'We're not going there just for the day out' - National hopes high for Lodge

The Randox Health Grand National invariably throws up a good tale and it is hard to believe any horse in this year's field brings a more compelling narrative to the party than Highland Lodge.Snapped up for the relatively modest fee of £22,000 by Cartmel-based trainer Jimmy Moffatt prior to the start of last season, the 11-year-old made a flying start for his new connections with a superb victory over the famous Aintree fences in the Becher Chase.However, that verdict was not enough to earn him a starting berth in the world's most famous steeplechase, with Highland Lodge narrowly missing the cut.Compensation in the Scottish National was not forthcoming, with the Flemensfirth gelding seemingly far less effective over conventional obstacles.But he showed his true colours back on Merseyside when coming within a short head of successfully defending his Becher crown at the start of December.Moffatt has kept his powder dry since and with Highland Lodge guaranteed a place in the final field this year, the trainer is struggling to contain his enthusiasm.He said: "We've had an uninterrupted preparation and the horse seems in very good form."I suppose last year we were always in hope, whereas now there is a bit of expectation."He missed the final cut by seven last year and it was quite tough to take at the time."However, we definitely feel he's improved since. Whether it was the good summer's grass he had or just that he's taken time to settle into our routine, I'm not sure, but for whatever reason he's just doing the job a lot better this year."We've kept him fresh since the Becher. He doesn't need to go to the races, he's one of those horses that thrives on not going there. For a lot of horses, mileage is a negative and he's one of them."During the lead-up to Highland Lodge's ultimately failed attempt to get a run in the National last April, owners Simon and Julie Wilson tragically lost their teenage son Patrick from a brain tumour.Moffatt feels it would be a fitting tribute to his memory if a long-term plan were to come to fruition."The last day Patrick went racing was when Highland Lodge won the Becher and he led the horse into the winner's enclosure. You can imagine how emotional it is for everyone involved," the trainer added."From the moment he missed the cut last year, everything has been geared up to going back to Aintree on April 8.It's the hardest race in the world to get into, in my opinion. Even the top Flat races in the world, they're not usually over-subscribed. "Some of the big boys in the game might have a Grand National runner every year, but for a yard like ours with 20-odd horses in training, it's fantastic."We're not going there thinking 'it's great to have a runner', though. We're going there a bit above that and see it as a great opportunity."The most heartwarming part of the Highland Lodge story is the recovery of his jockey Henry Brooke.The 25-year-old was placed in an induced coma following a heavy fall at Hexham in early October and also suffered nine broken ribs and a punctured lung.However, the determined rider made remarkably quick progress to ensure he was back in the saddle for Highland Lodge's Becher defence.Moffatt said: "Henry has shown amazing resilience. I suppose all jump jockeys do, but he's been through a lot."Sometimes you have to take the positives out of these situations and particularly since that fall, he's a very focused guy and I think he's riding better than he's ever done."He's a key part of this horse and has so much faith in him.I don't think either go there with anything to prove." Brooke admits it was the thought of being reunited with Highland Lodge that kept him going following his life-threatening fall."The first thing I thought about after Hexham was whether I could get back to ride this horse," said the jockey."This is what it's all been about, getting back to ride him. I've had some very good rides in between, but this is the one that was always on my mind when I was trying to get back."It would be a bit of a fairytale, but it could happen."I just think this horse and Jimmy are meant to be together, the owner is meant to own him and hopefully I'm meant to ride him."The horse loves it round there (Aintree), which is obviously a massive plus."The thing I love about the National is it doesn't matter what price a horse is, who trains it or who rides it, it's all about who is lucky on the day.I really think Highland Lodge is going to run a massive race, if not win it." Moffatt recalls his early National memories and admits the thought of him adding his name to the roll of honour has crossed his mind.He said: "You dare to dream, you wouldn't be human if you didn't."I remember me and my little brother at the age of maybe six and seven riding Shetland ponies round the garden pretending it was the Grand National.We used to make Becher's Brook and a few other fences and we'd go round there flat out! "You remember the likes of Red Rum and Aldaniti and you realise what a phenomenal race it is."For the last few weeks I haven't thought about anything else - it's always on your mind."All we can do is try and get the horse there in one piece and at the top of his game. You've got to keep your eye on the ball.We're not going there just for the day out, I can assure you of that."