Paul Townend will apply the Midas touch to Gaillard Du Mesnil in the Randox Grand National after selecting Cheltenham’s National Hunt Chase hero from five Willie Mullins-saddled runners.
Townend, due to win the Irish jump jockeys’ title for the fifth time, is riding the crest of a wave, following his victory aboard Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup with a sublime effort aboard stablemate I Am Maximus in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday.
“I think the ride he gave I Am Maximus surpassed his Gold Cup one,” said Mullins, who also runs Capodanno (Danny Mullins), Carefully Selected (Michael O’Sullivan), Mr Incredible (Brian Hayes) and Recite A Prayer (Jack Foley) as he bids to add to his sole National triumph with Hedgehunter in 2005.
“Paul thought about riding Capadanno and Carefully Selected but I suppose taking recent form into account it’s not a surprise which way he’s gone. I’d like to wait another week but I’m happy with the horse.”
As expected, Davy Russell will seek to make his final National ride a winning one aboard Galvin, trained by his old ally Gordon Elliott. “It would be fairytale stuff, wouldn’t it?” said Galvin’s owner, Ronnie Bartlett. “I’ve known Davy a long time – he’s a good friend – and I wish him all the best.”
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Bookmakers William Hill reported cash for Gaillard Du Mesnil earlier in the week, a 14-1 chance with the firm. The latest market mover is Back On The Lash, a horse part-owned by football legend Harry Redknapp.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “We now know the final 40 for this year’s Grand National and the significant market mover is Back On The Lash, who will be the first horse to carry Harry Redknapp’s silks in the race.
“The Martin Keighley-trained runner has been very well-backed and is now 28-1 from 66-1 for the world’s most famous horse race, while at the top end of the betting Corach Rambler and Delta Work are on the drift at 7-1 and 9-1 respectively.”
Constitution Hill spearheaded a big double for trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Nico de Boinville on the opening card at the meeting.
Willie Mullins and Paul Townend after Galopin Des Champs' win in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Getty)The 2-15 favourite eased home by three lengths, stepping up in trip for the Grade 1 William Hill Aintree Hurdle.
Stablemate Shishkin (7-4f) got up late to overtake Ahoy Senor, whose trainer Lucinda Russell has Grand National favourite Corach Rambler, in the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl.
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