Weird Al and Synchronised given go ahead for Grand National
Published:Weird Al has been confirmed for the Grand National after worries about his fitness abated.
The 40/1 shot bled at Cheltenham and there were doubts about his ability to compete in the 4m4f marathon but trainer Donald McCain has been impressed with him at home and is now being given a run out at Aintree.
McCain said: “We just felt that he might not get the chance to run off such an attractive mark in the future and that he might be the sort of horse who would really take to the place – in the end, it’s the Grand National and the decision really took care of itself.
“He was obviously below-par in the Gold Cup but he bled there and it clearly wasn’t his true running – he has looked in great nick at home since.”
Timmy Murphy will take the ride with Jason Maguire taking the reins on Ballabriggs.
Meanwhile, Gold Cup winner Synchronised also looks set to run at Aintree.
Speaking to ESPN, Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: “At the minute, the plan is for him to go. He just has to do a little bit [of work] during the week to make sure Jonjo’s happy with him.”
The nine-year-old produced an incredible performance at Cheltenham to see off the likes of Kauto Star and Long Run at the Cheltenham showpiece and is the 7/1 favourite to cap a fantastic year with a win in the most famous of horse races.
