Grand National Lucky Dip

Irish Raptor has had six attempts over the National fences and has finished 7th, 6th, 2nd, 6th, 1st and UR - finally registering a success in the 2009 Topham. None of these races has been in the Grand National itself with the horse narrowly missing out on getting into the race a couple of times. Surprisingly Nigel Twiston-Davies took him out of the National at quite an early stage last year but it seems his win in the Topham has persuaded the trainer to focus his horse at the longer race for 2010 and whilst he obviously has an excellent completion record over the National fences there must remain a nagging doubt about the horses stamina. The eleven-year old gelding seems to find the better quality races a struggle at longer distances but may be able to get into a better rhythm at Aintree and could definitely lead the field for a very long way. This horse would now almost certainly be assured of a place in the race this time and his trainer is well aware of what is required of a National winner after the successes of Earth Summit and Bindaree.

Horse Age: 11
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey:
Horse Star Sign: Taurus
Horse Trained at: England - South West
Jockey Silks Colour: Green