The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Perth tipsters have say on big race
Team at Scone Palace venue give their top tips for main event at Aintree
It is less than three weeks until Perth Racecourse’s 2018 season begins – but today all eyes turn to Aintree and the running of the most famous horse race in the world, the Grand National.
At 5.15pm a field of 40 runners will travel a distance of four miles and 514 yards and across 30 obstacles looking to replicate the success of last year’s locally-trained winner, One For Arthur, from .
There’s Scottish interest again this year with Seeyouatmidnight and Captain Redbeard, both trained in the Scottish Borders, carrying the hopes of the country.
Perth Racecourse chief executive Hazel Peplinski and some of her team took a break from preparing for their own season to offer their thoughts and tips for the big race.
Hazel said: “There shall be families out there that only gather around the TV to watch a horse race once a year and that is for the Grand National – an exhilarating spectacle that can hook people in to horse-racing like no other race in the world.
“I can still recall the excitement of
watching this race as a child with the whole family yelling at the TV!
This year the wet weather means horses need plenty of stamina so our team have come up with the following hot tips:
Hughie Connaghan (handyman/ joiner): Seeyouatmidnight – Hughie thinks this one has already shown good form and has more potential to improve.
Harriet Graham (clerk of the course): Captain Redbeard – Harriet likes his light weight and the fact he represents the small trainer who has the whole family involved in the business.
Liz Fincher (sales and events coordinator): Shantou Flyer – Liz likes brave young jockey James Bowen.
Morag Connaghan (finance manager): Tiger Roll – Morag favours brave veteran jockey Davy Russell.
Hazel Peplinski (chief executive) – Milansbar: Hazel reckons horses improve dramatically when Bryony Frost takes the reins and the National requires great horsemanship, a tactical brain and strength from jockeys. Bryony has all three and Milansbar is normally a sound jumper. For more information on Perth Racecourse’s 2018 season, which starts with the three-day Perth Festival from Wednesday April 25, visit www.perthraces.co.uk.