Grand National News |
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Vintage Star Shooting for National Glory |
Trainer Sue Smith sent out Auroras Encore to win the Crabbie's Grand National 12 months ago, and this year she looks to have a live chance with Vinatge Star.
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Owner Trevor Hemmings has already seen his colours carried to glory by Hedgehunter (2005) and Ballabriggs (2011) and Vintage Star is currently a 33/1 chance with Coral to win the 4m 4f contest.
Jockey Brian Hughes has also enjoyed success over the Grand National fences, scoring on Always Waining in the Crabbie’s Topham Chase and Frankie Figg in the Betfred Grand Sefton Handicap, both in 2010.
In Vintage Star, they have a lightly raced and progressive stayer, with some solid form, and there would be worse horses to draw in the office Grand National Sweepstake.
The eight-year-old has scored twice from 10 starts over fences, easily winning a Catterick novices’ chase last January before beating beat Buddy Bolero in a Carlisle graduation chase at Carlisle back in November.
He has since gone on to run some excellent races in better company, going down by a neck in the listed Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle, before finishing a highly creditable sixth in the Welsh National at Chepstow behind Mountainous.
The son of Presenting then finished a solid runner-up to Wychwoods Brook in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock, before falling at the fifth fence on latest appearance in the Baylis & Harding Affordable Luxury Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
He is normally a sound jumper who travels strongly in his races, handles all types of going, and has a nice racing weight of 10st 7lb in the National.
Given his connections, his chances should not be underestimated and he could prove to be a live oustider if taking to the unique Aintree fences on Saturday, April 5th.
