03.04.08 - THE GRAND NATIONAL, RACING AT AINTREE

CHRISTY BEAMISH TAKES REVENGE ON KATARINO

Christy Beamish, who two years ago was runner-up to Katarino in the John Smith's Fox Hunters' Chase, gained revenge on that rival in today's renewal.

The winner, an 11-year-old who fell in the Christie's Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham, was trained by Wolverhampton-based livery yard owner Paul Jones for Solihull farmer Michael Mann. Josh Guerriero, who is based with Philip Hobbs, took the ride.

Jones said: "That's not only the highlight of my time as a trainer, it's the highlight of everything! We always thought one day we could win a big race with him, and Cheltenham just wasn't to be, but he likes it here and he acts well on flat tracks.

"Apart from going on his nose at Becher's Brook, where Josh was brilliant, he's jumped well. I've admired Josh for a long time and Mr Mann was very keen to put him on. Josh was well aware that Katarino was a big danger again and knew he had to push that horse, but I'll tell you what, the Waley-Cohens deserve a medal to come here and nearly beat us when we were on the top of our game and their horse had not run for a year.

"Last year we could barely get a winner, and he's our 10th this season."

Jones, a saddler by trade, will hand over responsibility for training his pointers to his partner, vet Sue Taylor, at the end of the season, he said.

Guerriero, 19, commented: "That was unbelievable - I didn't know whether he would keep going up the run-in, but he's gutsy and outbattled the other horse. He pecked on landing quite badly at Becher's Brook and I thought I was gone, but I sat back, he stayed on his feet and then I didn't want to rush him."

Mann, who has owned pointers "for 30 years", said: "After we ran this horse in his first race, Paul said, 'one day he'll win a big race for you'. When he won at Haydock [the Walrus Hunters' Chase in February] I thought that was the big race, but Paul said, 'don't be in a hurry, that might not be the one'."

Katarino's Third Thwarted

Katarino’s determined effort to win a third John Smith’s Fox Hunters’ Chase earned huge praise from his trainer/owner Robert Waley-Cohen. "He’s a fabulous horse and he just loves this place," he said.

Katarino had jumped soundly and held every chance coming to the elbow, before being outstayed on the run-in by Christy Beamish.

Although this was the 13-year-old’s first outing under rules in almost two years (he had competed in just one point to point in that time) Waley-Cohen did not think the lack of a run made any difference.

"It’s incredibly frustrating not to win it for the third time, but I don’t think fitness was an issue. He’s like all of us, the years just catch up. This horse has been winning in my colours for 10 years and that really is something," he said.

Waley-Cohen has made no plans for yet for Katarino’s future.

"He’s got no entries, but I make no plans for this horse. I’ve retired him five or six time already," he said.

The owner’s son, Sam Waley-Cohen, rode the horse, and gave credit to his father: "It was a brilliant training performance," he said.

"Well, he’d have to say that if he wants the ride," responded his father.