Horses trained in Britain hold a strong hand against Irish runners in today's Randox Foxhunters’ Chase (4.05pm) at Aintree.
Winged Leader, trained in Northern Ireland by David Christie, heads the 28 runners in bookmakers’ lists, but last year’s winner Latenightpass, the in-form Fier Jaguen and Famous Clermont, who ran well in the St James’s Place Festival Hunters’ Chase until his effort petered out in the home straight, are but three strong contenders representing British stables.
Latenightpass has run three times this season, and while he has won twice his most recent victory at Charm Park in early March was gained by just a neck in a three-runner race. Trainer Tom Ellis says: “He’s been knocked for his run last time, but we found a reason for that. All our horses were a bit under the weather at that time, and when we got him home it became apparent. After that we left off him with Aintree in mind.
“He’s run twice in the race and produced two solid races, and having that experience helps. It’s a good race and a competitive renewal, but the fences [rather than the opposition] are the main danger.”
Famous Clermont, the mount of multiple British point-to-point champion Will Biddick, is trained in Dorset by Chris Barber, while Fier Jaguen will be ridden by Bradley Gibbs, who won the Festival Hunters’ Chase on Premier Magic. Gibbs future father-in-law Julian Sherriff is in line for a memorable double for he owns both Premier Magic and Fier Jaguen.
Fier Jaguen, who bids to give trainer/rider Bradley Gibbs a Cheltenham/Aintree double **Carl Evans
Cousin Pascal, who won the race in 2021 under James King, lines up under Huw Edwards as one of two candidates from Joe O’Shea’s Cheshire stable, the other being the Toby McCain-Mitchell-ridden Time Leader. On this occasion King rides Envoye Special, while novice riders getting their first taste of Aintree include Olive Nicholls who rides Magic Saint, and Fern O’Brien who partners Sir Jack Yeats – the two horses are trained by their riders’ fathers, Paul Nicholls and Fergal O’Brien. Ami Desbois, who also runs from O’Brien’s yard, will be ridden by Tom Broughton, while Dan Skelton’s pair of runners, Bennys King and Not That Fuisse, are ridden by John Dawson and Jack Andrews respectively.