Flyer has bottle
Tizzard back in picture with trio
INSPIRED by childhood memories watching Red Rum make history when triumphant in three Grand Nationals, owner Carl Hinchy is now living the dream with his first runner in today’s big race, Shantou Flyer.
Hinchy grew up in Southport where Red Rum trained on the sands, and he remembers seeing the legendary horse parading through the town’s streets after those memorable victories.
“If we do happen to win the race, we’re thinking about taking the horse back to Southport,” joked Hinchy. “Then we’ll think about making the film!”
If it comes off, it would be a fitting occasion as this year REPORTS marks the 40th anniversary of Red Rum’s third Grand National victory.
“Red Rum was trained at the back of a garage forecourt in Southport, which is still there,” said Hinchy. “People came out in their thousands to welcome him after every National victory. He was a huge celebrity.
“I also remember when he was at BBC Sports Personality appearing in the studio. His following was incredible.” Hinchy, a partner in St Helensbased COLIN TIZZARD hijacked Ladies’ Day at Aintree – and proved the most popular racing personality for selfies – after saddling a magnificent 4,334-1 treble.
“It’s amazing this racing game,” said Tizzard, after 50-1 shot Ultragold completed the treble in winning the Randox Health Topham Chase.
“We had a very quiet time during the Cheltenham Festival as there was a bug in the yard.”
Pingshou kicked off the treble for the popular Dorset trainer when taking the Crabbies Top Novices’ Hurdle in the hands of Robbie Power, who was recently appointed the retained rider for Alan Potts, pictured, and his wife Ann, the winning owners. Rushton Hinchy law firm, went to school with Donald McCain, the son of Red Rum’s trainer Ginger.
“Now that would be some story if the horse was trained by Donald,” said Hinchy. “But it has just not happened, although I’m not ruling it out.
“We get on very well. I was racing at Punchestown with Ginger just before he died.”
Hinchy, 48, has been going to the National for more 30 years.
“We used to go at the age of 11 or 12 and get under the fence to the track,” he explained. “When we were older we used to buy one ticket between a dozen of us and pass it through the fence and get in that way. “So it is a fair old journey from that to having my first runner in the race. Unbelievably exciting.” “I sat on him at Colin’s and absolutely loved him,” said Power, who rode Sizing John to a Cheltenham Gold Cup win in the same colours.
“He’s really going to come to himself next season when he goes chasing.”
Power, successful in the Grand National 10 years ago with Silver Birch, believes the ground has come right for Regal Encore, his ride in today’s race.
“He’s got some form which gives him a chance and I’m pleased with the ground,” said If Shantou Flyer matches the enthusiasm of his owner, he will win by a mile.
“He’s been trained for the race,” said Hinchy. “Look, when he won at Cheltenham in January he did not like the ground and needed a longer trip but still put up a great performance.
“I was also pleased with his prep race at Ascot when second to Cue Card. He’s slipped under the radar as far as the 66-1 odds are concerned.
“He missed the Cheltenham Festival on purpose to come to the National a fresh horse. I bought him to run in the race. “He’s tough as teak. His trainer Rebecca Curtis is absolutely thrilled with him and says he could not be in better form.”
Hinchy quickly spotted Curtis’s
ability to train Power. “If you forget about his recent runs when he disappointed, he has the ability to run a big race.” Power and Tizzard joined forces again to take the JLT Melling Chase with Fox Norton. “It’s a pleasure for me to be riding horses like this,” said Power. “He ran a cracking race in the Champion Chase when second to Special Tiara. “He has a great cruising speed and is very relaxed. He could be a King George horse next season but we also have Sizing John. It’s a nice problem to have.” Tizzard