Aintree-bound Walsh set for Charm offensive

KATIE WALSH will maintain her partnership with Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase runner-up Wonderful Charm in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree on Saturday week.

Walsh (above), who achieved the highest-ever placing by a female rider when third aboard Seabass in 2012, was on board when the Paul Nicholls nine-year-old was a fast-finishing neck second to stablemate Pacha Du Polder on the final day of the Festival.

Wonderful Charm, pulled up behind Rule The World 12 months ago, is as short as 25-1 for the world’s most famous chase, and Nicholls said yesterday: “Katie got on well with him at Cheltenham — he was in front a stride or two after the line.

“The National is more competitive, but the forecast dry weather is a bonus for him,” added the champion trainer, who expects to have a fivestrong representation in the National.