Randox Topham Chase
Grade 3 Handicap,
Aintree 16:05
£150,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus,
2m 5f 19y, Class 1   
Friday 12th April 2024

Boylesports

Harry Redknapp’s Cheltenham Festival star, Shakem Up’Arry, is set to take on Aintree’s Grand National fences. The question remains whether he’ll compete in the big race itself or the Randox Topham Handicap Chase a day earlier.

The 10-year-old, trained by Ben Pauling, is named after a West Ham supporter who used to cheer on the team with the chant “Shakem Up’Arry” during matchdays. His impressive victory in the TrustATrader Plate at the Cheltenham Festival marked Redknapp’s first win at National Hunt’s prestigious event.

Following his New Year’s Day triumph at Prestbury Park, Shakem Up’Arry is in top form, and connections eagerly anticipate his challenge over Aintree’s renowned spruce fences next month.

The decision between the Grand National and the Topham will depend on upcoming confirmation stages, but Shakem Up’Arry’s ability to travel and jump well suggests he could be a strong contender in the world’s most famous steeplechase. Regardless of the choice, this horse is sure to make an exciting sight over the iconic Aintree obstacles. Ben Pauling, thrilled to see one of his long-time supporters break their duck, believes Shakem Up’Arry has what it takes to shine on the big stage.

“He’s got an entry in the National and the Topham and he will run in one of them,” said Pauling. 

“A lot will depend on the next confirmation stage of the National when we will see where we are, but we don’t have to make a decision until nearer the time and to be honest he’s only going to be ticking over and pop over one or two fences in preparation. 

“He’s come out of Cheltenham really well and we’re looking forward to Aintree with him.”

Shakem Up’Arry has never won over further than an extended two and a half miles in his career to date, but Pauling believes his Festival champion would not let the side down if Redknapp decides to take a shot at the world’s most famous steeplechase. 

“First off we need to get into the National and if we did, which race he runs in will come down to the personal preference of Harry and if he wants a runner in the National or whether he wants to go to the Topham,” explained Pauling. 

“You never know if a horse is going to stay the trip of a National, but he travels and jumps so well you could see him probably running a big race. It’s just a case of what happens when you cross the Melling Road and go to another level. 

“It will be a case of weighing up the pros and cons, but you would think he would be a good sight over the fences, he certainly wouldn’t be backing off them, that’s for sure.”

Pauling was finding the scoresheet at the Festival for the fourth time with Shakem Up’Arry, but was thrilled to see one of his long-time supporters break his duck with a horse who has always been a popular member of the the handler’s Naunton Downs string. 

He said: “You want success for all your owners, but for someone like Harry who has been a competitive man throughout his life in the football industry, it was amazing to give him a day like that on the biggest stage in racing which he adores so much and is a big supporter of. 

“We are just delighted for the horse, he is always one we have adored and to get some big victories into him like the last two means the world really. 

“He improved to win at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and we knew he would need to improve again and he did. It appears the wind op we did in the summer has worked nicely and it was a foot-perfect round of jumping. He was big and bold when he needed to be over the last few before staying on strongly up the hill.”

Randox Health Topham Chase (Grade 3 Handicap)
£150,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 2m 5f 19y, Class 1
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