Ready Eddie Browne’s tip
Come 3pm on Wednesday Rangiora’s Alan Browne knows his feet will be itchy but he has no regrets about walking away from his career as a jumps jockey.
Browne, 32, who pulled the pin on his riding days back in May as he moves towards a training career, will be at Riccarton to watch the 128th running of the Grand National Hurdles.
The race is dear to his heart following his famous 2014 victory aboard Gargamel. That day is not talked about a lot but it is one that Browne is deeply proud of.
‘‘I was quite emotional, it had been 12-years of up and downs before I finally cracked it,’’ he said.
Eight runners will line up in the $75,000 Prestige Hospitality NZ Canterbury Grand National Hurdles (4200m) on Wednesday and if Browne, who has been studying the form all week, could be aboard one it would be $13 shot, Ready Eddie.
‘‘His form doesn’t look great at the moment but he ran a lovely second in the Kenny Browne Hurdle back on June the 5th and he’ll be fitter and harder for it. ‘‘He’ll like the ground and I think he can win,’’ Browne said.
Second pick for Browne would be the $3 favourite Kiddo who will be having just his second hurdle start.
‘‘He’s got a lot of ability on the flat and being a Kevin Myers horse I’m sure he can jump,’’ Browne said. The field is far from the strongest in Grand National history but Browne believes there is talent with the likes of Go Go Gonzo, Delacroix and The Energizer but he does wonder if their time may not come until next season.
One of the eight jockeys who will contest Wednesday’s race will experience the same rush of emotion that Browne did in 2014 and he said they will not forget it. Back in 2014, Browne could hear the crowd cheering as he approached the final hurdle locked in a neck and neck battle with Zenocoin. Gargamel fended off Zenocoin and the rush of excitement was quickly replaced with a feeling of shock 150m after the winning post.
‘‘I remember thinking I’ve just won the Grand National. Then you give the horse a pat to say thanks very much and try and pull yourself together.’’
Browne and Gargamel came back to the birdcage to one of the best Grand National receptions in recent memory.
‘‘Coming back is something you never forget. You know all the hard work that goes into it because the preparation for a Grand National is mighty for the trainer and owners so to win it for them is pretty special.’’
Grand National week remains Browne’s favourite racing week of the year but the desire to ride on race days is gone. ‘‘I just don’t enjoy going to the races to ride anymore and when you get to that stage it’s time to move on.’’
Browne is currently breaking in a handful of horses and looking to extend his ownership base.