Blue Grand National Horses

It’s unlikely you will see an easier winner of a long-distance chase than Secret Reprieve's victory in the recent Welsh Grand National. Trainer Evan Williams had made an excellent job of getting his charge well handicapped and Secret Reprieve could be seen going ominously well just behind the leaders as the field made the turn for home at Chepstow. Jockey Adam Wedge took the lead on the seven-year-old gelding at the third last and from there defeat looked highly unlikely. Secret Reprieve just needed to be kept up to his work to eventually run out a comfortable three length winner from the game The Two Amigos. Connections’ hearts must have been in their mouths though as Secret Reprieve’s girth came undone shortly after he took up the lead and Wedge did exceptionally well to keep the partnership together over the last couple of fences. The jockey had been on the receiving end of two bad falls earlier in the day so managing to steer his mount home in such a high-pressure situation was a tribute to Wedge’s jockeyship. This victory was all the more laudable given that Secret Reprieve’s stamina for this 3m 5f trip was not proven given that the furthest the gelding had previously run was a bare three miles. Secret Reprieve was also noticeably keen in the early stages of the race, giving the impression that the ten pound he has been put up by the handicapper may not be enough to stop his progression. After the victory at Chepstow, focus immediately forwarded to Aintree, especially given the relationship Secret Reprieve’s owners, Mr, and Mrs Rucker, have had with the Grand National. Horses they have owned have been placed an amazing seven times in the big race with State Of Play (three times), Cappa Bleu (twice) and Alvarado (twice) all coming close without actually winning.  Evan Williams was initially reticent to confirm that Secret Reprieve would definitely be heading to Aintree given that the horse is still a novice and a relatively inexperienced seven-year-old. No horse of that age has won the Grand National for over eighty years but after consultation with the owners Secret Reprieve has been given the green light for Aintree. One point of concern could be his jumping which was noticeably low at several fences at Chepstow. Secret Reprieve also doesn’t appear to be the biggest horse from the television pictures so perhaps an Aintree test may not play to his strengths? It will be fascinating to see how Secret Reprieve gets on at Aintree where he is certain to be one of the favourites in the betting.