Herefordshire looking for further success at Aintree

Thu, Mar 26, 2009

AFTER the successes at the Cheltenham Festival, the county of Herefordshire will be hoping for a similar story at the three-day Grand National at Aintree next week.

While my Cheltenham tips this year weren't hot, I have had a good record in the Grand National in recent years and I'll be studying the form hard between now and next week to give you my thoughts on the outcome in 2009.

Two of local trainer Venetia Williams's four entries are well in the handicap, but Stan may be destined for the Land of the Rising Sun rather than Liverpool.

The Paul Beck-owned horse has an invitation to take part in the Grand Nakayama Jump later in April. The King's Caple yard has tasted success in the east before, and may opt for that destination again.

That leaves Mon Mome, who has run in the Grand National before, because Flintoff - owned jointly by Paul Beck and the England Test cricketer of the same name - would need barrel-loads of horses to drop out to make the final 40 at Aintree.

The horse, second in the Midlands Grand National earlier this month, is more likely to appear in either the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday or the Scottish National.

He ran in both races last year, finishing a good third at Ayr, but will run in only one this year as they are held just five days apart in 2009 in contrast to 12 months ago when Easter was so early.

Trainer Richard Lee kept up the county's recent tally of winners by sending out Extra Bold to win in a Chepstow steeplechase under jockey Richard Johnson last week.

If you're not going to Aintree on Grand National day, Chepstow Racecourse is a good alternative. There's jump racing on Saturday 4 April and the Grand National will be shown on a big screen.

*After this afternoon's racing at Hereford Racecourse, the next fixture is on Wednesday 8 April. There are seven races, concluding with a hunters' chase. Gates open just after midday for a first race time of 2.10pm. Grandstand admission is £14. Accompanied children aged under 16 enter free of charge. For more information telephone the racecourse on 01432 273560.

Author:  Katie Stephens

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