Connections of three fine Irish steeplechasers are not happy about the weight they’ve been given by the British handicapperGoodness, Gigginstown have reacted badly to the weights set for this year’s Grand National. Three fine chasers owned by Michael O’Leary’s stud have been given ratings a couple of pounds higher than their Irish marks, with the result that all might skip the race in April. Continue reading...
Gordon Elliott and Michael O’Leary have some talking to do before settling plans for the big spring steeplechasesAmid all the talk from trainers at the Grand National weights launch last night, the most significant line related to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Gordon Elliott, who trains several excellent chasers for Michael O’Leary these days, said that, if he gets his way, Empire Of Dirt will run in the Gold Cup rather than the Ryanair at next month’s Cheltenham Festival. Continue reading...
Got a long-range fancy for the National? See where he figures in our predicted list of weights to be carried in the Aintree raceSo it’s ‘Grand National weights’ day, which means I’ve had my annual go at guessing what Phil Smith will do with the 110 entrants for this year’s race (to be run in April, for those who don’t know). My guesses are below, while Phil will unveil his definitive rulings on the subject during a ballyhoo at the V&A tonight. Continue reading...
Empire Of Dirt will be fancied for the Grand National after his Troytown success. Our man has mixed feelingsI was just a teensy bit gutted to see that Empire Of Dirt won the Troytown yesterday, given that he was my long-range fancy for the Grand National but as yet unbacked in that capacity. His Aintree odds will now be shorter, of course, but I almost feel they should be longer because of what yesterday’s success will do to his handicap mark. Continue reading...
The 2001 Grand National winner is no longer with us but memories of his bravery live onSo, farewell then, Red Marauder. At the age of 26, the Grand National winner of 2001 has left us, having reached an excellent age for a thoroughbred racehorse. Continue reading...