- Tuesday, 12 April 2011 07:00
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
As you can imagine, the newspapers are full of what they can do about making the Grand National safer. One of the problems I see is that despite watering, the ground was very quick and in turn the horses tended to go quicker on it. Personally I am not one for artificially altering the going with water - I think that the winning horse should be the one that handles the prevailing conditions best on the day...I am not advocating horses running on road-like ground, but there are some horses out there that like faster ground.
- Monday, 11 April 2011 07:49
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
I must say that I agree with Paul Nicholls – the press reporting from Aintree was a disgrace. I know that they are trying to sell newspapers, but turning the Grand National into a horror story is just sensationalist nonsense. Personally I blame the sports editors; afterall they are in charge of the content of the back pages…or are they?! I am sure that most of the articles written are by non-sports writers who haven’t the first idea about the sport they are covering and are looking to have a go at every opportunity. If I were a leading trainer there are certainly a few newspapers that I would not be talking to in the future.
- Sunday, 10 April 2011 07:56
- Written by Chester Barnes
I would just like to start by saying well done to all connections and Ballabriggs for a fantastic performance in winning the Grand National. Jason Maguire gave the Donald McCain trained runner a great ride and as far as I could see he only had one little scare the whole way round and apart from that he was awesome at his fences. He appeared to be a little wobbly after crossing the line due to exertions but I was glad to hear he had soon recovered when back in the stables. It was wonderful for Donald to win the great race after the families long association with the race and he seems like a nice really nice chap. Oscar Time and Sam Waley-Cohen came to challenge on the long run in but could not get past and Don't Push It ran another fine race to finish third carrying top weight. I do hope all the winning connections were enjoying some celebrations last night! I am pleased to report that all of our runners came back from Aintree safe and sound.
- Saturday, 09 April 2011 07:51
- Written by Chester Barnes
David got off the mark at Aintree with Battle Group yesterday. Barry Geraghty took over on board after poor Tom Scudamore was injured earlier in the day. Tom unfortuantely dislocated his shoulder when The Giant Bolster fell and will of course be out of action for a few weeks. Get well soon Tom! Tom was due to partner Or Noir De Somoza in the Grand National and he will now be partnered by Barry Geraghty. Dan Breen will now be ridden by Jason Maguire at Aintree in the Novices' chase and our only runner on Sunday, Bathwick Quest will now have Conor O'Farrell in the saddle. Battle Group was winning his fifth and biggest race of the season after running a fine race in the Coral Cup at the Festival last month. He is a sometimes quirky character but a very talented one and it was great to see him win such a valuable contest, we certainly wouldn't mind a few more horses like him!
- Friday, 08 April 2011 07:34
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
The horses ran creditably yesterday at Aintree with Grands Crus in particular putting up a gallant performance in defeat against the mighty Big Buck’s. The winner is surely one of the finest staying hurdlers for some time and to be clear second best to him is no mean achievement. Indeed, we were all thrilled with him and we went to celebrate with part owner Roger Stanley in the bar afterwards. Grands Crus is clearly a tip-top staying hurdler and will be a really exciting prospect when sent over fences.
- Thursday, 07 April 2011 07:06
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
Well, at last it is the start of the three day Grand National meeting at Aintree - all of the National Hunt stars will be out in force over the coming few days, and what a way to kick off proceedings than with Big Buck's versus Grands Crus rematch? It should certainly be an exciting contest and let's hope that both contenders give their true running and provide us with another race to remember. I think the track will suit our charge, although he would still appreciate a softer surface to show his very best form. I am sure that Big Buck's will be beaten one day, it would just be nice if it was our fellow that was able to do it...remember Cheltenham form is often turned on it's head come Liverpool - either way, I can't wait to find out!
- Wednesday, 06 April 2011 07:09
- Written by Chelsea Morgan
I cannot wait to see the rematch of Big Bucks and Grands Crus at Aintree tomorrow. It will very tough to call the winner as Big Bucks has already won three times at the track and is an exceptional horse. I think Grands Crus will like the track. Remember, he has won at Haydock a flat left handed track and it is just a shame he is around when one of the best staying hurdlers of recent years is about. I am sure Big Bucks will get beaten one day, what about tomorrow?! Fingers crossed that both horses turn up in top form and provide another great race like they did at Cheltenham and most importantly return safe and sound which is the main thing.
