NATIONAL TREASURE Rachael role is crucial
HENRY DE BROMHEAD believes his success with Minella Times in last season’s Randox Grand National was down to his history-making rider Rachael Blackmore.
The jockey memorably became the first female to win the famous old race.
And De Bromhead said: “She’s an extremely important part of it all.
“She gets on great with him and in that race it felt like she was able to look around corners as she was making decisions before things went wrong.
“She was getting in the right place and I think we got the luck we needed too. The way Rachael was
by CHRIS GOULDING
manoeuvring round there was incredible.”
Blackmore also paid a compliment to the Waterford trainer.
“He’s been a game-changer,” she said. “He’s provided me with my biggest successes.
“It’s still hard to believe that I’ve actually won it (National) – it’s incredible. I’m so grateful to him.”
Minella Times will have his season geared up for a return to Aintree in April. “He’ll be entered for the John Durkan at Punchestown (December 5) and he’ll possibly be ready for that,” explained the trainer.
“There’s a conditions chase at Thurles at the end of this month as well, so that is what we’re aiming for.” Reflecting on the Grand National, De Bromhead admits he is still struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the occasion. “Looking at the photos is surreal I have to admit,” he added.
“I’m probably still just waiting to wake up. You dream of winning the National once, so I wouldn’t dream of winning it twice!”
CHAMPION trainer Paul Nicholls was on a roll at Newbury yesterday where he saddled three winners – Siroco Jo (Lorcan Williams), Silent Revolution (Harry Cobden) and Silver Forever (Harry Cobden).