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| Aintree Grand National Meeting 2010 |
Mon Mome’s National Warm-Up
19/03/10
“That’s not a bad prep race for the National,” said Venetia Williams, after 50/1 shot Mon Mome, scooted up the Cheltenham hill to snatch third place in the totesport Gold Cup, taking Carruthers on the line.
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“I think I’d say that he finished faster than anything at all today. Who knows, I may be wrong. I obviously hoped he might run a good race and I thought he might have a chance of sneaking into a place, but this was tremendous,” added the trainer, who horse finished 23 lengths adrift of Denman in second place, who in turn was seven lengths behind Imperial Commander.
Before the race, Williams was concerned that the ground might be a little quick for last year’s John Smith’s Grand National winner and she had the course walked to check. That reassured her, but the trainer was very pleased to see the rain before the race. “I think it helped us,” she said.
Williams was worried about the early pace: “I must admit I was slightly concerned in the early part of the race when I didn’t think they were going that quick. I thought this will mean they’ll be quickening somewhat in the last mile. I think AP took the same view so he stepped things up a bit,” she said.
“It did occur to me that it’s a good job they can’t adjust the weights for the National!” Williams added.
Jockey Aidan Coleman said: “I’m absolutely delighted, absolutely thrilled. He couldn’t have done more. Roll on Aintree.
Owner Vida Bingham said: “I actually though he would get up the hill. Every time he’s raced here, he’s come up the hill. It’s terrific isn’t it. I had ten pounds on him, but it’s not
the betting is it.”
