Harry Redknapp could fulfil Grand National dream with Back On The Lash

21 February 2023 , 15:00

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Harry Redknapp could be represented by Back On The Lash in the Grand National (Image: PA Wire)

Harry Redknapp has admitted it would be “amazing” to have a runner in this year’s Randox Grand National if Back On The Lash secures a start in the race.

Last week the former Premier League manager revealed his passion for racing when joking that he would have taken the vacant job at Leeds United if the rest of the season did not clash with the Cheltenham Festival.

Back On The Lash is on track to contest the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at next month’s extravaganza and could head to Aintree for one of Redknapp’s favourite races after that.

“It would be amazing to have a runner in the Grand National,” said Redknapp, 75, who has managed Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Southampton, QPR and Birmingham. “I would love to have a runner. It’s one of my favourite races.

“This would be my first runner in the National and I would love it. I’d love to go and watch him run. I really hope he gets in.

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“He’s a game horse, he’ll go to Cheltenham now and we’ll see where we go. Let’s hope he gets in. It would be fantastic. I love the racing, it’s my big passion.”

The nine-year-old Back On The Lash won the cross country race at Cheltenham last month on Cheltenham Festival Trials Day which .

Back On The Lash needs 24 horses to drop out to secure a start in the Grand National for co-owner Harry Redknapp (Getty Images)

The horse would need 24 horses to come out at this stage to be guaranteed a run in this year’s race.

Redknapp’s affection for the Grand National stems from his mother winning a works sweepstake on the world famous race nearly 60 years ago.

He said: “The greatest memory I have of the Grand National is my mum, who worked in a cake factory in the East End of London, drawing Foinavon (in 1967) in the sweepstake and sitting round the radio listening to the commentary because we didn’t have a TV.

“It was incredible. Every horse got to the Foinavon fence, as it’s known now, and fell and Foinavon who was 100 yards behind won and my mum won the sweep. It was only a couple of pounds but to us it was a fortune back in those days, so the National is always special.”

Jon Lees