Ben Bromley is looking forward to an exciting spin on Complete Sizing in today's Randox Foxhunters’ Chase (4.05pm) at Aintree
One of the highlights of the year for amateur jockeys, the £50,000 race has been won by some outstanding horses down the decades, but a good clear round can be a career high for many riders.
Bromley rides Complete Sizing for his boss Philip Rowley and will wear the colours of Angie Sykes and Jonathan Lee. Formerly trained in Ireland by Jim Dreaper, Complete Sizing finished third to Premier Magic at Chaddesley Corbett on his first start for Rowley, and then won an open race at Bangor-on-Dee.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Bromley said: "He's a very nice horse and one of the best jumpers I've sat on, so I'm hoping that stands him in good stead for the National fences. We've made up some Aintree-style fences at home and he's loved jumping them. If he gets into a good rhythm and takes to the fences, hopefully he can run a big race."
Other quotes given to Jack Haynes of the Racing Post included one from Sam Waley-Cohen, who rides current favourite Jett for his father Robert. Sam said: "Jett ran a brilliant race in the National last year and likes the course. He does like to put the afterburners on and go hard, so we thought this race should suit him.
"A sounder surface will be in his favour, and while you need lady luck on your side, I'm hoping he should be there or thereabouts."
Nicky Henderson trains Another Venture, who is bidding to give George Daly a first winner. Henderson said: "He ran very well first time out at Cheltenham but probably didn't quite back it up since. He's all ready to go and George, who is one of my assistants, gets on very well with him so I hope they'll have a great time."
George Daly **Photo Carl Evans
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Cat Tiger, said: "He gave David [Maxwell, rider] a great spin in this last year when just run out of it on the flat and ran well in the Grand Sefton this season. He didn't get the trip on soft ground in the Kim Muir, but back in trip and at level weights, he should have a nice chance."
Lawney Hill, trainer of Mighty Stowaway and wife of Alan Hill, trainer of Clondaw Westie and Reikers Island, said: "Mighty Stowaway ran a great race at Cheltenham and my eagle-eyed son Joe spotted a tweet by Camilla Sharples saying he was for sale and the Suttons were able to buy him. Camilla did a great job with him and taking the blinkers off seems to have really suited him. He has experience from the race last year and hopefully can run really well. Clondaw Westie ran a cracking race last year and took to it really well, while Reikers Island is an old chaser and should give Huw [Edwards, rider] a great spin. It's lovely to go there with three live chances."
Joe O'Shea, trainer of Cousin Pascal, said: "He's in better condition and better form at home compared to last year and the two horses he has been working with – and thrashing – both won at the weekend. He just got out of his comfort zone at Cheltenham and made a couple of mistakes but James [King] did the right thing and looked after him with this in mind. It took me 50 years to win the race and these big wins don't come around like buses. I'm not a Disney fan and don't expect lightning to strike twice, but hopefully he runs a great race and returns safe and sound."
Gina Andrews, rider of Latenightpass, said: "I'm hoping he has a good chance. We purposely missed Cheltenham to come here fresher and he’s had a wind op since his last run. He's only little but tries very hard and took to the fences last year so hopefully does so again. It's a big race for amateurs and I can't wait."
Ben Pauling, trainer of Le Breuil, said: "He has plenty of course form and loves the fences. He's not quite the force of old but he can be comfortable in this grade and has good early speed for this race."
Dan Skelton, trainer of Marracudja, said: "Since he's gone hunter chasing he's been one of the better ones at that level and has a bundle of experience under his belt."
Sara Bradstock, trainer of Myth Buster, has booked Patrick Mullins for the ride. She said of her horse: "He's prepared for the race and in extremely good form. Lily [her daughter] has worked very hard to get him to this place and if he takes to it I'd hope he'd be in with a real shout."