Smith bows out on a high after 20 years

BHA stalwart steps down after reviving National Total Recall has qualities to thrive in Aintree race

Phil Smith can retire in June happy that one of his life missions – to revive the Randox Health Grand National – was achieved during his 20-year tenure at the helm of the British Horseracing Authority’s handicapping team.

Smith’s ambition to attract better class horses to Aintree has been well documented and the facts prove he has succeeded. In 2004 just 47 per cent of the entries had an official rating of 135 or more, this year almost twice that amount – 90 per cent of the 105 entries – sit within that category.

Smith, speaking at last night’s unveiling of the weights in London said: “It is a task that has got easier in some respects and harder in others. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time – it has been both a privilege and a pleasure to frame the weights for the great race.”

However, the nature of the job means that his reign as head of handicapping has not been without controversy, particularly with regard to the Grand National. This unique contest affords the handicapper discretion to raise or lower horses from their official marks and this has not pleased everyone.

Last year Michael O’leary, Gigginstown Stud owner, launched an attack on Smith’s assessment of his horses and vowed not to run them if he felt the mark unfair. He has since reiterated his comments and it will be interesting to see what he makes of Smith’s opinion of his 11 entries for April’s race.

Definitly Red heads the weights for the second consecutive year and got a positive mention from Smith. “It will be great if Definitly Red lines up, because I am confident that he will have already at least been placed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup by then.”

Blaklion, who started 8-1 favourite when fourth in last year’s race, is currently 10-1 ante-post favourite for this year’s event. There is no doubt he loves Aintree but a better proposition may be the progressive Ladbrokes Trophy winner, Total Recall, a 16-1 chance. He has stamina and speed – he won a three-mile hurdle race recently – and has a positive profile.

Gold Present (25-1) and Vieux Lion Rouge (40-1) are two more that appeal at this early stage.