2015 Grand National runner profile: Monbeg Dude

Monbeg Dude

Age:10

Weight: 10st 7lb

Owner: The Oydunow syndicate, consisting of trainer Michael Scudamore plus two former rugby union internationals – Mike Tindall, James Simpson-Daniel and current rugby player Nicky Robinson

Trainer: Michael Scudamore. Grand National Record – 2014 Monbeg Dude (7th)

Jockey: Not yet known

Form: 26/45213P/U113P/34157-24430

*Seventh, beaten 22 lengths by Pineau De Re, in the 2014 Crabbie’s Grand National

*Stayed on after being outpaced when 14th of 24, beaten 25 lengths by The Druids Nephew in the Grade 3 Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase over 3m at the Cheltenham Festival on March 10 (wore tongue-tie for first time).

*Ran well in three major handicap staying chases earlier this season, taking third in the Grand National Trial over3m 5f at Haydock Park on February 14 and fourth in both the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on December 27 and Newbury’s Hennessy Gold Cup on November 29.

*Enjoyed finest hour to date when edging out Teaforthree by 1/2 a length in a thrilling finish to the Coral Welsh National (nearly three and three quarter miles) on heavy ground at Chepstow in January, 2013.

*Was purchased at a post-racing Brightwells auction at Cheltenham in January, 2010, for £12,000, although Mike Tindall, who was responsible for the winning bid, had never previously seen Monbeg Dude and had his back to the ring when the horse was offered for sale. James Simpson-Daniel and Michael Scudamore were with Tindall and each took a quarter-share. They got in touch with Nicky Robinson and he agreed to take the remaining 25 per cent.

*Has his own Twitter handle – @MonbegDude – and his improved jumping over the past couple of seasons has been attributed in part to schooling sessions with Zara Phillips, wife of part-owner Mike Tindall.
Race record: Starts: 23; Wins: 4; 2nd: 3; 3rd: 4; Win & Place Prize Money: £156,497