Redcar Bound...I LOVE Redcar!

Three WINNERS so far this week and a "nice" TREBLE lined up today at Redcar today 2.00 SALTERGATE who dwelt at the start of his first race but responded well inside the final furlong to get up for third. He has numerous 5f winners in his pedigree and should come on from his opening run 3.30 Logos Astra will be hard to beat if in the same form as when runner-up at Epsom last week 5.05 Sparkling Smile looked an improved performer judging by her impressive victory on her three-year-old debut at Beverley and looks to have been found a good opportunity to follow-up that tidy success ...I LOVE Redcar! G` Luck!

Al Zarooni...Who?

Rookie handler Mahmood Al Zarooni found a sleepy Wednesday afternoon at Pontefract an ideal opportunity to send out his first British winner for Godolphin.

Al Zarooni's Lion Mountain was bustled into an early lead during the Coral TV Maiden Stakes, and Ted Durcan raised a few eyebrows when he went for the jugular as early as the two-furlong marker.

Durcan was aware of the potential beneath him, however, and maintained a vigorous gallop to pull six lengths clear of Raqeeb.

Al Zarooni, speaking from Ascot, where his Mojave Moon finished last in the Sagaro Stakes, said: "It's a good start for us and I'm very happy. Unfortunately I had to be at Ascot for the bigger race, but we've only had a few runners and this is only the beginning."

Of the 5-6 favourite, the 33-year-old Al Zarooni added: "He's always shown us to be a happy horse at home and I expected him to win."

News On Cityscape

Roger Charlton looks to have found a perfect opportunity for Cityscape to build on his encouraging reappearance.

A contender for last year's 2000 Guineas, the chestnut finished second-last behind Sea The Stars and was kept off the track until just over a week ago at Newbury, when he flashed home for fourth in the Spring Cup.

Charlton has elected to make a quick move away from handicaps, with Cityscape lining up against just four rivals in the Listed Britain's Got Talent Paradise Stakes at Ascot.

"I was pleased with his run at Newbury and I think he would have gone pretty close if he had had luck in running. He seems to have come out of the race well and I'm looking forward to seeing him run again," said the trainer.

All of Cityscape's opponents have struggled with setbacks, like William Knight's King Of Dixie, who was out for almost a year.

"He seems in good order and I'm just hoping the ground isn't too fast for him," said Knight. "We had him in at Lingfield on Friday, but I just thought there wouldn't be many runners at Ascot and it's a good prize. He was third in the Victoria Cup at Ascot, so hopefully he'll run well.

"He's had a few problems and isn't the soundest of horses, so you've just got to chose your races carefully with him. He's a big, scopey horse and we've gelded him now to try and stop him carrying so much condition."

Jockey Club Stakes Preview

Mark Johnston's pair Jukebox Jury and Drill Sergeant feature among just five entries for the StanJames.com Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

Jukebox Jury, a Group One winner in Germany last season, was well beaten on his first start of the year in the Sheema Classic in Dubai. His stable companion was third at Ripon but had previously shown decent place form in Group company.

The Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained Claremont could make a quick return to action having finished third to Harbinger at Newbury earlier in the month, while Jim Goldie's Nanton and Mick Channon's Halicarnassus complete the possibles.

Another WINNER! Quiet Mountain 6/1

Message this morning...""strong words" on one in the 4.40...Barry McHugh and Ollie Pears team up again Quiet Mountain in a bid to follow-up his recent win at Wolverhampton"...6/1 WINNER!

Borderlescott Is Set To Make His seasonal Reappearance

Robin Bastiman's Borderlescott is set to make his seasonal reappearance in the StanJames.com Palace House Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The eight-year-old enjoyed another fantastic campaign in 2009 as he gave his Wetherby-based trainer an emotional success in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

Bastiman said: "He'll run all being well and he seems as good as ever. His races are mapped out for him and this is an obvious place for him to start, then I'd imagine he'll got to Haydock for the Temple Stakes and onwards from there."

He added: "We took to him Ripon the other day to work and it was just a breeze for him really, but I think he's a bit more forward than he was last year.

"Everyone knows he doesn't really come to himself until later in the year but we've got to get him started.

"We'll just take each race as it comes and we'll see how the old boy is, but he looks to have retained all of his old ability and it would be nice if he could pick up another big one somewhere. It would be nice if he could go to York and win the Nunthorpe again, but that's a long way off yet."

Easy!

Easy! Todays message..."Bath 2.55 Felsham is well bred and it will be a shade disappointing if he doesn't take care of these"...wished I`d piled on!

Bet356 Gold Cup Review...Excellent Performance Fro Horse and Jockey

A genuine new riding star may well have emerged at Sandown on Saturday as 18-year-old Adrian Heskin gave the performance of his young life aboard Church Island in the bet365 Gold Cup.

Trainer Michael Hourigan speaks of his 7lb claimer with barely contained excitement and compares him favourably with Adrian Maguire at this stage of his career.

At 11, Church Island has been around nearly as long as Heskin, but he looked as enthusiastic as in his promising novice days and led for around half of the race before beating Hoo La Baloo by six lengths.

Heskin struck for the stable at last month's Cheltenham Festival through cross-country winner A New Story and Hourigan said: "I have to say I'm more proud of Adrian and his prospects than for any of the good horses I have trained.

"He gave him a peach of a ride and as he gets older and stronger, he's going to be some jockey.

"I would say he is more advanced than Adrian (Maguire) was at this stage. He has only been riding a year and I haven't wanted him to get falls or to be riding for other people.

"I'm proud I have been able to find him and make him and I just hope I can keep hold of him."

Heskin added: "You can't really compare this and Cheltenham, but they are equally as good. I can't really put it into words.

"My father had a horse with Mr Hourigan and he has been very good to me and given me some great opportunities."

Oh Danny Boy!

There was drama at Newton Abbot when Gaspara passed the post first in the Mint Casino, Torquay Handicap Hurdle but lost the race in the stewards' room to Tabaran.

Future Vision was a faller on the first circuit and screens were erected after the second-last flight, but off towards the left of the hurdles track.

Danny Cook, riding Gaspara for David Pipe, spotted an official with a chequered flag and unfortunately went to the left of the hurdle, before joining back in and crossing the line in front of Tabaran.

As Tabaran jumped all the hurdles under Oliver Dayman, he was declared the winner.

Dayman told At The Races: "You could see the flag was up and that there had been an incident, but there were no markers on the hurdle and as far as I'm concerned I'm supposed to jump it.

"There was some shouting, but it happened so quick and I had a decision to make so I jumped it, as there were no markers there. To be honest I thought they were shouting about the last, so it didn't even cross my mind to miss the second-last."

Cook received a 28-day ban for taking the wrong course on Our Vic in the Boylesports Gold Cup, and as the latest incident was his second offence in the past 12 months, the matter was automatically referred to the British Horseracing Authority.

To slightly soften the blow Cook won the Nigel Lee Selling Hurdle on Pipe's Brandy Butter an hour later, and said: "We got our wires crossed. Someone was waving me by and you have to do what the officials say.

"The fence steward was shouting at me to 'go by, go by'. It would have been easier for me to jump the hurdle than go round. I should have just jumped the hurdle.

"There was a similar incident at Chepstow with Jimmy Derham when he was told to go round and then he joined back in and won the race. There is one rule one day and one rule another. There needs to be more consistency."

Bet365 Gold Cup Preview

Philip Hobbs feels Fairoak Lad could be the pick of his trio in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.

The Minehead trainer also saddles past winners Monkerhostin (2008) and Lacdoudal (2006), but believes the youngest member of his team might be the one to give him a third victory in the prestigious handicap chase on the final day of the jumps season.

"Fairoak Lad is progressive and will be suited well by the trip, which is a big positive, so hopefully he has a strong each-way chance," said the Minehead trainer.

"I suppose before the race it would look as though Fairoak Lad has the best chance of the three.

"It's a big call for Monkerhostin with top weight at 13 years of age but he seems in good form, so hopefully he'll run well. He has a good claimer on board and the ground will be fine for him.

"Lacdoudal also likes Sandown and both horses have won this race before. He ran well at Cheltenham last time, so hopefully he'd have an each-way squeak."

Charlie Mann expects Air Force One (my selection) to bounce back after an uncharacteristic fall last time at Down Royal.

"He's in very good form and is very fresh. He's had a very light season and we've had this race in mind for a while," said the Upper Lambourn trainer.

"He's a Grade One winner, he's well-handicapped and I'm hoping he'll run well. He had a silly fall last time out and he's a good jumper normally. On his best form he'd have a good chance.

"The trip should be fine. He was second in the Hennessy over three and a quarter miles. He likes a right-handed track too and Graham Lee gets on well with him."

Saturday...I`m feeling really confident!

MASSIVE "each way" selection...this horse has been "laid out" for this....could have run in GRAND NATIONAL and Scottish equivalent but has waited for this one! Get on Air Force One NOW! Plus Jim Goldie gets William Buik on board Gordonsville at Ripon...tip in itself! Sunderland to do the business too..."Mr Dependable" first scorer me thinks and Man U to WIN 4-0!

Bet365 Gold Cup

Air Force One "each way"...JUST DO IT!

Timeform Racecard

Get your FREE PUNCHESTOWN RACECARD for Wednesday's racing courtesy of Timeform - http://bit.ly/bipEL4

Wednesday Update

Paul Nicholls is delighted with the condition of Denman ahead of the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup.

The Ditcheat handler admits to being surprised at just how well his Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up looks at this late stage of the season.

"He does look particularly fresh and well for him. He's done very well since Cheltenham, which is unlike what normally happens. We are very happy and looking forward to running him," he said.

"I like Punchestown, it's more relaxed than Aintree and Cheltenham because I'll have a runner in nearly every race there, but you get time to enjoy this. There's a lot less pressure and it's a great meeting."

Denman will face 11 rivals, including another former Gold Cup winner in 2006 victor War Of Attrition, trained by Mouse Morris. He is having the last run of his career.

Notre Pere goes for Jim Dreaper and Willie Mullins is double-handed with Cooldine and J'y Vole, while Paul Nolan saddles Joncol.

Barry Geraghty, who rides Barbers Shop for The Queen, believes Denman is the one to beat.

The jockey told At The Races: "Joncol goes into the race fresh. Conditions might be a little bit good for him, but he still has to be respected - he's a horse that is improving.

"Cooldine ran a bit keen in Cheltenham, but if he settles he could run a big race.

"But Denman has had a month or so since the Gold Cup, so he's going to be well in himself. Paul Nicholls wouldn't be bringing him over unless he was happy with him, so he is the one we have to beat."

Chapion Chase Opportunity For Kalahari King

Ferdy Murphy reports Kalahari King to be none the worse for his Aintree fall and said: "He's fine, not a bother on him. I'm delighted to see a decent field, actually, so there should be plenty of pace which will suit. We don't want a muddling race." (My "each way" bet) G` Luck!

Punchestown Update

Forpadydeplasterer has one last chance to get a win on the board this season in Tuesday's Boylesports.com Champion Chase on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival.

Tom Cooper's eight-year-old has finished second on all five of his starts this term, including in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham and the Melling Chase at Liverpool.

Barry Geraghty, the man who partnered him to victory in last season's Arkle Trophy, is back in the saddle and Cooper said: "Hopefully it will be his day. There is no suggestion at all that he is anything but genuine, but he keeps finding one too good."

The trainer added: "He's come out of Aintree absolutely bouncing so while he hasn't had that long to recover, he's telling me he's ready. Barry's back on, but Davy (Russell) and Tony (McCoy) have done nothing wrong on him the last twice, he's an uncomplicated ride."

While Forpadydeplasterer won last year's Arkle, this year's winner, Sizing Europe, steps out of novice company for the first time.

Trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "I suppose we are taking on the older ones one race earlier than if we waited until next season but we did the same thing with his first run over fences too.

"He had that run in May so he's used to doing things earlier than the normal protocol. We are really keen to see him take on the best and we are really looking forward to it and hope he puts in another good account of himself. He loves good ground anyway, so that shouldn't be an issue."

Punchestown Festival...Tuesday Preview

Nicky Henderson's General Miller will look to follow up his Aintree victory in the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.

A first-flight casualty in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, won by Menorah, he left connections wondering what might have been when beating Philip Hobbs' charge at Aintree.

Henderson admits it may be tough asking General Miller to go again so quickly, but he will be having a long break after Tuesday's race.

The trainer said: "He was very good at Aintree and while it may be tough for him coming so soon after that, he will be out in a field when he gets back.

"I can ask him to do this because of course he didn't have a race at Cheltenham so he's only having two quick runs and not three. The ground won't be an issue for him either, he handled quicker ground very well at Liverpool."

Another British raider is Charlie McBride's Rollwiththepunches, second to another smart Hobbs novice, Captain Chris, on his last start at Kempton.

Willie Mullins runs Flat Out, fifth in the Supreme, and Blackstairmountain, who disappointed at Cheltenham but ran much better when only worn down close home by Luska Lad at Fairyhouse.

Sweeps Hill, a classy bumper performer last term, has his first run of the calendar year, while Henry de Bromhead lets the exciting Loosen My Load take his chance.

De Bromhead said: "He hated the ground the last day at Fairyhouse but it was his first run for nearly five months. He'll come on for that, but he will have to as this is a Grade One. He's a really nice horse but I'm just not sure if he's a Grade One hurdler.

"Whatever happens, he's a smashing prospect for fences."

Ponte` Review

Richard Fahey's Castles In The Air looks sure to take in some of the season's better sprint handicaps after making a winning return to action at Pontefract.

Running in the colours of Channel 4 Racing pundit Jim McGrath, the five-year-old was having his first start since finishing down the field in a hot event over seven furlongs at Ascot in September.

Dropping back a furlong in distance for the Riu Palace Meloneras Handicap, the 6-1 chance travelled sweetly throughout in the rain-softened conditions before scooting up the rail to lead passing the furlong marker.

Internationaldebut really began to hit top gear late on and scythed through the pack, but the winner had already flown and passed the post two and three-quarter lengths ahead.

McGrath's business manager Roger Trevitt said: "Jim couldn't be here because he's down at the British Horseracing Authority, but I'm sure he'll be absolutely delighted.

"Physically this horse has come on a lot during the winter and Richard had been very happy with his recent work. They were all confident coming here and it's worked out well."

Kevin Ryan recorded his first two-year-old success of the campaign as Geesala turned in a taking display in the Premier Sports Cafe Bar Median Auction Maiden Fillies' Stakes

Sent of at 8-1, the daughter of Barathea showed plenty of dash from the starting stalls and found another gear rounding the turn for home to beat another promising newcomer in Abidhabidubai by a length and three-quarters.

Wexford-based owner John Brennan is no stranger to success, with Grade One-winner Glencove Marina among his prized assets in his native Ireland.

Brennan said: "This is my first horse with Kevin and it's a great start. I've probably had around 120 winners over jumps, but Kevin convinced me to have a horse with him and all he said was to make sure I was here. She's done it well and should continue to improve."

7/1 WINNER!

Advice this morning..."Hexham 4.30 Keith Reveleys Heavenly Chorus is well handicapped and I`m informed in better shape than her form figures suggest"...WON 7/1!

Sunday Report

Meassage today..."Three at Ascot for you to follow"...Non-Runner, a second and a 5/2 WINNER! News from the gallops this morning on two runners to "get on" this week...ring from 10 am daily!

Denis O'Regan and Howard Johnson To Part Company

Denis O'Regan has revealed he will not be riding for Howard Johnson next season.

The jockey has teamed up with the County Durham trainer and owner Graham Wylie for the last three campaigns.

He replaced Paddy Brennan for the start of the 2007-08 season and had a successful first year, winning the World Hurdle on Inglis Drever and the Arkle Trophy on Tidal Bay at the Cheltenham Festival.

"The contract is not being renewed for next season. I've had a terrific three years and I've ridden so many good horses. Graham Wylie and Howard Johnson have put me up on some fantastic horses," said O'Regan.

"I've had a great time and I had the real pleasure of riding a champion in Inglis Drever. Now that chapter is closed in my career and I've got to move on.

"I've not made any decisions on my plans for next season. I'm going to see what's going to happen but I've just got to keep my head down and keep riding away as much as I can."

O'Regan has ridden 66 winners so far this season and was runner-up on Black Apalachi in the John Smith's Grand National for trainer Dessie Hughes at Aintree last week.

Fallons Back!

Kieren Fallon rode at Newbury after escaping serious injury in a paddock incident at the Berkshire track on Friday.

The six-times champion jockey was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital after being kicked in the build-up to the Bridget Maiden Fillies' Stakes, but initial fears of a broken leg proved unfounded as precautionary X-rays came back clear.

"I thought it may have been more sore and I didn't think I would ride. I iced it well and went swimming and feel OK now," said Fallon before taking the first of his mounts.

"It was only my second ever injury and I am not used to it. I thought it had to be broken as the pain was unreal, but I was OK after a shot of morphine.

"The X-rays then came back clear and I was fine in the morning and I can move it perfect. If I feel as good at the end of the day as I do now then I will be fine."

Among his six booked rides were Lady Of The Desert in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes and Purple Moon in the John Porter Stakes.

And he returned to winning form as Luca Cumani's 100-30 favourite Forte Dei Marmi skipped away in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Handicap.

Scottish Winner In Scottish National

Merigo ended a 28-year barren streak for locally-trained runners as he ran away with the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

Ken Oliver's Cockle Strand was the last Scottish-trained horse to bag the country's premier jumps prize in 1982, but Merigo righted that statistic with a superb staying performance.

Trained at Lockerbie by Andrew Parker, Merigo was sent off an 18-1 shot for the four-mile marathon and the result barely looked in doubt after Timmy Murphy kicked on after the fourth-last fence to beat last year's runner-up Gone To Lunch by nine lengths.

Owner Ray Green, who is also Murphy's father-in-law, said: "It's fantastic to win Scotland's greatest chase and it ranks alongside Sparky Gale winning for me at the Cheltenham Festival.

"It was so frustrating last year when we took him out of the race because the ground was a bit too quick. Everything hasn't gone to plan - we intended to run him in the Welsh National but we were snowed in, and he was favourite for the Eider only for the meeting to be abandoned.

"The other idea had been to run him in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree, but he needed another win to get in the handicap and we couldn't find a race for him. The plan now is to get him in the Aintree race next year."

Parker admitted: "We have had a frustrating winter not being able to run the horse in the Welsh National or the Eider, but he has been in great form all through and we just wanted to get him on the course.

"Ray has always been a great supporter of the stable and I couldn't be any more pleased for him."

Murphy was thrilled to complete the family success, adding: "He jumped and travelled well and it is great for Andrew and particularly for Ray and Anita to have won this race. They are true patriotic Scots and it is great for them to win the country's biggest chase."

Despite having to settle for second again, Jeremy Scott was delighted and said: "We may be banging our head against a brick wall but we will come back again and hopefully one day he will win."

Goldie Gold Rush!

Jim Goldie is enjoying his best jumping season numerically and he added to his tally with a double thanks to Tillietudlem and Stormin Exit.

Tillietudlem (28-1) made all to win by four and a half lengths under Graham Lee in the Artemis, The Profits Hunter Supporting Poppyscotland Novices' Handicap Hurdle and Goldie said: "He should not have been that price. Look at his form - he has had some good horses behind him."

Stormin Exit (13-2) shrugged off a long delay before the Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase to score by just under two lengths for Goldie and jockey James Reveley.

The race was run 35 minutes late as the track was realigned following Delightfully's mishap on the level in the previous race.

Clerk of the course Hazel Peplinski said: "A drain had collapsed and there was a sizeable hole. It was in the area between the chase course and the hurdle course which was being used."

Goldie's compatriot Lucinda Russell matched his feat when sending out Phone In (20-1) to take the Isle Of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Novices' Handicap Chase before following up with Catch The Perk in the Tam O'Shanter Poppyscotland Claiming Chase.

Loadsa Money!

Nicky Henderson exceeded £2 million in prize-money earnings for the second successive year as the super-consistent Carole's Legacy won the Coral Backing Poppyscotland Mares' Handicap Hurdle at Ayr.

Carole's Legacy, shouldering top weight, was sent to the front three out and dug deep to finish four lengths up on Pokanoket. It took Henderson on to 132 winners, 20 more than Paul Nicholls.

The Seven Barrows handler said: "We have only just gone over the bar (the £2 million mark), but we got there last season with only a week to go. We haven't done too badly considering they gave us a nine-month season (there was a three-month ban at the start) and last season we had 115 winners."

He continued: "Carole's Legacy is the toughest mare you will ever see on four legs and her owner/breeder Paul Murphy and his family are the nicest people on two legs you could wish to train for. She stays in training next year."

Scottish National

Ferdy Murphy is in bullish mood as Poker De Sivola bids to give him a fourth success in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

The Yorkshire handler has saddled Paris Pike (2000), Joes Edge (2005) and Hot Weld (2007) to take the Ayr marathon, and this year's representative arrives on the back of victory in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham.

"We've had no problems with him since Cheltenham and everything is grand. He has a nice racing weight and we're lucky to be in the handicap as if we'd had rain and Denman had run, we wouldn't have been," said Murphy.

"It's going to be quite quick ground, but this lad should be fine on it. He definitely has a decent chance and I think he's a justifiable favourite."

John Mackie is hopeful of a good run from Gidam Gidam, who is proven at the trip having won over four miles at Doncaster in February.

"He's in good form and we're looking forward to the race," said the Derbyshire trainer. "When he first ran over four miles a couple of years ago we had the Scottish National pencilled in and the way this season has panned out, it's dropped into place."

Peter Bowen would like to see the weather stay dry for No Panic, whose stamina is unproven over this marathon distance.

"He's in good form so I just hope it stays dry for him," said the Haverfordwest trainer. "Hopefully being 7lb out of the handicap won't matter too much. We've had this race in mind for him for a little while."

Have a look at Dom D`Orgeval. Back with former yard and unlucky not to have had a win recently. Leading claims if able to reproduce his Aintree effort last week off same mark me thinks. 20/1 Ladbrokes currently. Two more selections on Members Line NOW! G` Luck!

Speedy Recovery Mark

Mark Bradburne is likely to be moved to a hospital nearer home after doctors in Glasgow decided not to operate on his back.

Bradburne damaged one of the vertebrae in his spine when unseated from Soldiers Tree, trained by his mother Sue, in the Third Time Lucky Novices' Hurdle at Kelso on Sunday.

"He's in much better spirits. They've decided not to operate because they are happy enough where the fragments of bone are," said his agent Russ James.

"The fragments of bone are floating forward as opposed to coming back towards the spine, so they have taken a view not to operate. There is talk, if they can, to get him airlifted to Radcliffe Hospital to be nearer home.

"It's not a stable fracture, but it's not an unstable fracture. He's going to have to remain on his back for the immediate future.

"The prognosis of him riding again is very good, but he's going to spend a certain amount of time on the sidelines."

Elusive Pimpernel...John Dunlop is refusing to look beyond Thursday's Racing Post breezeupbonus.com Craven Stakes at Newmarket

John Dunlop is refusing to look beyond Thursday's Racing Post breezeupbonus.com Craven Stakes at Newmarket for his exciting colt Elusive Pimpernel.

The three-year-old won one of the hottest juvenile events of 2009 in the Acomb Stakes at York before finding only StanJames.com 2000 Guineas favourite St Nicholas Abbey too strong in the Racing Post Trophy.

Elusive Pimpernel himself is as short as 14-1 for the season's first Classic on May 1 and Dunlop said: "The horse has done well and had a good winter, so we'll see how he gets on. He hasn't had any problems and we'll just have to see how he runs on Thursday, it's as simple as that really."

He added: "The ground shouldn't worry him all being well so we'll see what happens on the day."

Pontefract Review...rather not talk about it, thank you!

Richard Fahey and stable jockey Paul Hanagan continued their flying start to the season with a Pontefract double courtesy of Harrison George and Albaqaa.

The former (11-2), conceding weight all round in the Dalby Stand Handicap, came with a strong run to lead inside the final quarter-mile and pass the post with seven lengths to spare over Marvo.

"We did not know whether he got the trip (a mile) or not in the Lincoln as he saw too much daylight," said Fahey's assistant, Robin O'Ryan.

"His owner (Phil Smith) lives in York, so I am sure he will want him to run there at the May meeting, but I don't know in what race yet."

It was a much closer call for Albaqaa (9-4 favourite), but he battled on gamely inside the final furlong of the Paddock Package Handicap to get the better of Distant Memories and Shadows Lengthen.

O'Ryan added: "Albaqaa has deserved to win a good race. He missed the break in the Lincoln and he half-missed it again today, but Paul said it probably helped him as he was able to get him settled. If there is anything for him at York he will go there too."

Apprentice Billy Cray gave Richard Guest's Dan Buoy (20-1) a splendid ride from the front to win the Jamaican Flight Handicap in good style, holding off Bold Adventure by half a length.

Guest said: "I thought he would win, he is a decent horse if he gets his own way in front. If he is OK he will come back here next week for the 'Marathon'."

Fahey and Hanagan came desperately close to completing a treble with Fairy Shoes in the pontefract-races.co.uk Maiden Fillies' Stakes, but she was caught in the last strides by the Shane Kelly-ridden Maid In Heaven, who prevailed by a head.

Zuider Zee (2-1), Newmarket trainer John Gosden's only runner at the meeting, took the High-Rise Median Auction Maiden Stakes, Robert Havlin collaring Forsyth in the last strides to win by a short head.

Report From Alan Kings Yard

Alan King will rely on 2008 runner-up Halcon Genelardais in Saturday's Coral Scottish Grand National, with Nenuphar Collonges likely to wait for Punchestown next week.

Halcon Genelardais finished 14 lengths behind 66-1 shot Iris De Balme when carrying top weight of 11st 12lb in the race two years ago and although he will have at least 11st 9lb this time, his mark has slipped from a career high of 169 to a current rating of 150.

The 10-year-old has only raced twice this season, most recently when seventh to Dream Alliance in the Welsh National at Chepstow after Christmas.

King said: "I have to confirm it with the owners, but I think Nenuphar will wait for Punchestown. There is a three-mile-six-handicap chase he should get into.

"The plan for Halcon Genelardais is to go to Ayr. Like a lot of people, I am slightly worried about the ground up there, but I think he will take his chance. It is the lowest mark he has had for a long time and I would hope he can run well."

Halcon Genelardais is a 20-1 shot with the sponsors, who have trimmed last year's narrow runner-up Gone To Lunch to 12-1 from 16-1.

Timepiece Reappears Wednesday

Timepiece, ante-post favourite for the Investec Oaks, makes her seasonal debut in the Blue Square Feilden Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday.

Although the half-sister to Passage Of Time also holds an entry in the StanJames.com 1000 Guineas, trainer Henry Cecil feels the daughter of Zamindar will need further than a mile. All her three races as a two-year-old came over that trip and she ended her juvenile campaign with victory in the Listed Montrose Stakes.

"Timepiece may need further than a mile but Newmarket will tell us more. She should run well and I do not want to run her at a shorter distance first time out," Cecil told www.henrycecil.com.

A competitive field of nine has been declared for the Listed contest over nine furlongs.

They include Godolphin's Black Snowflake, Mahmoud Al Zarooni's first runner in Britain, the John Gosden-trained Prizefighting, John Dunlop's Mufarrh and Mark Johnston's Marie De Medici.

Scottish Grand National Update

Denman is likely to head to Punchestown after being ruled out of Saturday's Coral Scottish Grand National.

This year's Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up was due to carry top weight in the Ayr feature, but drying conditions in Scotland have derailed his challenge. The Paul Nicholls-trained chaser is instead poised to be rerouted to Ireland, where is he is being aimed at the Guinness Gold Cup on Wednesday week - as long as there is cut in the ground.

Joint-owner Paul Barber said: "It's disappointing as it looked a very good opportunity for him. But all the weather charts said there was not a drop of rain forecast so it was pointless waiting around. Even if Ayr watered it would have been good to firm whatever happened, so Paul wanted to tell everyone what we were doing in advance. We should hopefully be OK at Punchestown as they tend to get a lot more rain over there."

Barber also said Grand National hero Tony McCoy is likely to ride Denman in Ireland. McCoy finished second on the 10-year-old gelding at Cheltenham and is set to deputise for the injured Ruby Walsh.

"All being well, Tony should be riding," added Barber. "It should hopefully be another good day for racing."

Scottish National Update

The Ayr race has lost leading contender, with the loss of leading Scottish hope Silver By Nature.

Trainer Lucinda Russell told her website, www.lucindarussell.com: "Silver By Nature has chipped a bone at the back of his knee. He is lame and Hugh Sommerville, our vet, thinks that he needs six weeks box rest then a summer out at grass. The prognosis for full recovery from this injury is excellent.

"Silver By Nature has had a marvellous season, finishing second in the Welsh National and winning the Blue Square Gold Cup at Haydock. He will be aimed at the leading staying chases and the Scottish National next season.

"Whilst it is very sad for everybody today the important thing is that Silver By Nature should make a full recovery and he will be an exciting horse for us all next season. Obviously we are very disappointed but the plan will be to run in the race next year."

Silver By Nature (My selection) OUT!...Try this fella` instead

Connections of Gone To Lunch have high hopes of a return to his best form when the 10 year old attempts to go one place better in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday.

The gelding will be equipped with headgear as connections try to rekindle his enthusiasm after three disappointing efforts since he finished fifth to Denman in the Hennessy at Newbury in November.

"I hope all goes well. We are going to give him a school (on Tuesday). He's nicely weighted on last year's performance, we just want to see him back to his best," said trainer Jeremy Scott.

"To all intents and purposes you'd say he was just as good as he was last year.

"We've had a slight muscle problem that we think we've sorted, which may have caused him to drop off or jump slowly.

"If that's sorted I don't see why he shouldn't run a great race. I could be wrong, it maybe that's he just not enjoying life in the same way that he did.

"He'll probably have a bit of headgear but I'm not quite sure what yet.

"In fairness, he's always started his races with plenty of enthusiasm but then when a mistake comes along he's dropped himself out of it a bit. We shall see."

Johnson Robbed!

Howard Johnson has spoken of his horror after armed raiders held him and his wife at gunpoint and robbed them of more than £100,000.

Johnson, 56, was reading the newspaper at his farm outside Crook, County Durham, on Sunday night when two men in balaclavas broke down his front door and forced him to open his safe.

Johnson said: “I have never been as frightened in my life before – and I have been kicked by bulls and horses and was nearly killed by a cow.”

The robbers, armed with a revolver and a 7in (18cm) knife, smashed their way into his home at White Lea Farm in Roddymoor at about 10.30pm.

Earlier, Mr Johnson had spotted a car nearby as he finished his jobs for the day but thought it belonged to a “courting couple”.

He said: “All of a sudden I heard a horrendous thud – I thought a picture had come off the wall.

“I jumped up and rushed to the door and there was two of them saying, ‘We’re going to get you. Open the door’.

“They were braying (hitting) on it and I couldn’t keep them back.

“They overpowered me and chucked me against the glass doors.

“I shouted up to my wife Sue, ‘We’re getting burgled’.”

Johnson was held at gunpoint while one of the robbers armed with a knife went upstairs to the couple’s bedroom where Mrs Johnson had been resting, and she was brought down.

The trainer said the men forced him to open his safe, and took away “six figures” of cash.

They then went upstairs and also stole money he had won at Aintree at the weekend.

He said it was lucky that their five-year-old granddaughter was not staying with them, as had been planned.

The robbers fled, but left a chilling warning not to call the police for three hours or they would shoot the couple.

Armed police were on the scene within minutes after the Johnsons raised the alarm.

They were interviewed overnight and were unable to return to their home today until forensic examinations were carried out.

Mr Johnson said: “I couldn’t act, they would have killed us. I just kept cool.

“They (the robbers) never got excited and they weren’t shaking, they were professionals.”

The trainer said the money taken was being saved up to buy his wife a dream cottage.

“It’s just as well we had the cash. If we didn’t, I don’t think I’d be talking to you now,” he said.

“This is the biggest fright I have ever had.”

Durham Police are expected to release more details later.

Durham Police said investigations into the robbery at Mr Johnson’s home were under way.

A spokesman said: “A horse owner and trainer was robbed of £100,000 after two armed men burst into his County Durham home late last night.

“Mr Johnson, who trains Royal Rosa which ran in Saturday’s Grand National, reported that two men, one armed with a knife forced entry through the front door.

“One of the men dragged Mr Johnson’s wife out of bed and then held a handgun to his head forcing Mr Johnson to open the safe before the robber and his accomplice fled.

“Initial information resulted in armed response vehicles attending the premises.

“Officers also conducted a search of the premises and surrounding area.”

Silver By Nature...a whisper!

I`m told Lucinda Russell is planning to "reach for the sky" next season with Silver By Nature.

All being well, the grey is set to mount a serious challenge for the Scottish National (my "each way" selection) but in March 2011 he could well be competing in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Connections are set to enter him for the Grand National but he's likely to also feature among the names pencilled in for the Festival showpiece.

Scottish National Preview

AYR is set to break all booking office records if Denman turns up for the Coral Scottish Grand National on April 17th. The Tank is not a certain runner but it will be a strange looking race without him as he's top-weight on 11st 12lb and only three other horses are on 10st or more. Madison Du Berlais is the next highest weighted on 10st 1lb!

Silver By Nature, owned and bred by St Johnstone chairman Geoff Brown and trained at Milnathort by Lucinda Russell, will carry the hopes of a nation as he bids to become the first tartan winner of the £200,000 Ayr marathon since Ken Oliver's Cockle Strand in 1982.

Brown said: "Denman and Kauto Star are the best staying chasers we have seen for a long time and I hope Denman runs as we only have 10st. "Denman was second in the Gold Cup to Imperial Commander and, on form with the third horse Mon Mome, we have nothing to fear as we beat him by 34 lengths when winning the Blue Square Gold Cup at Haydock. "We're due to receive 26lb from Denman and I'll take that any day of the week. Put it this way, if we are still thereabouts jumping the last it will take some horse to beat us."

Brown, whose fast-improving eight year-old was also a game runner-up under regular pilot Peter Buchanan in this season's Welsh National, added: : "I'll be having a wee bet on Silver By Nature but just enough to cover presents for the staff and the jockey. The main thing is that he comes back safe and sound."

Where They Ended Up

There were 14 finishers in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree, headed by the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Don't Push it.

1st DON'T PUSH IT (10-1 joint-favourite), 2nd Black Apalachi (14-1), 3rd State of Play (16-1), 4th Big Fella Thanks (10-1 joint-favourite).

5th Hello Bud, 6th Snowy Morning, 7th Character Building, 8th Cloudy Lane, 9th Tricky Trickster, 10th Joe Lively, 11th Cerium, 12th Comply Or Die, 13th Piraya, 14th Preists Leap.

First circuit: Refused to race King Johns Castle, fence 1 Eric's Charm (fell), 2 Pablo Du Charmil (fell), 4 My Will (fell), 5 Made In Taipan (fell), 8 Can't Buy Time (unseated), 14 Irish Raptor (fell), Royal Rosa (unseated), 15 Arbor Supreme (unseated).

Second circuit: 19 Madison Du Berlais (fell), Beat The Boys (pulled up), The Package (unseated), 20 Vic Venturi (brought down), Nozic (unseated), Backstage (unseated), 21 Flintoff (pulled up), 22 Ballyfitz (fell), Maljimar (fell), 23 Ellerslie George (unseated).

24 Dream Alliance (pulled up), 26 Mon Mome (fell), 27 Palypso De Creek (fell), 28 Ballyholland (pulled up), 29 Niche Market (pulled up), Conna Castle (pulled up), Ollie Magern (pulled up).

At Last!

Tony McCoy's unquenchable thirst for victory in the John Smith's Grand National was finally met as the Jonjo O'Neill-trained and JP McManus-owned Don't Push It triumphed amid emotional scenes at Aintree.

Big-race wins are commonplace to the 14-times champion jockey, but the world-famous National over the daunting Liverpool fences had proved his Achilles heel, with a trio of third-place finishes the most he had achieved.

The 35-year-old deeply craved the recognition that comes hand in hand with a National win and that finally arrived as a huge late gamble on 10-1 joint-favourite Don't Push It came good.

The 10-year-old was close to the front jumping the second-last and gradually reeled in long-time leader Black Apalachi before pulling five lengths clear, with State Of Play another 20 lengths back in third and Big Fella Thanks a further three lengths adrift in fourth.

The relief of finally bagging the National was evident as elation burst through every pore in McCoy's skin crossing the line, and he tearfully spoke on pulling up.

"I'm being a big wuss. It means everything to me to win the Grand National," he said. "I've won lots of big races and I'm supposed to be a good jockey, but to not win the National would be a negative on the CV. Everyone on the street knows the National as it is a people's race.

"I'm delighted for my mum and dad as they've been great for me throughout the years, and for my wife Chanelle, and my daughter Eve, who is two and a half. Hopefully now she'll be proud of me when she grows up.

"My trainer put me on the right one, if truth be known. I asked him to toss a coin and I think he tossed it a few times until he got Don't Push It. I'm delighted for JP as he's the best supporter this game has ever had."

McManus, winning after 33 previous attempts, said: "To win the National is great, but to win it with Jonjo and AP is special. This is wonderful for Jonjo and the staff at Jackdaws Castle. AP deserved to win the race and I am pleased it was on one of mine."

O'Neill, who failed to complete the course as a jockey, added: "I walked the track with my kids and stopped them at Canal Turn and said this is where it ends, as I never got any further in seven tries! It is one of those races I thought wasn't going to happen."

Todays Selections

Aintree 2.15: Ferdy Murphy runs Bedlam Boy. Useful hurdler (placed twice in good company at this meeting). Has taken well to fences, successful 3 out of 4 starts (runner-up to Tazbar on other one), and looks well worth this step up in class.

National: Black Apalachi, Arbor Supreme, The Package. G` Luck!

National Update

Roger Loughran will take the plum spare ride on Vic Venturi in the John Smith's Grand National after Paddy Flood suffered a broken collarbone.

Flood's mount Schindlers Hunt fell at the third fence in the Melling Chase on Friday, fracturing his near foreleg and having to be put down.

Vic Venturi's trainer Dessie Hughes said: "We had a couple of options to consider but we're going with Roger Loughran."

Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch plans to water the ground after two drying days.

"I'll be watering the Mildmay and hurdle courses and we will water the 13th and 14th fences after the Melling Road crossing on the Grand National course," he said.

"We're racing on a fresh strip of ground anyway, so this is really just to maintain conditions."

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Melling Preview...My Selection On Line NOW!

Paul Nicholls believes Poquelin will be lining up in one of the best races of the season when he tackles Friday's John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree.

Several Grade One winners are in the field with the likes of Albertas Run, Monet's Garden, Kalahari King and Forpadydeplasterer bringing top-class form to the table. Poquelin was second to Albertas Run in the Ryanair Chase and while Nicholls is not doubting that he had a hard race, he expects him to be in the mix again.

"He'll like the track and will appreciate the drying ground but it's a fantastic race, I do think it's one of the best fields I have seen all season, there are so many good horses in there," said Nicholls.

"He had a hardish race at Cheltenham, but I suppose he hasn't had a lot of racing this season. We were second in the Ryanair so we have to be in with a chance, but we've got the likes of Albertas Run to beat again."

Another expected to prefer Aintree rather than Cheltenham is Tom George's Tartak. He was last seen finishing fifth in the Grand Annual behind Pigeon Island but won at the Grand National meeting last year, beating the reopposing Deep Purple in the Manifesto Chase.

"He absolutely loves Aintree. For some reason, Cheltenham doesn't seem to suit him," said George. "He's badly treated with a few of them, but he will improve enormously at that course."

Ferdy Murphy's Kalahari King finished third in the Champion Chase on only his second start of the season. He arrives fresher than all of his rivals and has apparently thrived in the three weeks since his last run.

"He's won over two and a half miles before so we think the trip will suit," said Murphy. "He's very well, the ground looks like it will be ideal and he seems very well. He's had two runs so is fresher than most and I couldn't be happier with him.

"They went a fairly lively pace in the Queen Mother and turning into the straight he looked like being a moderate fourth, but he stuck his head out up the hill and got up to be third.

"He has shown his best form in the spring, too, he was very good here last year and he'd had a bit harder campaign then. He seems fresh and I couldn't be happier."

Fergie "Over The Moon"!

What A Friend won an incident-packed renewal of the totesport Bowl at Aintree to give part-owner Sir Alex Ferguson some compensation for Manchester United's elimination from the Champions League on Wednesday.

Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander never appeared to be travelling with the same enthusiasm as at Cheltenham and eventually unseated Paddy Brennan at the 14th fence. Nacarat and Carruthers were battling for the lead throughout and turning for home Tony McCoy appeared to hold all the aces on the former.

However, he belted the first fence in the straight and lost all chance. Carruthers then looked the likeliest winner but a sticky leap at the last left the Paul Nicholls-trained What A Friend (5-2) with an advantage he would not relinquish and he won by three and a quarter lengths.

Ferguson said: "I'm very pleased, it's fantastic and I was so excited. It's great. That's the beauty of the racing game. Every fence you're jumping yourself, that's the beauty of it. We knew the form of Carruthers because we've run against him in the past, so I was quite happy, but the other fella (Nacarat) gave me a fright.

"I've had a lot of great winners, but to win a race of this magnitude and class is fantastic. I'm really pleased. He's a young horse and the aim is to go to the Gold Cup next year."

Nicholls added: "That makes me feel better now. We set out for this race today. He's a bit like Big Buck's. When he hits the front he pulls up a little bit. He's always been a bit green, but he's only a baby. He is only seven and he's won two Grade Ones now. The best is yet to come from him next year, we feel."

Winning rider Ruby Walsh said: "He jumped so well and I always had something to aim at. I landed in front after the second-last and I had to stop him, but then Nacarat came after me and then it was Carruthers at the last.

"I didn't know Imperial Commander had gone, but he had been jumping so bad all the way. I'd already given up on him and was only worried about those in front of me."

Nigel Twiston-Davies said of Imperial Commander: "The horse is fine - he didn't jump very well and if you don't jump you don't win. He made an early mistake and his jumping fell apart so we'll send him off for a nice long break now."

Mark Bradstock, trainer of Carruthers, said: "I'm over the moon, he just didn't get the last fence quite right but you can't say whether he would have won, you've got to jump them. I hate finishing second but that's the way it goes."

Nina Has The Character

Nina Carberry has been selected to ride Character Building in Saturday's John Smith's Grand National at Aintree.

Trainer John Quinn had thrown a few names into the hat but Carberry, brother of Grand National-winning rider Paul, has got the plum mount. The grey was recently bought by David and Patricia Thompson, the proprietors of Cheveley Park Stud.

"After discussions with Mr and Mrs Thompson it has been decided that Nina Carberry will ride Character Building on Saturday in the Grand National," the Malton handler told his website, www.johnquinnracing.co.uk.

"Nina has proved time and again that she can mix it with the best and the Thompsons were very keen to acquire her services. Roll on Saturday."

Carberry has once before ridden in the National, when finishing ninth aboard Forest Gunner in 2006, and told Press Association Sport.: "I can't wait now. It's great news and I'm delighted that the owners and trainer are letting me ride him.

"I got a great thrill riding Forest Gunner in the National. It was soft ground that day and he just didn't really get home, he jumped great and I got a great spin off him. I'm hoping to do a little bit better this time, for another clear round anyway, and with a bit of luck he'll be bang there.

"I just found out when John (Quinn) rang me. I didn't have a clue, it was a surprise. I wasn't even going over (to Aintree). It's very exciting. I've just been at home sat on the couch."

Aintree Thursday

Nigel Twiston-Davies has no fears about the track as his Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander bids to follow up in the totesport Bowl at Aintree on Thursday.

The nine-year-old was a brilliant winner of the blue riband event at last month's Festival, his sixth course victory from a total of seven wins under Rules.

Some would argue he is less effective at other tracks but Twiston-Davies points to this season's Betfair Chase at Haydock, where he was beaten just a nose by Kauto Star, as evidence to the contrary.

Joining Imperial Commander on the opening day of the Grand National meeting will be stablemates and fellow Festival winners Pigeon Island, who lines up in the Red Rum Handicap Chase, and Baby Run, who tackles the giant fences in the Fox Hunters' Chase. ( A 40/1 selection for me in this race...details on members line NOW )

"We're very much looking forward to it. We finished one Festival off with three winners on the final day and they all run on the first day of the next Festival, so it will be interesting," said Twiston-Davies.

"Imperial Commander is in very good form. People will say he does most of his winning at Cheltenham but that doesn't worry me at all. There wasn't much wrong with his run at Haydock earlier in the season and Haydock is quite similar to Aintree in many ways."

Paul Nicholls, responsible for Cheltenham runner-up Denman and eventual faller and favourite Kauto Star, relies upon What A Friend on Merseyside.

The gelding, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, has only been seen twice this term.

He finished a fine second to Denman in the Hennessy before getting up close home to taste a first Grade One success in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.

Nicholls said: "We have kept him nice and fresh by missing Cheltenham and the drying conditions will really help. Imperial Commander is the champion now, the Gold Cup holder and a horse who is going to be very hard to beat."

Nafaath Gets A Chance

Howard Johnson is looking forward to seeing how Nafaath gets on as he tackles Grade One company for the first time in the Matalan Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices' Hurdle at Aintree

The youngster was rated in excess of 100 on the Flat when trained by Kevin Prendergast in Ireland and opened his account over obstacles in impressive style at Ayr last month.

Johnson said: "We've decided to let Nafaath take his chance and he seems a very nice horse. I think he really wants two and a half miles but we thought we'd let him run over two in this sort of company as they'll go a good gallop. Denis rode him on Tuesday morning and was very pleased with him."

Newcastle OFF!

Saturday's fixture at Newcastle has been abandoned due to false ground.

Officials at Gosforth Park were left with no option but to call off their first Flat meeting of the season following an early-morning inspection.

Clerk of the course James Armstrong said: "We've been struggling for the last week and it's not improving at all. In the last 20 days we've had just short of four inches of rain, on top of the unseasonably cold temperatures."

25/1 Ante-Post Bet In 2000 Guineas

Pat Eddery has booked Olivier Peslier to ride Hearts Of Fire in the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas – and believes his colt is overpriced for next month’s Newmarket Classic.

The three-year-old won three times as a juvenile under the French jockey – who won the Guineas on Cockney Rebel in 2007 – and rounded off his campaign with Group One success in Italy.

Eddery certainly knows what it takes to win the season’s first Classic having landed the race three times as a jockey on Lomond (1983), El Gran Senor (1984) and Zafonic (1993).

“He’s done very well through the winter and I’m really pleased with him,” Eddery told At The Races

“He won a Listed race at Deauville and then went to Baden-Baden in Germany and won a Group Three very easily.

“We then sent him over to Milan for a Group One and he came from last to beat a horse of Godolphin’s which went on to win at the Breeders’ Cup (Vale Of York), so his form is solid.

“He’ll definitely go there with a real sporting chance as the horse is in great form and Olivier Peslier is very confident in the horse.

“I’m not too bothered what the ground is like as he’ll go on firm and he’s won on very soft.

“I ride the horse every day and he’s been in great shape – he’s got me off once or twice!

“He was only a £13,000 purchase but he won a lot of prize-money last year and gave the owners a really happy time, so hopefully he’ll continue to do that.

“He definitely goes to Newmarket and is not a 25-1 shot, not in my view anyway.”

King Fontaine WINNER!

Message yesterday..."Weth 2.45 King Fontaine should get off the mark over fences back in novice company"...he did! "held up behind, steady headway 11th, led 2 out,stayed on well from last" 7/4>5/6

National Update

John Quinn's Character Building will be carrying new colours in the John Smith's Grand National on Saturday after being purchased by David and Patricia Thompson, the owners of Cheveley Park Stud.

The couple have already tasted Aintree glory, having bought Party Politics just days before his 1992 triumph.

Chris Richardson, Cheveley Park Stud's managing director, said: "He's a horse who we expressed an interest in last year but at that time the owner wasn't willing to sell. Mrs Thompson approached John Quinn again this year and thankfully an offer has been accepted, so it's exciting."

He added: "The National is obviously competitive and they've all got a chance, but Character Building is lightly raced and I think John is pleased with him, so it's fingers crossed.

"Mr and Mrs Thompson obviously won the race with Party Politics soon after buying him in an election year and it is certainly an interesting coincidence."

A New Story PLACED 25/1 In Irish National

Bluesea Cracker, trained by James Motherway, landed an incident-packed renewal of the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

There were plenty of casualties in the three-mile-five-furlong contest, including favourite Saddlers Storm, leading fancy Telenor and British raider Double Dizzy.

Bluesea Cracker (25-1) was well to the fore as the field rounded the turn for home for the final time and although she began to tire on the run-in, Andrew McNamara's mount had enough in reserve to repel the challenge of Oscar Time by four and a half lengths.

Whatuthink was third, with Cheltenham cross-country winner A New Story fourth.

It was the biggest success in the career of Cork-based Motherway - and the trainer's first over fences this season.

The handler said: "I can't believe it. She's been a fantastic mare for us. I walked the track at 12pm and was worried about getting home in the ground. I skipped a heartbeat going to the last but then jumped six feet into the air after it!

"We found that she has been far more settled this year and if she was ever going to go for an Irish National it was this season.

"All credit to Andy. I wanted to drop in, but he said he wanted to be mid-division as they wouldn't be gaining much ground in the conditions. He's a cool man and he waited for the last minute until he had to go. He lifted her over the last three."

Irish National

Paul Nolan believes the testing going will suit both his runners in the marathon Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

The County Wexford trainer saddles leading fancy Alpha Ridge and talented mare Moskova.

"Hopefully we'll get some luck in running and conditions will suit. Both of them handle heavy ground," he said.

"Moskova's record in big fields is not good, but we are hoping for a bit of luck. It's all about getting round on the first circuit and getting a position after that. The first four or five fences will matter an awful lot.

"Moskova has won four times in Fairyhouse, so you could nearly call her a course specialist. She has her quirks and will want a lot of running in a big field like this.

"Alpha Ridge's novice season hasn't gone to plan. He's still a maiden, so we preferred to go for a big pot rather than go for a beginners chase and have his novice status gone for next season. We are hoping for a good run."

Colin McBratney also feels the heavy ground will play to Selection Box's strengths.

"He's got a lovely low weight and the ground should be perfect for him. We're hoping for a big run," said the County Down trainer.

"Sometimes his jumping lets him down a wee bit, but there's no reason he shouldn't be there or thereabouts. Eddie O'Connell takes 7lb off and the horse jumped fantastic for him in Down Royal last time."