2022 Randox Grand National: The inside track from connections

Following the release of the weights for the 2022 Randox Grand National on Tuesdaya, connections of some of the leading contenders provided the inside track on their entries in the Aintree feature, live on Racing TV on April 10.

TRAINER: Henry de Bromhead.

CONTENDERS:Minella Times (11st 4lb), Chris's Dream (11st 5lb), Poker Party (10st 2lb), Eklat De Rire (10st 10lb) and Plan Of Attack (9st 9lb).

“I’m surprised he’s that (Minella Times given 11st 4lb). I didn’t think he went up as much as that (over a stone) after he won and going on his form this year I’m surprised he got increased.

“He loves it around Aintree and certainly did last year, so hopefully he’ll come back to form now. He’s been a little bit off form recently but he looks like he’s coming back to form and hopefully he will by then. “They certainly have to enjoy it to do well around there and hopefully going back will help him find his form.”

“Chris’s Dream is a couple of pounds less than last year and he looked to be going well when unseating at Valentine’s, so we’re happy with that and it seems fair enough.

“He seems good after Gowran. He’s normally a brilliant jumper and hopefully he’ll be back on song there at Aintree.”

“Poker Party seems to be coming back to form after being out for a long time through injury. He’s in good form now and hopefully he’ll sneak in there and if he does he’ll have a nice racing weight.

“I’d say Eklat De Rire is unlikely to run in the Grand National this year, while Plan Of Attack is unlikely to get in, you’d think. The main aim for him is the Cross Country race - he really enjoys those fences.”

TRAINER: Nicky Henderson.

CONTENDERS:Caribean Boy (10st 6lb) and Chantry House (11st 3lb).

“Caribean Boy is guaranteed a run so that’s all that matters. It was a really good run at Kempton last month and the plan is to go back there in a fortnight’s time. He is in at Ascot on Saturday in the Swinley Chase but I suspect we’ll wait a week.

“We’re running him again after the weights announcement which is a bonus and he’s always looked like a horse who’d wanted this, so we’re looking forward to going there with him.

“He will be one of the more likely horses I’ve had for the race for a long time.

“I’ve yet to win any National - English, Irish, Scottish or Welsh! We won’t mention the American National as I can’t count that!

“Zongalero was second in our first ever year and we’ve had plenty run well in the race since. We’ve had all sorts of bad luck but that’s the Grand National – we’ve found the Topham very easy to win but not so much going round for the second circuit!

“We’ve had a lot of fun in the Grand National and I suppose you almost get to the point now where you get the feeling that it’s not going to happen. “We’re trying as hard as we can and you need the right horse, of course. We’ve had five Topham winners and eight Champion Hurdle winners – which tells you that our horses tend to be good at going quickly.

“Of course you want to win it – more than anything – and it would be very sad to have to go to bed without one. We’ve been very lucky over the years and most things have fallen our way but this doesn’t seem to want to.

“There’s every chance that Chantry House will be right at the top at the weights, but I’d say it’s a million to one that he runs, personally.

“At the moment he’s going to the Cheltenham Gold Cup and he’s not going to do both – it would be an almighty ask.”

TRAINER: Charlie Longsdon.

CONTENDERS:Snow Leopardess (10st 3lb).

“You certainly hope to get in being number 57 on the list as it is normally about 70-odd that gets in.

“We’ve got to keep our fingers crossed but it is all very exciting. Running off 10st 3lbs would be some weight but it won’t be that unfortunately. She will still be under 11st though so it will still be a nice light weight.

“Her story with her being a mum is the sort of story I can see people really latching on to over the next couple months. I can see people over the next couple of months talking about the Grand National runner with a child.

“You only have to see on Twitter the number of people who are getting excited and getting involved. You look through all the people who message you and tweet you and it is amazing how many people do get in touch. It is all positive and we are all excited.

“She has come out of her race at Exeter fine and has been out in the field yesterday so everything is all good. It is going to be a nerve-wracking couple of months.

“It was horrible conditions at Exeter and real hard work. She probably had a harder race than we wanted to but the conditions made that happen. We can sit back now though and prepare her for the Grand National.

“There is no doubt she loved those fences (when winning the Becher Chase). The bigger the jump she thrives on. She was just idling in the Becher so the trip will be no issue.”

TRAINER: Joe Tizzard (assistant to Colin).

CONTENDERS:Fiddlerontheroof (10st 12lb) and Lostintranslation (11st)

“We’ve never really had horses in it that have been a sensible price or quite good enough. They were often just going for a bit of pot luck.

“We ran Joe Lively in it one year and he was 10th at the end of my career as a jockey, among others. These are two of our best horses on ratings and they could end up having major chances in it.”

“Lostintranslation will run in the Ascot Chase this weekend. For a horse that has finished third in the Gold Cup and won on his comeback run this season he has dropped to 157.

“We had a bad season last season with him but I think that is a mark he is capable off of. He has always been a good jumper. We will see if this tempts the owners. I imagine he will go to Cheltenham first but if he comes out of that really well I imagine he will take his chance.

“It all depends on what happens Saturday regarding his target at Cheltenham as alongside the Gold Cup entry he has also got a Ryanair entry. If he went and ran a blinder over 2m 5f at Ascot on Saturday I have kept all options open as I want to do best by the horse as he is a 10 year old now this is his last chance to take on the best.

“We have got all bases covered and I’m really pleased with where he is and Saturday will decide where we go.”

“This is not a joke entry - it is a proper entry. He is a lovely jumper and that is one thing that plays to his strengths. If we got a bit of good ground he would be well within his capability to travel and jump around there.

“Whether off of 11st he is as a 10 year old capable of winning the Grand National that is a different story, but he is a class horse and in this race class horses come to the front.

“If he got into a good rhythm he could win a big race. The race is a very high quality handicap now and you need a bit of class. Let’s not forget he was rated a stone higher at one point and if he got back to somewhere near his best then he could be involved.

“This has been the plan for Fiddlerontheroof since the Ladbrokes Trophy where he had a hard enough race. It was going to be too soon to go for a King George, then we talked about it and we thought he could have a live chance in a Grand National.

“We waited until the weights came out before we decided to run him again. We will run him at Ascot on Saturday in the three mile handicap chase. If he runs a massive race in that then we have to make decisions as to whether we have a pop at a Gold Cup, which I don’t think he is a million miles out of getting placed in, or this year we say ‘let's wait and go for a Grand National’, or try and attempt both.

“He has only had two runs this season and we have saved the petrol for this Spring. The boys are keen to have a crack at whatever really. This Saturday will be the deciding factor.

“I’m sure off 155 he would be competitive and he is a lovely jumper. He ran a blinder in the Ladbrokes, still has age on his side and I think he could just be improving a bit. I don’t think the owners would be afraid to run the two horses in the same races and it is not a problem we have had in the past at the top end. They are great boys and are right up for having horses in these mega races.

“As a novice we ran him over two miles, but the fact he was a big strong horse he was able to cope with the ground better than any of the others, so over two miles it looked like he wanted heavy ground but it was the fact he wanted a trip and able to cope with it better.

“He is a very nice horse. I’ve never picked holes in his form even though he has finished second a few times. It is just that he has come up against some very good horses. He is a good horse going in the right direction.”

TRAINER: Mick Meagher (Trevor Hemmings' racing manager).

CONTENDERS:Cloudy Glen (10st 3lb), Cloth Cap (10st 4lb) and Deise Aba (10st 2lb).

“The horses Trevor Hemmings had were all there for the purpose of running in the Grand National and if they look like they might be suitable for the job, why wouldn’t you honour his wishes?

“Last year we were favourite with Cloth Cap all winter and up to the race and he got a great buzz of it. He loved that expectation and build-up all winter. He was very excited about it last year as he always was and he would have been very proud if he’d become the winning-most owner last year.

“When things went wrong he always got over it very quickly - we’d just move on. He was very proud of his three winners and his horses were his pride and joy, so it meant the world to him. It’s one of the most famous races in the world and he typified that. To be as successful as he was is wonderful and he really got a kick out of it.

“He would have been chuffed to pieces with Cloudy Glen winning the Ladbrokes Trophy! Cloudy Glen is a homebred, which makes him a little bit more special.

“The three Grand National winners we’ve had were all bought at different stages – Many Clouds as a foal, Ballabriggs as a yearling and Hedgehunter while he was in training – so it would be amazing if a homebred could win for Mr Hemmings.

“He’s 6lbs higher than when he won the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury, so we can’t complain at that, though he needs to come back in form a bit as his runs since have been a bit disappointing.

“He’s a good jumper and he won’t back off those fences, that’s for sure! He’ll likely run in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival.

“We’re probably where we should be really (with Cloth Cap). We won the Ladbrokes Trophy (in 2020) off a mark of 136, so we’ve got the 11lbs for winning that race by 10 lengths. In theory you’d have to be happy because if he came back to that kind of form, he’d have to have a great chance. Ground is important with him - he doesn’t want soft ground.

“We’ll likely head to Kelso again before the National or perhaps to Doncaster, wherever the ground is the most suitable.

“You’d think Deise Aba would get in and he’ll go straight to Aintree. He’s one of those horses that’s got loads of ability but doesn’t always show it.

“He’s more consistent this year and the Welsh National was probably too heavy for him. He’s just one of those horses who might take to the place and if he does he’ll run a big race.”

TRAINER: Kim Bailey.

CONTENDERS:Two For Gold (10st 11lb) and El Presente (10st 4lb).

“Is Two For Gold an ideal National horse? I simply don’t know. He has got an ideal profile though and has won over three miles. He is a two and a half mile horse and that was always the old fashioned saying that you wanted a two and a half mile horse for the Grand National.

“He didn’t do much wrong last season. He never wins by very far but he has won 10 out of his 19 starts so he has a pretty good record.

“He had to show plenty of guts last time, though he is a quirky individual. He was off the bridle early on and he didn’t look happy about life, then he goes and passes one and suddenly he gets going. Once he gets into a battle he doesn’t often get beaten.

“It was a complete repeat of what he did at Doncaster early in the season. I never know quite what to expect of him. He won two bumpers though so he has always shown plenty of ability from early on.

“It would be a nice weight for him to carry in the National if he gets there but he wants soft ground. Anything faster than that would be against him.

“The owners were quite surprised I gave him the entry. We talked about it at the beginning of the year and that is why we ran him there last year in the Topham to see how he got on.

“We walked away from it thinking he didn’t run very well but he completely missed the break and they had two false starts and the whole thing was an absolute disaster. He jumped them all well until the Canal Turn until David came off him.

“He is not a Cheltenham horse and it is hard to find races for him so a Grand National could fall into quite a fun situation to have a go at.

“We talked about the Grand National (for El Presente) last season so it has been in the pipeline for 18 months.

“He has always been a good jumper. He is a happier horse going right-handed but we are running him in three weeks’ time to see how he handles Doncaster.

“He definitely wants good ground and the worry is if he we get soft ground at Doncaster he will miss that out and I’m slightly stuck as to where we go.

“We’ve not run him on purpose to make sure he didn’t come down the weights and miss out on getting in, hence why he hasn’t run since the Badger Beer. He ran very well that day at Wincanton but this has been his aim for a while.”

TRAINER: Ted Walsh.

CONTENDERS:Any Second Now (11st 2lb).

“I knew he was going to get a few pounds more as he was third in the National last year. He was a bit unlucky then - whether he’d have beaten the winner I’m not sure but he’d definitely have been closer.

“Of course I’d always be happier with less weight and I’d be happier with less than 11 stone but it is what it is. The only problem is if the top weights don’t run and we end up around 11st 6lb or 11st 7lb - that would be tough.

“I’d be hoping for as good a run as last year but the weights aren’t as favourable this time. Our biggest problem now is making sure he gets there and we’ll worry about everything else after that.

“He was hampered early on and he lost a lot of ground. Mark (Walsh) gave him a great ride to get him back into the race. He had to use up a lot of petrol to do that but he ran a big race.

“If he’s back to the form of last year and takes the place again he’ll still run a big race, but I’d say he has it all to do now at the weights.

“He might run next weekend in the Red Mills at Gowran Park. Either that or we’ll go to Naas or Fairyhouse after that. He won over two miles last year and the year before and he’ll run over either two miles or two and a half miles before Aintree.

“I don’t know if running over shorter distances helps to sharpen them up, but they’re two good tracks. There’s not a lot of opportunities - you could run in the Bobbyjo Chase but that’s nearly three and a quarter miles so I don’t really want to do that. He’s high in handicaps and you want to get him there fit and well, so two miles doesn’t do any harm.

“Crisp won the Champion Chase and just got beat in the Grand National, so it’s just finding suitable races.

“He’s up there with Papillon and Seabass for ability, you’d think. They had nice weights in the race and they both ran well and he’s that type of horse.

“A win would be the main thing for me – when you get to my age you don’t get too many more chances to win it again! I’d like to win it again, I must say. It was great to win it once and it would be marvellous to win it twice.”

TRAINER: Nigel Twiston-Davies.

CONTENDERS:Good Boy Bobby (10st 7lb).

“That weight sounds absolutely ideal. We didn’t really have a Grand National campaign on our mind as he had been a bit disappointing last season but he has really come back to himself this season.

“When he romped home last time at Wetherby is when we started to think about the Grand National. We were always hopeful that he would hold on at Wetherby despite plenty of others appearing to be going well around him.

“You only have to look at his form to see he was good from the start. He was brilliant in his bumpers and novice hurdles. He has always been good.

“The National fences aren’t quite the same as they used to be so I can’t see him having any problems over them and he is bred for the trip.

“Winning the race with Bindaree 20 years ago was a very good day. It was long time ago so I don’t remember too much from it except for the fact that it was all very exciting. It is about time we did it again though and hopefully Good Boy Bobby can do just that.

“The emphasis used to be about jumping but that is not quite the same anymore. What you need is an out and out stayer with a bit of class as the race is getting classier and classier.

“It would be brilliant if we could win a third Grand National. We are having a great season and long may it continue. I’ve no idea if Daryl (Jacob) will be back from injury in time. If he is not back, then Sam (Twiston-Davies) would be on board.

“It would mean a lot if Sam won on him and we won it as a family. Winning the Grand National is great and it is what we all strive to achieve.”

TRAINER: Lucinda Russell.

Weight:Mighty Thunder (10st 4lb).

“It would be great if he actually went round in the Grand National with 10st 4lbs and he’s in great form.

“Although he hasn’t actually got much racecourse form since the autumn, we’re hoping to get to Aintree in the best possible position.

“We definitely learned that he’s going to stay the distance at Ayr, we were actually hoping to go the Becher Chase to try the fences, but he can’t go on soft or heavy ground so we didn’t run that day.

“We did go to the Welsh National but it was similar ground there and he struggled but Derek (Fox) has ridden him and said he definitely had the feel of a horse who will go well around the Aintree fences. Provided it’s not heavy ground on the day, I think he’s got a great chance.

“It was amazing last season, the owners (Allson Sparkle Ltd) run a drinks company and I think the horse kept them going through Covid. It was brilliant for them to win the Scottish National and of course it’s every owner’s dream to come to Aintree. It would be fantastic for them to get there with Mighty Thunder.

“Winning the Grand National was something we always wanted to do and you don’t really know if you can do it before you go there with a horse with the right credentials that One For Arthur had.

“I think the standout from the day were the people and the reception from the city that we got. It’s just great that it’s going to be back this year and it should be a fantastic event.

“When I first came to Aintree for one of these lunches, a local reporter said to me that there were two sporting things in Liverpool – the football and the Grand National. He’s definitely right and the race is a part of their being. The people make the place and it’s fantastic.

“Mighty Thunder is very laid back horse and he’s just one who can just switch off really well and I think that’s what so important for these long distance chases.

“He’s not a horse who has to be at the front but he’s perfect for taking his time and getting into a rhythm and that’s what you need from a Grand National horse – so I’m just really excited and looking forward to it.

“Arthur was quite bolshie and strong at home, whereas Mighty Thunder is a little more needy. He loves people and he’s got a girl who looks after him called Hannah Wilson, who just adores him.

“He’s very laid back and loves it when he’s racing. He love jumping his fences so I just think he’s perfect for this kind of challenge.”

TRAINER: Ciaran Murphy.

CONTENDERS:Enjoy D'Allen (10st 5lb).

“His weight of 10t 5lbs is absolutely perfect and exactly what we were hoping for. We have been thrilled with how he has run this season and we are training him for the Grand National this year, so that is why we have given him a light campaign.

“He had a run over hurdles and then was third in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. Then most recently he had a run in the valuable 3m handicap hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival and we were over the moon with how he ran.

“The plan is now to go straight to Aintree and we are really excited to be going. He is very versatile as regards ground. As long as it is not too quick, he’ll be absolutely fine. He’s a grand jumper and loves the hustle and bustle of a big field so the Grand National should be perfect for him.

“We have around 40 to 50 horses in training, roughly half for the Flat and half for the Jumps. We also break in horses and bring on all our own horses to get them ready to race.

“We spent 20 years doing all the breaking-in and pre-training for Gigginstown House Stud. I then took over the training licence from Dot Love last year and things are going great.

“We are upping our game now and trying to get some better horses in the yard to train ourselves – it’s a different gig now, we are out on our own and trying to make a good go of it.”