Henderson ready for Aintree battle
SEVEN Barrows trainer Nicky Henderson has a strong team of runners heading to this year’s Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree, which begins today (Thursday).
The 70-year-old has confirmed that he will have 26 entries across the three days of action, including the likes of Shishkin, Buveur D’Air and OK Corral.
Henderson will have a number of chances across the three days in Merseyside, with Fusil Raffles kicking off procedures in the G1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase.
“He is in good form,” said the trainer, who was impressed with his performance in the Marsh Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham last month, finishing behind stable mate Chantry House.
Elsewhere, on the opening day, Paros runs in the G1 Juvenile Hurdle, while Mister Fisher lines up in the G1 Betway Bowl Chase.
On Mister Fisher, he said: “I always thought it would suit him and this will tell us where we can go next year because we hope he’ll be a horse for the King George or something next year.”
Buveur D’Air, after missing the Cheltenham Festival, will compete in the Betway Aintree Hurdle, along with Buzz.
“He [Buveur D’Air] is in good form, but he is 10 years old,” said Henderson. “It’ll be difficult, but two-and-a-half miles will probably help him these days now.
Chantry House, who won at Cheltenham last month, is stepping up to three miles for the Mildmay and he’s not had an ideal preparation Novices’ Chase on Friday. for this year, but it’s
Shishkin, who cruised to always been the plan so we have victory in the Sporting Life Arkle to give it a go.”
Chase, returns to action once Jamie Snowden’s Hogan’s again in the Maghull Novices’ Height and Mick Channon’s Chase. Hold The Note are also due to
“He is in good form and Cheltenham run in this year’s showdown. was great, but he has to do On the meeting in general, it all over again,” admitted Henderson said: “We have 26 Henderson. going altogether and it’s a really
good meeting.
When asked about the pressure “The Cheltenham horses have being on Shishkin for every race, all done well since returning he said: “I think there is pressure and I have had to leave a couple and I think there is a lot of expectation behind, but by and large we’ve for him to do well.” got a good team.
The Grand National, which is “The bumper horses are good the featured race of the Festival, and the novice hurdlers are very takes place on Saturday evening good,” he said. and OK Corral is likely to be “Dusart is very good for the Seven Barrows’ only representative two mile Novices’ Hurdle, Gallyhill in the race. is in the three mile race and
“He was all ready for last year they both have big chances.” Published by Newbury News and Media Limited.