan Amhras is fourth in the market at 7/1 whilst the field is made up with Kite Wood for Frankie Dettori, one time favourite Crowded House, South Easter, Montaff and Dubussy.

Racing mourns the death of Vincent O’Brien

Legendary Irish Trainer Vincent O’Brien sadly passed away late on Monday 1st June 2009 at his home in County Kildare aged 92.

Possibly horseracing’s greatest ever trainer O’Brien enjoyed unparalleled success both on the flat and over jumps winning all the major races under both codes.

He won the Epsom Derby six times with Larkspur (1962), Sir Ivor (1968), Nijinsky (1970), Roberto (1972), The Minstrel (1977) and Golden Fleece (1982) four of which were ridden by Lester Piggott with whom he had such a fruitful partnership.

On the flat he also tasted success in the Prix de I’Arc de Triomphe three times, The Breeders Cup mile and the Washington DC International as well as many multiple wins in the Irish classics.

Over Jumps O’Brien won three consecutive Grand National’s from 1953-1955 with Early Mist, Royal Tan and Quare Times whilst also clocking up 23 Cheltenham Festival winners including four Cheltenham Gold Cups (Cottage Rake 1948-1950 and Knock Hard 1953) plus three Champion Hurdles with the great Hatton’s Grace (1949-1951).

He retired in October 1994 having held a license to train for 51 years.

Hobbs horses enjoying their summer break

Gni Bry was travelling around his home county of Somerset last weekend and couldn’t resist quickly snapping a photo of Philip Hobbs’ jumping string out in the fields near Minehead whilst enjoying a well deserved summer break.

The horses were basking in the brilliant sunshine, taking a pick of grass and very much enjoying their freedom.

Derby picture becoming clearer?

Just twenty horses remain on target for The 2009 Epsom Derby on Saturday 6th June following the latest forfeit stage with Aidan O’Brien dominating matters at the head of the market.

The Champion Irish trainer still has nearly half the field with no less than nine horses engaged for the most famous English classic. His chances include the fancied Fame And Glory, Rip Van Winkle, Black Bear Island, Freemantle and Masterofthehorse with the contingent completed by Age Of Aquarius, Golden Sword, Johann Zoffary and Malibu Bay.

Newmarket 2000 guineas winner Sea The Stars heads the challengers to O’Brien’s domination for trainer John Oxx and currently shares favouritism on some books with Fame And Glory.

Meanwhile Gan Amhras is one of three potential challengers for last years winning trainer Jim Bolger and he is joined by stable mates Toraidhe and Fergus Mciver.

One time anti-post favourite Crowded House remains on course to participate following his disappointing reappearance for which there now appear a legitimate reason. Trainer Brian Meehan stating that his well being will be monitored until a decision is made nearer the time.

Whilst Frankie Dettori’s likely mount looks likely to be Kite Wood from the Saeed Bin Suroor stable. Outsiders South Easter, Montaff, Loch Long, Debussy and Father Time complete the line up.

There were no particular surprise withdrawals with Harbinger and Nehaam both being taken out by their respective trainers as expected. Harbinger’s trainer, Michael Stoute, sighting his horses’ lack of experience as the main reason for the defection.

Black Bear Island wins The Dante at York

Black Bear Island put himself firmly in The 2009 Epsom Derby picture and strengthened the chance of Aidan O'Brien's powerful yard winning yet another classic when triumphing in today's Dante Stakes at York.

The 12/1 shot under Colm O’Donoghue scored by just a head from his better fancied stable mate Freemantle ridden by Johnny Murtagh in the 1 mile and 2 furlong contest. Sir Robert Ogden’s Sans Frontieres was third in a very tightly packed field at the line.

O’Brien seems to hold all the aces for Epsom with Fame And Glory, Rip Van Winkle, Age Of Aquarius and Masterofthehorse all featuring prominently in the Derby betting already.

Disappointment of the race was undoubtedly, The Racing Post Trophy winner and favourite, Crowded House partnered by Jamie Spencer, who could only finish 8th for trainer Brian Meehan. Godolphin's promising Kite Wood was also down the field in 5th but was reported to have needed the run.

Dante Stakes may hold key to The Deby

Today's Dante Stakes at York will undoubtedly provide some vital clues for the forthcoming 2009 Epsom Derby.

The 1 mile and 2 furlong contest sees the eagerly awaited return of The Racing Post Trophy winner Crowded House partnered by Jamie Spencer for trainer Brian Meehan. He heads the market generally at 6/4 with both Godolphin's Kite Wood and Freemantle from Aiden O'Brien's powerful yard at around the 13/2 mark.

Others, also engaged in this mouth watering contest, who feature high on the Derby anti-post lists include Black Bear Island and Nehaam.

An excellent race looks in prospect with no excuses on the forecast good ground.

Sanska stakes a claim for The Oaks

York's Dante Stakes Meeting kicked off today with a good performance from Sanska at 3/1 in the Musidora Stakes.

The filly pulled away under jockey Jamie Spencer in the closing stages to win by 3 3/4 lengths from Star Ruby in second.

Trainer Michael Bell will now send Sanska for a crack at The Oaks with little doubt in his mind that the filly will stay the extra distance at Epsom.

The favourite for the race, Enticement owned by Her Majesty the Queen and trained by Sir Michael Stoute, could not get near the winner on the good ground with connections sighting that everthing happened too quickly for her.

National Hunt Season 2009/2010 off and running.

It may feel like we are at the end of the National Hunt Season with many of the big names going out to grass for their Summer Holidays but technically a new season has just begun.

Last Saturday saw the first big race of the season with Joe Jo Star winning The Toteswinger Swinton Handicap Hurdle over two miles at Haydock Park. The gelding triumphed for jockey Brian Hughes and trainer Richard Fahey at 16/1.

Other notable winners on the mixed card of Jumping and Flat included Elzahann under jockey Graham Lee in the Long Distance Hurdle and first time Novice Chaser Font who won for Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls and top jockey Ruby Walsh.

There will be many summer jumps meetings over the forthcoming weeks and months with the real action kicking back in around October and November.

It's Punchestown 2009

Cheltenham and Aintree may have come and gone but there are still many equine stars to enjoy over the next five days with some top class racing at the Punchestown Festival in Ireland.

Today (Tuesday) sees the appearance of the top rated Chaser in training, Master Minded (Right), as well as promising novices Hurricane Fly and Cooldine. All three co-incidentally are ridden by Ruby Walsh who looks as though he may enjoy a tremendous day.

The action continues all the way through the week with the promise of more top class horses and action over the next few days.

2008/09 Season over

The 2008/09 National Hunt Season finished yesterday (Saturday) at Sandown Park with the Bet365 Gold Cup taking centre stage. Another vintage Tony McCoy ride aboard Hennessey aptly capped a yet another Championship for the greatest Jockey we have ever seen.

Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls was also presented with his fourth Trainers Championship and was also in the winners enclosure with Twist Magic who deputised for the re-routed Master Minded.

Top rated Chaser Kauto Star and Hurdler Big Bucks were also on display but just in a parading capacity as a big crowd enjoyed the April sunshine.

GNi Bry's weekend

From childhood my favourite Saturday of the year has always been Grand National day. Better than Christmas and better than Birthday’s simple as that. This year was no exception especially as Mrs E and I were able to leave the kids in good hands and travel to Warrington (just off the M6/M56) for a couple of nights away during the big Aintree Festival.

Having enjoyed Friday’s racing we were up early on Saturday for Breakfast and getting ready, leaving the hotel at around 10.00am to make the short journey up the M62/M57 and into Liverpool. We took the wonderful Park and Ride from the Showcase Cinema and were on course before 11.00am having undergone the rigorous security that now greets you on entry to the racecourse.

We took the opportunity to walk the course before racing and see those wonderful landmark fences close up, an experience which the missus surprisingly enjoyed having been tipped off for the correct footwear. Once complete after just over an hour we made our way into The County Stand enclosure meeting with some friends and enjoying a glass or two pre-racing. Next some betting and a chance to watch all the build up races as the atmosphere is buzzing with Tony McCoy on the board and riding Don’t Push It to victory just under an hour before the big one.

Finally it’s here, and we have a superb position to watch from The County Stand Roof thanks to my lovely wife who has patiently spotted a gap after the finish of the last race. We watch the parade, the false starts and finally they are off for ten minutes of excitement, drama, thrills and spills. The Public Address is sadly rubbish but at least we have the big screens to pick out the action as they disappear down towards Bechers, a long way away from the packed Grandstands. Back in front of us they clear The Chair and The Water before completing their second circuit with Mon Mome bringing them home in a shock victory at 100/1.

Suddenly Aintree is subdued, shocked by the winner but also longing for it not to be over and wishing it could all happen again. Exactly 12 months to wait as we skip the last and head back towards the Park and Ride which we make in good time before returning to the Hotel at just after 6.00pm. A quick reflection, some 2009 souvenirs’ and a freshen up as we head off to Liverpool for an evening at the Albert Docks taking in some of the sights and sounds of the post race crowd who in some cases have overdone the enjoyment.

A wonderful day out even though we never backed a winner, the magic that only Aintree and The John Smith’s Grand National can bring. Roll on 2010!

Longest priced winner since 1967

Mon Mome at 100/1 became the longest priced Grand National winner since Foinavon over 40 years earlier at Aintree last Saturday as Horseracings big day provided the biggest shock in recent history.

Turning for home there were 15 horses grouping up to challenge in one of the most potentially open finishes in many years including rank outsiders Arteea and Cerium who had come from off the pace.

Mon Mome and Comply Or Die then came through to battle it out as they jumped the last with My Will and State Of Play just behind them. Mon Mome then streaked away up the run-in with the crowd reaching for the race cards in disbelief. Comply Or Die ran a terrific race in second with My Will third and State Of Play fourth as 17 horses finished in the sunshine baked across Aintree.

Miss Venetia Williams became only the second female to train the winner following in the footsteps of Jenny Pitman whilst young Jockey Liam Treadwell had won the race at his first attempt for owner Mrs Vida Bingham. Sadly Hear The Echo was a fatality on the run-in having collapsed with a heart attack as all other horses and jockeys returned safely.

No luck for AP McCoy

Tony McCoy could only finish seventh on favourite Butler’s Cabin in The 2009 John Smith's Grand National and he will have to wait another 12 months at least before trying again.

AP’s 14th attempt at winning the Aintree showpiece was on board the Jonjo O’Neill trained and J P McManus owned gelding who had travelled well until second Bechers a year earlier only to capsize when reaching the front.

McCoy was once again well supported and started as the 7/1 favourite on the day following much public support. His mount collapsed after the line through exhaustion but was revived with oxygen.

Mon Mome wins the Grand National 2009

What a race, action from the start with two false starts before they were finally underway. With Black Apalachi out front from the off until he unseated his rider nearing home.

Who would have believed it, the 100-1 shot Mon Mome storming away to win the Grand National 2009.

Winning Trainer - Venetia Williams
Winning Jockey - Liam Treadwell

I will provide a more detailed report in the next few days.

GNi Bry’s Grand National Tip 2009

“So Gni Bry thinks he is the expert on The John Smith’s Grand National so here are his selections for the big race at Aintree.”

The Grand National has changed dramatically over the past twenty years with modifications to the fences and additional prize money being offered. In the days of Red Rum, Corbiere and West Tip it was vital to be proven as a class animal able to carry weight and jump supremely well. Those days have changed and whilst you still need to be able to cope with Aintree’s unique fences many more horses line up with a chance than they used to.

Recent statistics have pointed to those horses allocated with less than 11 stone on the day therefore providing a negative to this years anti-post favourites Black Apalachi and My Will. I would love to see My Will win for Paul Nicholls, a good friend of mine, but sorry Paul I fear you may have to wait another year for your first taste of National success.

Two horses fit the bill for me and I find it very hard to split them. Firstly Rambling Minster who is beautifully weighted and comes here off the back of two recent successes at Cheltenham and Haydock. The gelding is now 11 years old, ideal for this race, is a proven stayer who, if he gets into a rhythm and takes to the fences, may well be difficult to catch. The slight downside with Rambling Minster is the lack of Aintree experience for both horse and his young jockey James Reveley.

The second horse and Gni Bry’s Tip for the race is Butler’s Cabin, down to carry 10 stone 13 lbs and the mount of Champion Jockey Tony ‘AP’ McCoy. He has run in the National before, falling at second Bechers last year when travelling well under the champ. He has previously won an Irish National and won the four mile chase at The Cheltenham Festival two years ago. He had a wonderful prep run at Cheltenham recently finishing fifth in The Kim Muir Chase over an inadequate three miles and trainer Jonjo O’Neill will have had this race in mind all year. There are however a couple of negatives with French bred horses having an appalling record in the National and of course the AP factor? Tony McCoy, like so many champions before him has a bad record in the race and Butler’s Cabin must overcome his jinx. Like so many other racing fans, I would be delighted to see the wonderful career of the greatest jockey we have ever seen (and one who has recorded over 3000 winners) capped by victory at Aintree in the worlds greatest race very soon, preferably on Saturday. “Come on AP!”

Finally if you are looking for some each way value, can I point you in the direction of Himalayan Trail? The gelding formally trained by Sue Smith won the Midlands National last year and has since moved to Ireland. He has again been kept with this race in mind by his shrewd trainer and I would not be surprised to see him shorten considerably nearer to off time.

Gni Bry’s 1-2-3-4

1st Butler’s Cabin
2nd Rambling Minster
3rd Himalayan Trail
4th My Will

It's here at last! Aintree Festival 2009

Finally it has arrived, The 2009 Aintree Festival commences on Thursday and all eyes focus on Liverpool. Equine stars such as Denman and Big Bucks kick off the meeting on Thursday with the amateurs taking their chances over the big fences in the Foxhunters Chase later in the afternoon. Friday is Ladies day and the Melling Chase is the highlight as Voy Por Ustedes looks for a repeat success in the race. Finally all roads lead to Saturday and The 2009 John Smith’s Grand National itself.

What of the big race, well last years triumphant team of Comply Or Die, jockey Timmy Murphy and trainer David Pipe will be back attempting to win back to back Nationals for the first time since Red Rum. All conquering Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls has a very good chance with My Will who was recently fifth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup behind stable mates Kauto Star and Denman. Butler’s Cabin, who tipped up last year at second Bechers when travelling very well, will also be very popular choice if ridden by Champion jockey Tony ‘AP’ McCoy. The Irish have done incredibly well in recent times with six winners coming from the Emerald Isle in the past decade. This year, there best chance looks to be with long time anti-post favourite Black Apalachi, winner of the Becher Chase run over the National fences back in November.

A wonderful re-newel looks to be in prospect then and one thing is for sure that the event will be viewed all over the world to a 600 million TV audience. All horse racing fans hope for an exciting race, a wonderful spectacle of colour and noise and most importantly of all a safe journey for all the brave horses and jockeys who line up for this unique test with the hope of taking their place in History.

A Race for History

On Saturday 4 April 2009 the world’s greatest steeplechase, The John Smith’s Grand National will once again take place at Aintree in Liverpool. No other horse race captures the public imagination like the National with thousands of once a year punters flocking to the bookmakers for a Nation wide punt. The National itself is now well over 150 years old with the aptly named Lottery being the first winner way back in 1839. During its history the race has managed to conjure up many wonderful stories of both triumph and despair that make the event truly the people’s race.

Red Rum remains the most successful horse in the history of the race running in it for five years in succession, winning three times (1973,74 and 77) and finishing runner-up in the other two (1975 and 76). Rummy (statue at Aintree pictured right) who became a house hold name opening fetes and campaigning to save Aintree racecourse from closure with his trainer Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain during the seventies was trained on Southport Beach and stables behind a used car showroom. His triumph over the brilliant Australian chaser Crisp in 1973 probably still remains the greatest Grand National of all time.

Who could forget the triumph of Bob Champion and Aldaniti in 1981 with both horse and rider overcoming life threatening conditions to triumph over the big fences? Their fairytale story was made into a best selling novel and a multi million pound box-office film telling the story of how Champion had recovered from Testicular Cancer, diagnosed two years earlier fighting for his life with the promise from trainer Josh Gifford that if fit and well he would partner Aldaniti in the race.

Jenny Pitman remains the only female to have trained the winner of the race saddling the popular chestnut Corbiere back in 1983 and repeating the feat with Royal Athlete twelve years later in 1995. She was also responsible for the first past the post in 1993 when Esha Ness won ‘the |National that never was’, the race being declared void after three shambolic false starts.

Expect the unexpected is very much the motto of the National and who will ever forget Devon Loch, running in the colours of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, tragically slipping and falling when clear on the run-in with just 50 yards to go in 1956. Or the greatest shock result of them all in 1967 when the entire field were stopped by a loose horse at the 23rd Fence with exception of the 100/1 outsider Foinavon who went on to triumph under John Buckingham. A similar circumstance also witnessed in 2001 when, with appalling wet conditions, much of the filed was halted at The Canal Turn with just two horse finishing without mishap, Red Marauder and Smarty. 1997 brought a bomb scare with 60’000 people being evacuated out onto the course less than an hour before the ultimately abandoned race, Lord Gyllene winning two days later in the only ever National to be run on a Monday.

GNi Bry hosts Grand National Dinner

Paul Nicholls was the guest of honour at this year’s Grand National Preview Dinner held at Somerset CCC, Taunton on Friday 27 March 2009.

The Champion Trainer gave a wonderful interview with host Bryan Enticott on his Aintree Festival chances this year including an update on anti-post favourite My Will in the big race itself. He also reflected on his magnificent achievement of five winners at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival where stable stars Kauto Star and Denman filled the first two places home in the Gold Cup.

In a Question and Answer session along with GNi Bry, Nicholls also addressed questions about his early career as a jockey aswell as talking about the pressures of modern day training and his desire to send out a constant stream of winners.

The evening concluded with a Raffle in aid of the Conquest Centre (Riding for the Disabled) at Norton Fitzwarren with £1000 being raised for the charity over the course of the evening, incidentally a figure Nicholls has agreed to double should he be successful in the National next Saturday with one of his four horses.

No Character in this year's National

Character Building, one of the leading fancies for The 2009 John Smith's Grand National will not now line up due to a setback in his final preparations. The nine year old grey has recently sustained a foot injury and missed his intended work last week. After winning at The Cheltenham Festival recently, the gelding had been as low as 12/1 with the bookmakers for success at Aintree. Character Building is now likely to be re-routed to either the Irish or Scottish Nationals later in April.

Kauto Star takes gold again

Kauto Star capped a wonderful Cheltenham Festival for Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls taking The Gold Cup in impressive fashion under Ruby Walsh. The stable are in cracking form with stablemates Denman finishing second, Neptune Collonges fourth and My Will fifth.

Nicholls saddled no less than five winners over the week, joining Kauto Star in victory were American Trilogy (County Hurdle), Big Bucks (World Hurdle), Chapoturgeon (Jewson Chase)and Master Minded (Champion Chase). Walsh partnered an astonishing seven horses to victory during the four days.

Pictured right is GNi Bry with the great Kauto Star.

Master Minded wins Champion Chase

Master Minded is National Hunt Horse Racings highest rated chaser at present and it is easy to see why. This season the French bred horse has run three times and won three times culminating in a win at The Cheltenham Festival in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday. The horse was winning the race for the second year running for Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls and owner Clive Smith and all being well will bid for a third victory in March 2010.

Unbelievably the gelding is still only six years old, an age when many horses are just starting their chasing careers and surely given an injury free passage will go on to become one of the greats. However, Aintree and The John Smith’s Grand National are highly unlikely ever to appear on Master Minded’s agenda with the distance of four and a half miles, plus a certain 12 stone to carry in a handicap, being way beyond his favoured distance of just two miles.

GNi Bry was lucky enough to get the chance the meet the great horse down at Nicholls stables in Ditcheat, Somerset earlier in the season.

Cheltenham Festival

With the John Smith's Grand National and the Aintree Festival now under three weeks away, the National Hunt horseracing season now begins its stunning spring climax. This week all attention turns to the Cheltenham Festival at Prestbury Park which will stage no less than 26 races, many of them Championship contests to establish the best current chasers and hurdlers from the UK, Ireland and France. There is a feature event on each day with The Champion Hurdle taking centre stage on Tuesday and The Gold Cup being the pinacle of the meeting staged on Friday.

There will undoubtedly be many Grand National clues available during the staying chases on the card with all the top Trainers and Jockeys lining up with their best horses during the week.

GNi Bry will be involved over the next four days and will keep you posted.

Will AP McCoy ever win the National?

Champion National Hunt Jockey Tony ‘AP’ McCoy must get sick of the attention every April when the British media remind him that The John Smith’s Grand National is the only big race missing from his already impressive CV.

As well as AP, many other legendary Champion Jockeys such as Josh Gifford, Stan Mellor, Terry Biddlecombe, Jonjo O’Neill, John Francome and Peter Scudamore have all struggled in the Aintree showpiece over the past five decades with none of them recording a single victory in the race. Richard Dunwoody has been the most successful champ with two victories aboard West Tip (1986) and Miinnehoma (1994).

McCoy has ridden in the race 13 times and completing the course on just four occasions (one of them having re-mounted). His best finishing position is third which he has filled on three occasions, twice on Blowing Wind in 2001 and 2002 as well as with Clan Royal in 2006. Bechers has been his nemesis in recent years with Clan Royal being carried out there by a loose horse in 2005 and Butler’s Cabin falling when travelling near the leaders 12 months ago.

AP will have a choice of rides again this year for owner JP McManus with Butler’s Cabin his likely mount again. Will 2009 be his lucky year? Well GNi Bry thinks it just might be, and told him so recently when meeting ‘The Champ’ at Paul Nicholls stables in Somerset. (Pictured above)

AP McCoy Record in The Grand National

Year Horse Finished
1995 Chatam Fell (12th)
1996 Deep Bramble PU (29th)
1997 No Ride (injured)
1998 Challenger Du Luc Fell (1st)
1999 Eudipe Fell (22nd)
2000 Dark Stranger UR (3rd)
2001 Blowing Wind Third place
2002 Blowing Wind Third place
2003 Iris Bleu PU (16th)
2004 Jurancon II Fell (4th)
2005 Clan Royal CO (22nd)
2006 Clan Royal Third place
2007 L’ami Tenth place
2008 Butler’s Cabin Fell (22nd)

Rambling Minster triumphs at Haydock Park

The latest John Smith’s Grand National clues were revealed at Haydock Park Racecourse on Valentines Day with this years running of the Blue Square Gold Cup Handicap Chase.

On Heavy going and with three Miles and a half to cover, Rambling Minster took the spoils with a superb jumping display for jockey James Reveley and his father, trainer Keith at a massive 18/1. The horse having taken it up from the 11th fence stayed on strongly in the closing stages of the race to deny the 9/2 favourite Coe by three and a half lengths with former Welsh Grand National hero Miko De Beauchene a further half length back in third. Of the other fancied runners both Nenuphar Collonges and Character Building ridden by Champion Jockey Tony McCoy never really got themselves into the race

The race, normally a reasonable guide for Aintree and The John Smith’s Grand National, did however loose a little of its spectacle with the withdrawal of 2008 National hero Comply Or Die, trained by David Pipe, the horse having scoped dirty on the day before racing.

Bookmakers were reasonably impressed with the winner quoting him as low as 20/1 for the Aintree marathon in April.

Weights for John Smith’s Grand National released

The weights for The 2009 John Smith’s Grand National were announced at a Luncheon at The Sheraton Park Lane London on Tuesday 10th February 2009. Handicapper Phil Smith unveiled the list of entries for the 2009 renewal with last year’s hero Comply Or Die trained by David Pipe being allocated 10 stone 12 lbs and 2007 winner Silver Birch being given 10st 6lbs.

With Denman having been declared a non starter by Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls, the weekend before, it was Exotic Dancer from Jonjo O’Neill’s stable that has been allocated top weight of 11st 10 lbs with Pipe’s Madison Du Berlais next on 11st 8lbs. Exotic Dancer is just one of several possible mounts for the Champion Jockey Tony ‘AP’ McCoy who is more likely to ride a representative of his boss J P McManus. The powerful Irish owner has several entries, the strongest of which could prove to be either Butler’s Cabin (10st 5lbs) or King Johns Castle (10st 10lbs).

Other Irish notable entries include recent Welsh National winner Notre Pere, the highest rated emerald Isle challenger on 11st 4lbs along with former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition (11st 1lb). Chelsea Harbour who ran very well for a long way last year is allocated 11st as is the Third placed Snowy Morning. Whilst on 10st 11lbs are recent Becher Chase winner Black Apalachi and Irish National winner Hear The Echo.

The Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls has no less than nine entries with the novice Big Fella Thanks attracting most attention with his mark of 10t 7lbs. Bookmaker reaction to the weights was to install Black Apalachi and Butler’s Cabin as the 16/1 joint favourites with 20/1 Bar these two.

Prize fund now £900,000 for The John Smith's Grand National

The prize fund for the 2009 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree has been increased by £100,000 to £900,000.

Horse Racing's show piece event will as usual be run over four and a half miles with its 30 famous fences, takes place at 4.15pm on Saturday, April 4.

Have you placed your bet yet? If not check out some of the great offers being made by Ladbrokes at the moment, great early odds on the Grand National.

Also you will soon be able to buy all 40 years colour history for only 99p per year. This makes a great gift, birthday present, fathers day present or even an early Christmas present.

Notre Pere wins The Welsh National – 27/12/08

Festive Horse Racing was the order of the day at Chepstow on the 27th December as the 3 Mile 5 Furlong Coral Welsh National once again produced a spectacle for the Holiday crowd on the Soft going. The race is normally a very good form guide for Aintree and The John Smith’s Grand National and this year could prove no exception with the Irish celebrating their first ever victory in the race with Notre Pere.

Notre Pere , at odds of 16/1, scored by an impressive 7 Lengths under jockey Andy Lynch for trainer Jim Dreaper in the 20 runner line up after being held up in midfield through the early part of the race, then improving after the 15th fence and challenging up the home straight. The Irish challenger then stayed on strongly in the closing stages with the Paul Nicholls trained Cornish Sett finishing fast to snatch the runner up position from Halcon Genelardais back in third. The third horse having run another fantastic race with top weight having previously been first and second in the last two runnings. Favourites Mon Mome and Nenuphar Collonges were never really in it having made early jumping errors.

The winner looks an ideal Aintree type however; connections have stated that they may miss The Grand National this year in favour of a crack at The Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. Aintree 2010 looking the more likely option for a tilt at the big one!

Black Apalachi triumphs in Becher Chase

A tremendous Becher Chase last Sunday (23 Nov) saw two of last years Grand National field finish first and second in severely testing conditions at Aintree as the build continues towards The 2009 John Smith’s Grand National in April.

Dessie Hughes trained the winner Black Apalachi who crashed out at the second fence in the spring in the race won by Comply or Die. This time ridden by the talented young Irishman Denis O’Regan, Black Apalachi was right up there from the start leading them over The Chair and jumping beautifully around the one and a half circuits of the track. With the other fancied Irish challengers, 5/1 Fav, A New Story (Fell 11th) and Southern Vic (Unseated at Canal Turn) departing from the race it was last years Becher Chase hero’s Mr Pointment and Sam Thomas, held up in rear early on, who plotted a skilled inside route over the fearsome fences creeping into the race to get within 3 lengths of the winner with two to jump.

Their Challenge fell away though in the Heavy ground to leave Black Apalachi to come home as he pleased, with Mr Pointment in fact bizarrely stopping to a walk on the run-in before being joined by Oulart, also trained by Hughes, who had to settle for third in the end having been re-passed by the second in the dying strides. All three are likely to return come April if you fancy an anti-post flutter, however conditions are likely to be vastly different.

Comply or Die on the comeback trail

2008 Grand National Winner Comply or Die returned to racecourse action recently at Cheltenham on Saturday 15 November contesting the 3 miles 3 furlong Handicap Chase and shouldering second top weight. It was plain for all to see after a circuit that the horse was not travelling at all, a similar story to his first run at the same course last season.

So will he be able to defend his crown? Well, it will be tough as firstly the record books shows that only the remarkable Red Rum in recent times has won back to back Nationals and that was 35 years ago in 1974. Add to this the additional weight he will undoubtedly be allocated when the weights are announced in February and he already looks up against it.

On the positives, this was his first run of the season for which he will no doubt strip fitter for the benefit of a run. The distance was a mile and a furlong short of the Aintree marathon with fewer fences. It is also fair to say that trainer David Pipe’s stable is going through it a bit of a lean spell at present; however the biggest factor for Comply or Die was probably the blinkers which were purposely missing at Prestbury Park. The horse has always run well in the headgear and I’m sure they will be refitted come April when the horse is fully wound up for his long term objective, a second crack at the National. If you fancy him to be victorious again he’s currently offered anti-post at around 16/1 with most Bookmakers.

Will Denman run in the 2009 Grand National?

‘If ever a horse were made for Aintree its Denman’. That has been the comments from many an expert involved with racing over the past couple of years. But will the big horse nicknamed ‘the tank’ by his owner Harry Finley ever take his chance at Aintree?

Having beaten stable mates Kauto Star and Neptune Collenges in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup the horse came back into training this year with the Blue Riband of the Festival as his No 1 target. This still remains the aim however; things have not all gone to plan thus far. After appearing laboured in his work Denman was sent for tests during September where it was found he was suffering from an irregular heartbeat. Since then this has happily been corrected and the horse is now back in full work with a view to having one prep-run prior to Cheltenham.

Will he run? My personal view, having spoken to Paul Nicholls is that the horse could possibly take his chance particularly if getting beaten in the Gold Cup? However, if he were to win, surely the lure of putting him away for a Triple Gold Cup bid in 2010 would be too much for Messrs Nicholls, Finley and Barber. They may well argue the horse could still run at Aintree in the big one after that potential record breaking bid next season.

Currently, trading at 16/1 Favourite in the anti-post lists, I’m sure the debate will run throughout the winter and right up to the spring. It would be wonderful to see him line up.