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Mullins Does U-Turn with Homer Wells 11/04/07

Willie Mullins will be four-handed in Saturday's John Smith's Grand National at Aintree, having decided to run Homer Wells after all.

Mullins, who will also be represented by 2005 winner Hedgehunter, plus Livingstonebramble and Bothar Na, did a U-Turn on Homer Wells, following discussions with owner Violet O'Leary, who used to own top-class chaser Florida Pearl.

“They tell me Aintree are watering well, so we have decided to let Homer Wells have a go,” said Mullins. “He won his bumper on good ground, so I don't think the going will be a problem.”

Announcing his jockey plans for the big race, Mullins, confirming that Ruby Walsh would again partner Hedgehunter, said that David Condon would ride Homer Wells, who won the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse, with Davy Russell aboard Livingstonebramble and David Casey on Bothar Na.

Mouse Morris said this evening that Fota Island, declared for Friday’s John Smith’s Melling Chase, will not run because the horse is lame.

Venetia Williams

Venetia Williams, the trainer of The Outlier (Paul O’Neill) and Sonevafushi (Mr Tom Greenall), confirmed today both will run.

She said: “They’re both in good order and I don't think the ground will be that significant for either of them. Neither has run over the distance and, when you are going four and a half miles, I think good going could well help them.”

Racing Manager Happy With Ground

Michael Meagher, racing manager to owner Trevor Hemmings, who is due to have 16 runners during the three-day John Smith’s Grand National meeting, described the ground as “good and safe” after walking the course yesterday evening (Tuesday, April 10) with Aintree’s clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch.

Meagher said: “It’s good ground and exactly as described - they’ve done a great job with the watering and it’s good, safe ground.”

Armaturk is one of four horses that Hemmings has entered in the John Smith’s Grand National, together with Hedgehunter, Billyvoddan and Idle Talk, but will take up an alternative engagement on Friday.

“Armaturk will run in the John Smith’s Topham Chase,” revealed Meagher. “There is no news on the three in the John Smith’s Grand National and no news is good news.

“As the ground stands, it will be perfect for Hedgehunter. Last year we felt the rain on Friday and the weight caught him out.

“Billyvoddan will be fine on the ground. Idle Talk is the one of the three who would prefer a bit more cut, but he should be OK.

“It will be the same ground on Saturday as they will keep watering, but it’s safe ground and I can’t see horses getting injured on it.”

The going is Good (watering to maintain). There will be a ground update later today.