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New Character Owners Hoping that History Repeats Itself
05/04/10

John Quinn's Character Building, among the leading contenders for Saturday's John Smith's Grand National at Aintree, has been sold to David and Patricia Thompson, owners of the Cheveley Park Stud, writes Elliot Slater.

Character Building (right)
© racing-images.co.uk

The ten-year-old, winner of the William Hill Trophy Chase at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival and a late Grand National withdrawal 12 months ago when one of the favourites for the race, is an intended starter for this year's renewal. He will now run in the Party Politics colours of Patricia Thompson, the horse who won the 1992 Grand National having also been purchased just a few days before the big race. This latest change in ownership should interest those who deal in horse tips.

The Thompsons have bought talented grey gelding, making an offer long-time owner Mrs Wright couldn't refuse, but he will remain in the care of John Quinn for Saturday's race. Character Building has been seen out only twice this term, finishing down the field in early February in a Doncaster handicap hurdle before completing in mid-division behind Chief Dan George at the Cheltenham Festival last month.

The gelded son of Accordion has been trained all year with this race in mind and connections were keen not to run him before the Grand National weights were published in early February in order to protect his current handicap mark.

News of the sale of Quinn's charge will have come as a blow to amateur rider Jamie Codd, who was due to take the ride, and the Thompsons have said they are searching for a professional jockey to take the mount on Saturday. As yet no final decision has been made as to who will be offered the ride. Still, anyone who has a Grand National betting system in place should check to see if the horse meets the criteria they have set out, as it looks like he has a shot at glory.

A best-priced 20/1 chance who will be suited by the forecast going at Aintree of good to soft, Character Building has traditionally been a safe jumper, stays well and has a touch of class about him.