grand national 2005 / news/

Grey Abbey out of Scottish Grand National
11/04/05

Grey Abbey will miss the Gala Casinos Daily Record Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

The absence of the popular front-running gelding means the weights are set to rise significantly with Take The Stand and Royal Auclair also unlikely to feature.

Trainer Howard Johnson told the Racing Post: "He's finished for the season - he's done plenty. He seems fine and we will monitor things during the summer. We would look at something like the Charlie Hall. We might go for the Lexus in Ireland, where he would get soft ground."

Grey Abbey could be aimed at National
29/01/05

Grey Abbey is not yet certain to return to Cheltenham for the Gold Cup in March.

Winning trainer Howard Johnson may decide to enter the Pillar Property Chase winner in the Grand National at Aintree instead.

"It's been a good day. He just burns them off with his jumping, he's so good at it," said Johnson.

"He hadn't jumped a fence since Wetherby until this week. I popped him over a couple and he was electric.

"He's entered here and in the Grand National and we'll have to see. If it came up bottomless he'd probably run in the Gold Cup.

"My personal opinion is he's better on a flat track and I'd rather see him in the National. It will be up to the owners to make the decision."

Jockey Graham Lee told Channel 4: "He took off at one where a jet wouldn't have left the ground, but he has so much scope and is just a proper joy to ride.

"He knew what he was doing and you can leave your brain in the weighing room when you ride him.

"He is so tough and genuine and has made my day. I'll leave running plans to the boss and the owners, but I am just going to enjoy today - it is a big day and I am going to make the most of it."