HE’S TOP DOLLAR
SANDY THOMSON, a wizard at rejuvenating other trainers’ cast offs, hopes his magic continues with Dingo Dollar in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Sunday.
After showing smart form for Alan King, Dingo Dollar found his mojo on his first outing for Thomson when successful at Newcastle last month.
That victory caught the attention of punters. The gelding is now second favourite with the race sponsors at 10-1 behind the new 8-1 market leader Aye Right after Galvin was ruled out.
“We were obviously delighted with that run at Newcastle, he’s come out of it really well,” said Thomson. “He was favourite for the Scottish National two years ago but didn’t run because of the ground.
“It will be safe jumping ground. He does not want it soft.
“But having said that, he did run very well in the old Hennessy a couple of years ago when fifth on soft ground behind De Rasher Counter.”
This season Thomson rejuvenated former star chaser Yorkhill. After a long spell in the wilderness with Willie Mullins, Thomson won with him at Newcastle in November.
Ryan Mania, in
Yorkhill’s saddle at Newcastle, will partner
Dingo Dollar for his step father-in-law who plays down his achievements. “We are very lucky with the place we’ve got and the staff we’ve got as they play a huge part in it,” Thomson said. “It would be great if he could follow the trend.
“The plan with Dingo Dollar was to go point-to-pointing. But
■ when that was put on hold his owners – friends of some of my other owners – rang up and said would I be in interested in training him.”
Thomson, a former successful rugby player with the Scottish South of Scotland team, would relish winning his country’s premier jumping prize.
“Obviously, it’s a race we would love to win,” he said. “Like Welshman Evan Williams winning this season’s Welsh National with Secret Reprieve.”