Secret bid for National glory
THE Randox Health Grand National is under serious consideration for Secret Reprieve, the recent winner of the Welsh version at Chepstow.
“He will be entered in it,” said the gelding’s trainer Evan Williams.
“We’ve had a good discussion about it and it will certainly be talked about.
“I’m not saying we’ll end up going there, but that is the latest – entries close next week.”
The seven-year-old, currently a 28-1 chance for the Aintree marathon that takes place in April, had initially been considered too young after his victory at Chepstow, when partnered by Adam Wedge.
But connections are now clearly leaving their options open.
Williams and the owners of Secret Reprieve, William and Angela Rucker, have come close to landing the big one at Aintree numerous times and clearly have unfinished business.
The Rucker-owned State Of Play, Cappa Bleu and Alvarado were collectively placed on seven occasions in the Aintree marathon.
CHIPPING NORTON trainer Charlie Longsdon, searching for that elusive first Cheltenham Festival winner, hopes Snow Leopardess can end those years of frustration.
“I’m planning to run Snow Leopardess in the three-mile mares’ chase at Exeter on February 14, before heading for the National Hunt Chase at the Festival,” said Longsdon.
“If she gets to Cheltenham in one piece, she will definitely have a good each-way chance as she would get the 7lb mares’ allowance, which is a big pull.”