Aintree 2015 Grand National news round-up
Published:
Coral take you through the latest updates ahead of the three-day Crabbie’s Grand National meeting, including news that Welsh National winner Monbeg Dude is on track for a second crack at the big race
Dude given Grand National go-ahead
Trainer Michael Scudamore has given the go-ahead for Monbeg Dude to run in the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, April 11th, following a disappointing run at the Cheltenham Festival.
The gelding, who is part-owned by former England rugby union captain Mike Tindall and fellow international James Simpson-Daniel and won the Coral Welsh National in 2012, finished a never dangerous 14th in the Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase under Paul Carberry.
This prompted Scudamore to run a series of tests on the 10-year-old, but with all coming back negative the Herefordshire-based handler believes the most likely reason for Monbeg Dude’s below par effort was his resentment of a tongue-tie being fitted for the first time.
That piece of equipment will be left off in the Grand National, in which the horse finished a highly creditable seventh 12 months ago, and Coral make Monbeg Dude a 33/1 chance for this year’s renewal.
Nicholls planning six pronged attack on Crabbie’s Grand National
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls is planning a six horse assault on the £1 million Crabbie’s Grand National. Nicholls, who won the race with Neptune Collonges in 2012, has Rocky Creek (10/1 second favourite with Coral) leading his strong squad, followed by Unioniste, Sam Winner, Rebel Rebellion, Mon Parrain and Benvolio.
Confirming the jockey arrangements, Nicholls said he hoped Sean Bowen will ride Mon Parrain, Nick Scholfield will ride Sam Winner, Sam Twiston-Davies will be on Rocky Creek, Noel Fehily on Unioniste and Ryan Mahon aboard Rebel Rebellion.
He added that a decision on who would partner outsider Benvolio would be made nearer to the time.
