AINTREE was fabulous yesterday. Quality racing on perfect ground, and not too big a crowd, so getting to the bar was easy! Of our Daily Punt horses, Activial folded tamely but Claret Cloak ran well to be third. Maybe the race just came too soon after Cheltenham. The racing looks more open on day two …[Read More]
04
Apr 2014
Daily Punt: Aintree Ladies’ Day
Jason Heavey | No comments | Tags: Aintree, Baltimore Rock, Daily Punt, Grand National, Stonebrook, Tatenen
03
Apr 2014
Daily Punt: Activial to light up Aintree
I’M off to Aintree today for the start of the Grand National meeting. It’s an excellent card although a couple of the Grade Ones have cut up a little. But one race that is almost as strong as the Triumph Hurdle is the opener. Harry Fry bypassed Cheltenham with ACTIVIAL (above) to wait for today’s …[Read More]
11
Feb 2014
2014 Crabbie’s Grand National weights unveiled
TIDAL BAY will carry top weight of 11st 10lb in the 2014 Crabbie’s Grand National on April 5 after the weights were unveiled in London. Although he will have to carry the welter burden, Paul Nicholls’ veteran has been given a solid chance by handicapper Phil Smith, especially having stayed on into second over an …[Read More]
06
Dec 2013
Saturday selections: Midnight has plenty of Appeal
JUMPING will be the name of the game over the big fences at Aintree on Saturday with both the Becher Chase and the Grand Sefton over the shorter trip. The standout bet is in the latter race where MIDNIGHT APPEAL could be just the type for Liverpool. Wayne Hutchinson got a lovely tune out of …[Read More]
25
Oct 2013
Arthurian the stuff of Legend
HORSES for courses is a well-worn cliché but when it comes to finding winners it is a reliable system. Desert Orchid always looked unbeatable at Kempton, Bobs Worth has a growing love affair with Cheltenham while Red Rum and Aintree are embedded in racing folklore. On a more modest scale is ARTHURIAN LEGEND and Chepstow. …[Read More]
04
Apr 2013
The Grand National: Tears and tantrums
THE scream was piercing. Then there was silence. The remaining horses had already streamed over the Canal Turn but most people’s thoughts and hearts were back at Becher’s Brook. The screaming woman was now in tears. Real, stinging tears. And she was not alone… This was 1987. It was my first Grand National. But to …[Read More]
Jason Heavey | One comment | Tags: According To Pete, Aintree, Aldaniti, Alverton, Andy Pandy, Becher's Brook, Corbiere, Dark Ivy, Gordon Richards, Grand National, Jenny Pitman, Maori Venture, Mick Fitzgerald, Neptune Collonges, Nicolaus Silver, Phil Tuck, Rag Trade, Red Marauder, Red Rum, Rough Quest, Synchronised, West Tip
28
Mar 2013
Charlie McCann’s Grand National Pinstickers’ Guide
STRUGGLING to settle on a horse for the 2013 John Smith’s Grand National? In a special Pinstickers’ Guide, Charlie McCann, PR supremo at BetVictor, provides an insight into all the runners in the world’s greatest horse race, which takes place next Saturday. 1. Imperial Commander Former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who is bidding to become …[Read More]
Jason Heavey | No comments | Tags: 2013 Grand National, Across The Bay, Aintree, Always Waining, Ballabriggs, BetVictor, Big Fella Thanks, Cappa Bleu, Charlie McCann, Chicago Grey, Colbert Station, Harry The Viking, Imperial Commander, Join Together, On His Own, Quel Esprit, Seabass, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sunnyhillboy, Teaforthree
19
Mar 2013
57 stand ground in 2013 Grand National
FORMER Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander (11st 10lb) heads the weights for this year’s John Smith’s Grand National on April 6 after 57 horses stood their ground following today’s scratchings deadline. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ horse missed the chance to regain his crown at the Cheltenham Festival after a lung infection. But the 12-year-old could bid …[Read More]
04
Dec 2012
Ante-Post Focus: The Becher Chase
THE Becher Chase over Aintree’s big fences has become a reliable trial for the Grand National itself. The 3m 2f contest is usually run on soft ground, which places a real emphasis on stamina. No more is the phrase “horses for courses” more meaningful than at Aintree and of the 23 entered in this year’s …[Read More]
