ASPELL READY TO LORD IT
AINTREE specialist Leighton Aspell has been booked for Lord Windermere in Saturday’s Randox Health Grand National as riding arrangements start to take shape.
Aspell is no stranger to the big Liverpool fences, having won the race twice in the last three years and was denied a place in National history when Many Clouds was beaten in last year’s race.
His mount has a touch of class, winning the 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup for trainer Jim Culloty though has not won since that momentous day.
“It was a case of going through all the spare rides and I know they were waiting on Paul Townend, but he was tied up with Willie Mullins and I was next in line, and I’m grateful to get it,” said Aspell.
“His first run of the season at Thurles was good but in those chases on testing ground he’s been finding life tough.
“His Gold Cup win was on good ground and he probably doesn’t get the opportunity to run on it very often, so I’m hoping it brings about a revival.
“I’ll study as many of his races as I can over the next few days and speak to as many jockeys who’ve ridden him to see what feedback I can get. “Jim’s very positive and is again hoping the good ground rekindles his enthusiasm and the horse puts in a good run. “The bookies have him at 50-1 and he’s coming into the race slightly out of form and he’s got a bit to do, but you’re just clinging to the hope the good ground improves his chances.”
The nerves will be on edge for the riders come Saturday and that will also apply to some owners.
Owner Robert Aplin, who heads up The Jesters partnership, owns the Charlie Longsdon-trained Drop Out Joe with a couple of mates.
“Our only hope with him was to win a race so to actually win two Listed chases with him has been amazing.
“However, after he won the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter last year he got a serious stifle injury while out in the field,” said Aplin.
“The injury was so serious that, even at Christmas time, we didn’t think he would race again, let alone run in a race like the Grand National.
“However, he has made a remarkable recovery and all the staff at Donnington Grove vets in Newbury were brilliant in helping him through this injury.
“We’ll all be there on Saturday to cheer him on but I’m not sure what state I’ll be in.
“I’m obviously excited but it’s a feeling I’ve never had before as it’s a mixture of excitement, nerves and the fact that everything is out of my hands.
“It’s been a rush to get him ready but he’s as fit as we can possibly get him at home.
“Whether he’s fit enough to win a National after such a long lay-off though, only time will tell.”