Grand National News |
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The Rainbow Hunter Seeks Aintree Gold |
The May We Never Be Found Out Partnership bought The Rainbow Hunter with the long-term objective of winning the Crabbie’s Grand National, and he is 33/1 with Coral to land the holy grail of jump racing.
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He was sent to current trainer Kim Bailey in October, 2011, having been with Andy Turnell, and made his debut for the new yard in the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton, but only got as far as the first, where he fell.
He also fell on his second start over fences for Bailey at Ascot which prompted a return to hurdles for his next three starts. Although he failed to win, the patient approach paid off as he recorded back-to-back victories over fences in May and November 2012.
He shaped promisingly in his prep run for last year's race, finishing fourth in a competitive handicap chase at Ascot, and lined up at Aintree as a lively 50/1 outsider in the Grand National Betting. However, the dream ended when he unseated Aidan Coleman at the Canal Turn on the first circuit.
After pulling up in the 2013 Bet365 Gold Cup he returned with a second behind Wiesentraum in Fakenham handicap chase in October, but was only sixth on his next start at Haydock Park on November 23, after which the decision was made to give him a wind operation.
It appeared to make all the difference as he recorded a smooth length and a half victory in the Listed Sky Bet Handicap Chase at Doncaster on January 25.
The fact that he failed to complete 12 months ago is not a negative according to the stats as Red Marauder, Hedgehunter and Silver Birch all fell in previous Grand Nationals before winning the race.
Another plus is that his handler knows what is required to win the 4m 4f contest having saddled Mr Frisk to win in a course record of 8m 47.80s back in 1990.
