Waley-Cohen bullish as entries unveiled for Randox Health Topham Chase and Randox Health Foxhunters' Chase
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
- Entries are revealed today for the two other races over the Grand National fences during the Randox Health Grand National Festival - the £45,000 Randox Health Foxhunters' Chase (Grand National Thursday, April 12) and the £140,000 G3 Randox Health Topham Chase (Ladies Day, Friday, April 13). Both contests are staged over two miles and five furlongs.
Ultragold
(Colin Tizzard), who is part-owned by Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River's owners Brocade Racing, is one of 79 entries (up from 61 in 2017) for the Randox Health Topham Chase as bids to follow up his shock 50/1 success in the race last year. The 10-year-old proved that was no fluke when finishing second in the 188Bet Grand Sefton Handicap Chase over the course and distance in December.
His trainer Colin Tizzard has five entries in total and may also run G2 National Hunt Chase third Sizing Tennessee and Sizing Granite, who was a G1-winning novice over fences at Aintree in 2015.
Nicky Henderson is the most successful trainer in the history of the Randox Health Topham Chase, with five wins. His three entries are last year's fourth O O Seven, Kilcrea Vale and Days Of Heaven.
Owner Robert Waley-Cohen, successful with Liberthine (2006) and Rajdhani Express (2015), is hoping to be represented by eight-year-old mare Theatre Territory (Warren Greatrex).
Theatre Territory has been a model of consistency in five starts so far this season, with her best efforts coming when second to both Ms Parfois and Mister Whitaker in competitive handicap chases at Cheltenham in December and January respectively.
On her latest start, she ran another game race to finish third behind Master Dee (Fergal O'Brien) in the G3 Betdaq Handicap Chase at Kempton Park on February 24, her first attempt over three miles.
Waley-Cohen said: "The Randox Health Topham Chase is absolutely the target for Theatre Territory.
"I have been extremely pleased with her campaign so far. She was always likely to be a really good chaser and has run some fantastic races this season.
"I know Sam is looking forward to riding her at Aintree. She jumps well and I don't see any reason why she should not go there.
"I hope she can emulate one of my other mares Liberthine, who won the Topham in 2006."
Amateur Sam Waley-Cohen is the most successful current rider over the Grand National fences at Aintree, having enjoyed six victories, including three successes in the Randox Health Fox Hunters' Chase on Katarino (2005 & 2006) and Warne (2014). He has also registered two wins in the Randox Health Topham Chase aboard Liberthine (2006) and Rajdhani Express (2015). The closest he has come to winning the Randox Health Grand National in eight rides was in 2011 when he was runner-up on Oscar Time, owned by his father and trained in Ireland by Martin Lynch. The same horse went on to land the Randox Health Becher Chase over the Grand National course in 2014.
Willie Mullins accounts for six of the 17 Irish-trained entries for the Randox Health Topham Chase. They include Pairofbrowneyes and Patricks Park who have both captured valuable handicap chases this season.
Mall Dini
(Patrick Kelly IRE), runner-up in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last week, and dual G1 scorer Clarcam (Gordon Elliott IRE) are also entered.
Weights for Randox Health Topham Chase will be revealed on Wednesday, March 28.
38 entries for Randox Health Foxhunters' Chase
Two-time winner On The Fringe (Enda Bolger IRE) is among 38 entries for the £45,000 Randox Health Foxhunters' Chase.
J P McManus' 13-year-old took the spoils in 2015 and again in 2016 when he produced one of his most impressive displays to win by eight lengths under Jamie Codd.
Burning Ambition
(Pierce Power IRE) was strongly fancied for the equivalent race at the Cheltenham Festival last week, but failed to see it the extended three and a quarter mile distance.
Other interesting contenders include last year's runner-up Balnaslow (Grahame McKeever IRE) and the Paul Nicholls-trained trio of Wonderful Charm, Virak and Unioniste.
Wonderful Charm, who was pulled up at Cheltenham last week, is part-owned by Robert Waley-Cohen and the owner added: "I would think Wonderful Charm will go for Randox Health Foxhunters' Chase.
"He finished in the Grand National last year, albeit down the field, so we know he acts around there.
"We are just praying for some better ground for him."
The Randox Health Foxhunters' Chase
Class 2, £45,000 Total Prize Fund.
Thursday, April 12, 2018, 2m 5f 19yds over the Grand National fences. For six-year-olds and upwards, who, after October 2015, and before March 20, 2018, have finished first, second or third in a Hunters' steeple chase on two occasions OR have finished first, second or third in a Hunters' chase on one occasion and have won either another chase (Hunters' chases included) or, during the current Point-to-Point season, an Open Point-to-Point chase. Weights: 12st, mares allowed 7lb. To be ridden by amateur riders holding Category B permits to ride, or amateur riders riding under the provisions of Rule (D) 27. Entries closed March 20, entries revealed March 21 (38 entries), six-day confirmations April 6, final declarations 10am April 11. Maximum field 30 runners.
|
Horse
|
Age
|
Owner
|
Trainer
|
|
ARTHUR'S SECRET (FR)
|
8
|
Mrs C Banks
|
Martin Weston
|
|
BALNASLOW (IRE)
|
11
|
Exors of the Late Mrs M E Hagan
|
Graham McKeever IRE
|
|
BARRAKILLA (IRE)
|
11
|
& Mrs William Rucker
|
Fergal O'Brien
|
|
BEAR'S AFFAIR (IRE)
|
12
|
G B Barlow
|
Philip Rowley
|
|
BOUND FOR GLORY (IRE)
|
12
|
David Fitch-Peyton
|
David Fitch-Peyton
|
|
BURNING AMBITION (IRE)
|
7
|
Tynan/MacLennan/Carthy/Shanahan/Magnier
|
Pierce Power IRE
|
|
CAID DU BERLAIS (FR)
|
9
|
Donlon, Doyle, MacDonald & C Barber
|
Rose Loxton
|
|
CURRAIGFLEMENS (IRE)
|
10
|
J R M Ridge
|
David Kemp
|
|
DISTIME (IRE)
|
12
|
J Lee
|
Diana Ralph
|
|
EDDIES MIRACLE (IRE)
|
10
|
R Nicholas
|
David Christie IRE
|
|
EDEIFF'S LAD
|
11
|
Luke Humphrey
|
Luke Humphrey
|
|
GALLERY EXHIBITION (IRE)
|
11
|
Somerset Racing GD
|
Kim Bailey
|
|
GRAND VISION (IRE)
|
12
|
J K Farms
|
Colin Tizzard
|
|
GRANDIOSO (IRE)
|
11
|
Foxhunters In Mind
|
Steve Flook
|
|
GREENSALT (IRE)
|
10
|
Mrs Sarah Easterby
|
Will Easterby
|
|
JIMMY THE JETPLANE (IRE)
|
10
|
J Jackson-Stops
|
Francesca Nimmo
|
|
LEGAL LEGEND
|
11
|
J E Connell
|
Chris Henn
|
|
LILBITLUSO (IRE)
|
10
|
D A Malam
|
Joe O'Shea
|
|
MARINERO (IRE)
|
9
|
David Maxwell
|
David Christie IRE
|
|
MENDIP EXPRESS (IRE)
|
12
|
David Maxwell Racing Limited
|
Philip Hobbs
|
|
MOLTEN BROWN
|
13
|
Tony Hogarth
|
Tony Hogarth
|
|
MON PARRAIN (FR)
|
12
|
Mr and Mrs R H F Fuller
|
Kim Smyly
|
|
MONSIEUR GIBRALTAR (FR)
|
7
|
Gane, Fogg & Nicholls
|
Rose Loxton
|
|
MR MERCURIAL (IRE)
|
10
|
David Rogers
|
Sheila Crow
|
|
NEVER COMPLAIN (IRE)
|
10
|
Glebe House Racing Club
|
Charlotte Marshall
|
|
ON THE FRINGE (IRE)
|
13
|
J P McManus
|
Enda Bolger IRE
|
|
PERSIAN SNOW (IRE)
|
12
|
David Maxwell Racing Limited
|
Philip Hobbs
|
|
PREMIER PORTRAIT (IRE)
|
11
|
Charles Levinson & Alexia Robinson
|
Dr Charles Levinson
|
|
ROUGE ET BLANC (FR)
|
13
|
Oliver Sherwood
|
Oliver Sherwood
|
|
SIR JACK YEATS (IRE)
|
7
|
GOWING'S ELEVEN
|
Richard Spencer
|
|
TOP CAT HENRY (IRE)
|
10
|
Alexander Family
|
Nick Alexander
|
|
UNIONISTE (FR)
|
10
|
David Maxwell Racing Limited
|
Paul Nicholls
|
|
VINCITORE (FR)
|
12
|
Ms S K Baharuddin
|
Miss Sarah Rippon
|
|
VIRAK (FR)
|
9
|
Hills of Ledbury (Aga)
|
Paul Nicholls
|
|
WARDEN HILL (IRE)
|
10
|
John Chatfeild-Roberts
|
Helen Connors
|
|
WELLS DE LUNE (FR)
|
7
|
The Smith Swinburne Partnership
|
Mickey Bowen
|
|
WINGED CRUSADER (IRE)
|
10
|
S Waugh
|
Amie Waugh
|
|
WONDERFUL CHARM (FR)
|
10
|
Robin Geffen, Sir John Ritblat, Robert Waley-Cohen
|
Paul Nicholls
|
38 entries
5 Irish-trained
The Randox Health Topham Chase
Grade 3 handicap chase, £120,000 Total Prize Fund
. Friday, April 13, 2018, 2m 5f 19yds over the Grand National fences. For five-year-olds and upwards. Penalties: after March 25, a winner of a chase 4lb; no penalty to increase a horse's weight above 11st 12lb. Entries closed March 20, entries revealed March 21 (79 entries), six-day confirmations April 7, final declarations 10am April 12. Maximum field 30 runners.
|
Horse
|
Age
|
Owner
|
Trainer
|
|
ART MAURESQUE (FR)
|
8
|
Mrs Johnny de la Hey
|
Paul Nicholls
|
|
BALLYALTON (IRE)
|
11
|
John Westwood
|
Ian Williams
|
|
BAND OF BLOOD (IRE)
|
10
|
John Provan & Chris Stedman
|
Dr Richard Newland
|
|
BEAU BAY (FR)
|
7
|
Dr Richard Newland
|
Dr Richard Newland
|
|
BIGBADJOHN (IRE)
|
9
|
Nigel Morris
|
Nigel Twiston-Davies
|
|
BLAZER (FR)
|
7
|
J P McManus
|
Willie Mullins IRE
|
|
BOUVREUIL (FR)
|
7
|
J P McManus
|
Paul Nicholls
|
|
CAPTAIN REDBEARD (IRE)
|
9
|
Stuart Coltherd
|
Stuart Coltherd
|
|
CASINO MARKETS (IRE)
|
10
|
Mighty Acorn Stables
|
Emma Lavelle
|
|
CHIC NAME (FR)
|
6
|
The Boom Syndicate
|
Richard Hobson
|
|
CHILDRENS LIST (IRE)
|
8
|
Susannah Ricci
|
Willie Mullins IRE
|
|
CLARCAM (FR)
|
8
|
Gigginstown House Stud
|
Gordon Elliott IRE
|
|
COLD MARCH (FR)
|
8
|
Andrew Brooks
|
Harry Whittington
|
|
CRIEVEHILL (IRE)
|
6
|
Highclere T'Bred Racing- Crievehill
|
Nigel Twiston-Davies
|
|
DAYS OF HEAVEN (FR)
|
8
|
Mrs S K Johnston
|
Nicky Henderson
|
|
DEAUVILLE DANCER (IRE)
|
7
|
Favourites Racing (Syndication) Ltd 10
|
David Dennis
|
|
DEVILS BRIDE (IRE)
|
11
|
Gigginstown House Stud
|
Henry de Bromhead IRE
|
|
DOUBLE TREASURE
|
7
|
Sir Chips Keswick
|
Jamie Snowden
|
|
EASTLAKE (IRE)
|
12
|
J P McManus
|
Jonjo O'Neill
|
|
ENJOY RESPONSIBLY (IRE)
|
9
|
John Beswick
|
Oliver Sherwood
|
|
FEDERICI
|
9
|
Jon Glews
|
Donald McCain
|
|
FLYING ANGEL (IRE)
|
7
|
R J Rexton
|
Nigel Twiston-Davies
|
|
FLYING EAGLE (IRE)
|
10
|
Karen Bowen
|
Peter Bowen
|
|
FULL GLASS (FR)
|
5
|
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
|
Alan King
|
|
GAS LINE BOY (IRE)
|
12
|
The Three Graces
|
Ian Williams
|
|
GENTLEMAN JON
|
10
|
J P Romans
|
Colin Tizzard
|
|
GO CONQUER (IRE)
|
9
|
Paul & Clare Rooney
|
Jonjo O'Neill
|
|
GOODTOKNOW
|
10
|
Burling Lee MacEchern Nolan Potter
|
Kerry Lee
|
|
GREYBOUGG
|
9
|
Di Vincenzo, Capps, Smith & Partner
|
Nigel Hawke
|
|
HENRI PARRY MORGAN
|
10
|
Ednyfed & Elizabeth Morgan
|
Peter Bowen
|
|
HERON HEIGHTS (IRE)
|
9
|
Barry Maloney
|
Henry de Bromhead IRE
|
|
HIGHLAND LODGE (IRE)
|
12
|
Diana Thompson
|
James Moffatt
|
|
IMJOEKING (IRE)
|
11
|
K Alexander
|
Lucinda Russell
|
|
INDIAN TEMPLE (IRE)
|
9
|
Ken Huddleston
|
Tim Reed
|
|
JUNCTION FOURTEEN (IRE)
|
9
|
Martin St Quinton & Tim Syder
|
Emma Lavelle
|
|
KATACHENKO (IRE)
|
9
|
Trevor Hemmings
|
Donald McCain
|
|
KILCREA VALE (IRE)
|
8
|
Alan Spence
|
Nicky Henderson
|
|
KNOCKGRAFFON (IRE)
|
8
|
Barbara Hester
|
Olly Murphy
|
|
KYLEMORE LOUGH
|
9
|
M J McMahon & Denis Gallagher
|
Harry Fry
|
|
LORD WINDERMERE (IRE)
|
12
|
Dr Ronan Lambe
|
Jim Culloty IRE
|
|
LOVELY JOB (IRE)
|
8
|
Paul & Clare Rooney
|
Fergal O'Brien
|
|
MALL DINI (IRE)
|
8
|
Philip J Reynolds
|
Patrick Kelly IRE
|
|
MARINERO (IRE)
|
9
|
David Maxwell
|
David Christie IRE
|
|
MARRACUDJA (FR)
|
7
|
Ditcheat Thoroughbreds Marracudja
|
Paul Nicholls
|
|
MASTER DEE (IRE)
|
9
|
Paul & Clare Rooney
|
Fergal O'Brien
|
|
MIDNIGHT SHOT
|
8
|
Alan Halsall
|
Charlie Longsdon
|
|
MINELLA ON LINE (IRE)
|
9
|
AHB Racing Partnership
|
Oliver Sherwood
|
|
MYSTIFIABLE
|
10
|
Graham and Alison Jelley
|
Fergal O'Brien
|
|
NEWSWORTHY (IRE)
|
8
|
Richard Cavanagh
|
Dot Love IRE
|
|
NOTARFBAD (IRE)
|
12
|
Govier & Brown
|
Jeremy Scott
|
|
O O SEVEN (IRE)
|
8
|
Christopher Hanbury
|
Nicky Henderson
|
|
PAIN AU CHOCOLAT (FR)
|
7
|
Mike and Eileen Newbould
|
Rebecca Menzies
|
|
PAIROFBROWNEYES (IRE)
|
9
|
Fibbage Syndicate
|
Willie Mullins IRE
|
|
PATRICKS PARK (IRE)
|
7
|
Bowes Lodge Stables
|
Willie Mullins IRE
|
|
PEARL SWAN (FR)
|
10
|
Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar
|
Peter Bowen
|
|
PLEASANT COMPANY (IRE)
|
10
|
Malcolm C Denmark
|
Willie Mullins IRE
|
|
POLIDAM (FR)
|
9
|
Simon Munir/Isaac Souede
|
Willie Mullins IRE
|
|
PORTRAIT KING (IRE)
|
13
|
Douglas Pryde/James Beaumont
|
Patrick Griffin
|
|
RAMONEX (GER)
|
7
|
Carl Hinchy
|
Richard Hobson
|
|
RATHLIN ROSE (IRE)
|
10
|
Fergus Wilson
|
David Pipe
|
|
ROGUE ANGEL (IRE)
|
10
|
Gigginstown House Stud
|
Mouse Morris IRE
|
|
SAMBREMONT (FR)
|
8
|
Samuel John Hegarty
|
David Christie IRE
|
|
SAMETEGAL (FR)
|
9
|
John & Barbara Cotton
|
Paul Nicholls
|
|
SHANAHAN'S TURN (IRE)
|
10
|
Ann & Alan Potts Limited
|
Colin Tizzard
|
|
SHANTOU FLYER (IRE)
|
8
|
Carl Hinchy
|
Richard Hobson
|
|
SIZING GRANITE (IRE)
|
10
|
Ann & Alan Potts Limited
|
Colin Tizzard
|
|
SIZING TENNESSEE (IRE)
|
10
|
Ann & Alan Potts Limited
|
Colin Tizzard
|
|
SONNEOFPRESENTING (IRE)
|
8
|
Paul & Clare Rooney
|
Kim Bailey
|
|
THEATRE TERRITORY (IRE)
|
8
|
Robert Waley-Cohen
|
Warren Greatrex
|
|
THUNDER AND ROSES (IRE)
|
10
|
Gigginstown House Stud
|
Mouse Morris IRE
|
|
TOP GAMBLE (IRE)
|
10
|
Walters Plant Hire & James & Jean Potter
|
Kerry Lee
|
|
ULTRAGOLD (FR)
|
10
|
Brocade Racing J P Romans Terry Warner
|
Colin Tizzard
|
|
UN GUET APENS (FR)
|
10
|
Drew, Sperling, Graham, Carruthers
|
James Ewart
|
|
VIBRATO VALTAT (FR)
|
9
|
Axom XLIII
|
Emma Lavelle
|
|
VIC DE TOUZAINE (FR)
|
9
|
Andrew Brooks & G Moore
|
Venetia Williams
|
|
VILLAGE VIC (IRE)
|
11
|
Alan Peterson
|
Philip Hobbs
|
|
WADSWICK COURT (IRE)
|
10
|
Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar
|
Peter Bowen
|
|
WESTERN MILLER (IRE)
|
7
|
The Pantechnicons IV
|
Charlie Longsdon
|
|
WESTERNER POINT (IRE)
|
9
|
Thade Quill Syndicate
|
Eoghan O'Grady IRE
|
79 entries
17 Irish-trained
For further information please contact:
Grant Rowley, Regional Communications Manager, The Jockey Club (North West) on 07884 655990 email:
[email protected]
or
Nigel Payne, Press Officer for Aintree for the 2018 Randox Health Grand National, on 07768 025265 email:
[email protected]
About Aintree Racecourse / The Jockey Club
Aintree is home to The Randox Health Grand National, the most famous horse race in the world which is the climax to a three-day Festival meeting in April every year. The racecourse hosts five other fixtures and is a leading conference centre in the north west of England. More information is available at
aintree.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Aintree is part of The Jockey Club which stages thrilling sporting occasions including The Randox Health Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival and The Investec Derby. Millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences we offer through racing, music, food and entertainment. Governed by Royal Charter, every penny we make goes back into British Racing to help the sport thrive. We were founded in 1750 and today we are the largest commercial group in Britain's second-biggest spectator sport, operating 15 racecourses nationwide, The National Stud, Jockey Club Estates, Jockey Club Catering, Jockey Club Live and our charity, Racing Welfare. For more information visit
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk
