10.04.10 - THE GRAND NATIONAL, RACING AT AINTREE

Final round up for John Smith's Grand National day

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL DAY

Winner of the 2010 John Smith's Grand National:
DON’T PUSH IT (IRE) - The 10/1Jt-Fav WINNER
b g Old Vic - She´s No Laugh Ben (USA) (Alleged (USA))
10-11-05 Form: 3/11/1211F5/1F0/P82271-423P1   Owner: J P McManus 
Breeder: Dominick Vallely                    
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill                
Jockey: Tony McCoy

4.15pm JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL CHASE (GRADE THREE)

1 DON'T PUSH IT (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 10-11-5 Tony McCoy 10/1 jf

2 BLACK APALACHI (IRE) (Gerard Burke) Dessie Hughes IRE 11-11-6 Denis O'Regan 14/1

3 STATE OF PLAY (William & Angela Rucker) Evan Williams 10-10-11 Paul Moloney 16/1

4 BIG FELLA THANKS (Margaret Findlay & Paul Barber) Paul Nicholls 8-10-12 Barry Geraghty 10/1jf

5 HELLO BUD (IRE) (Seamus Murphy) Nigel Twiston-Davies 12-10-6 Mr Sam Twiston-Davies 20/1

6 SNOWY MORNING (IRE) (Quayside Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 10-10-13 David Casey

7 CHARACTER BUILDING (IRE) (Patricia Thompson) John Quinn 10-10-11 Miss Nina Carberry

8 CLOUDY LANE (Trevor Hemmings) Donald McCain Jnr 10-11-3 Jason Maguire

9 TRICKY TRICKSTER (IRE) (Chris Giles) Paul Nicholls 7-11-4 Richard Johnson

10 JOE LIVELY (IRE) (Richard Dimond) Colin Tizzard 11-11-6 Joe Tizzard

11 CERIUM (FR) (Judith Wilson) Paul Murphy 9-10-6ow1lb Davy Russell

12 COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) (David Johnson) David Pipe 11-11-5b Timmy Murphy

13 PIRAYA (FR) (Terry Neill) David Pipe 7-10-7t Johnny Farrelly

14 PREISTS LEAP (IRE) (John O’Donohue/Thomas O’Leary) Tom O'Leary IRE 10-11-0b Philip Enright

F1 ERIC'S CHARM (FR) (Martin St Quinton & Peter Deal) Oliver Sherwood 12-10-9 Wayne Hutchinson

F2  PABLO DU CHARMIL (FR) (Joe Moran) David Pipe 9-11-2 Danny Cook

F4 MY WILL (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 10-11-2 Nick Scholfield

F5 MADE IN TAIPAN (IRE) (Frances Duffin/Sean Corby) Tom Mullins IRE 8-11-4 Niall Madden

F14 IRISH RAPTOR (IRE) (Caroline Beresford-Wylie) Nigel Twiston-Davies 11-10-7 Paddy Brennan

F22 MALJIMAR (IRE) (Jane Williams) Nick Williams 10-10-8 Daryl Jacob

F22 BALLYFITZ (Fred Mills & Wayne Mills) Nigel Twiston-Davies 10-10-9 David England

F26 MON MOME (FR) (Vida Bingham) Venetia Williams 10-11-7 Aidan Coleman

F27 PALYPSO DE CREEK (FR) (Alan Halsall) Charlie Longsdon 7-10-6 Tom Siddall

BD20 VIC VENTURI (IRE) (James Dunne) Dessie Hughes IRE 10-11-6p Roger Loughran

U8 CAN'T BUY TIME (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 8-10-13 Richie McLernon

U14 ROYAL ROSA (FR) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 11-10-5 Wilson Renwick

U15 ARBOR SUPREME (IRE) (J P McManus) Willie Mullins IRE 8-10-8 Paul Townend

U19 MADISON DU BERLAIS (FR) (Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds) David Pipe 9-11-10p Tom Scudamore

U19 THE PACKAGE (David Johnson) David Pipe 7-10-7 Graham Lee

U20 BACKSTAGE (FR) (MPR & Capranny Syndicate) Gordon Elliott IRE 8-11-0 Davy Condon

U20 NOZIC (FR) (Coral Racing Ltd & The Sun) Paul Nicholls 9-11-3t Liam Treadwell

U23 ELLERSLIE GEORGE (IRE) (Guy & Sophie Henderson) Nick Mitchell 10-10-10 Christian Williams

PU19 BEAT THE BOYS (IRE) (New Club Ladies) Nigel Twiston-Davies 9-11-0 Brian Hughes

PU24 DREAM ALLIANCE (The Alliance Partnership) Philip Hobbs 9-11-3p Tom O'Brien

PU21 FLINTOFF (USA) (Andrew Flintoff & Paul Beck) Venetia Williams 9-10-5 Andrew Tinkler

PU29 NICHE MARKET (IRE) (Graham Regan) Bob Buckler 9-11-4 Harry Skelton

PU29 CONNA CASTLE (IRE) (Kings Syndicate) Jimmy Mangan IRE 11-10-9 Sean Flanagan

PU bef 29 OLLIE MAGERN (Roger Nicholls) Nigel Twiston-Davies 12-10-9 Tom Molloy

PU bef 28 BALLYHOLLAND (IRE) (Cathal McGovern) Colin McBratney IRE 9-11-0 Andrew McNamara

Refused to start KING JOHNS CASTLE (IRE) (J P McManus) Arthur Moore IRE 11-10-9 Paul Carberry

40 ran
Distances: 5, 20, 3, 7, 1 1/2, nk, 12, 3/4, sh, dist, 8, dist, dist      
Breeder: Dominick Vallely                      
Breeding: b g Old Vic - She’s No Laugh Ben        Totes: Win: £15.70 Places:£3.90, £3.90, £5.20, £3.90 Exacta: £544.50

Don’t Push It
Don’t Push It began his career in the 2004/05 season, finishing a promising third in a Warwick bumper, and duly won on his only two starts the following season in a Market Rasen bumper and a Haydock novices’ hurdle. Sent over fences the following season, he got off the mark at Southwell before finding only the mighty Denman too good in a novices’ chase at Cheltenham in November, 2006. Further wins at Cheltenham and Chepstow followed and he was still in contention when falling two out in the 2007 Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He took advantage of his lower hurdles ratings when landing the Listed Silver Trophy at Chepstow on his seasonal reappearance in the 2007/08 season, but disappointed on his two subsequent outings that season. Last season started disappointingly, but he progressed to take second behind Big Buck’s in a hurdle race at Cheltenham in January, 2009, and rounded off the campaign with a fine victory in the John Smith’s Handicap Chase over three miles and a furlong of the Mildmay course at Aintree on Grand National day. He has had four outings so far this season. He began the current campaign by taking fourth in the Grade Two Old Roan Chase at Aintree and then stayed on well to take second to Galant Nuit, beaten half a length, in a Grade Three handicap chase at Cheltenham in November. A bad mistake at the last cost him all chance of success in a handicap chase at Warwick in December, while he disappointed on his latest outing when pulling up in the Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Race Record: Starts: 23; Wins: 8 ; 2nd: 4; 3rd: 2; Win & Place Prize Money: £653,390

The Winning Owner: J P McManus

Few people have enjoyed a closer association with jump racing in the last 30 years than John Patrick ’J P’ McManus, who was born in Co Limerick on March 10, 1951. He left his father’s plant hire business at the age of 20 to become a racecourse bookmaker, but then took the less well-trodden route of gamekeeper-turned-poacher when becoming a professional punter.

McManus recalls one of his first bets as being on Merryman II in the 1960 Grand National when he was just nine, but the bet that changed his life was £4 on Linden Tree in a Newmarket maiden in 1970, the horse winning at 100/8. He had another £4 on when Linden Tree won the Observer Gold Cup at 25/1, and £5 each-way at 33/1 for the Derby, when the horse beat all bar Mill Reef. Although still one of the highest-staking punters on the racecourse, “The Sundance Kid” (as he was dubbed by journalist Hugh McIlvanney after a number of major gambles in the ring during the 1970s) is also the biggest jump owner in terms of numbers in Britain, Ireland and France. He has a host of business interests including dealing in financial markets from his Geneva base and part-ownership of the Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados, where he also has a house. With John Magnier, he bought a 28.7% stake in Manchester United through the Cubic Expression company before subsequently selling out to US tycoon Malcolm Glazer. He was recently in the news because of his stake in the pub and restaurant operator Mitchells and Butler. In 2009, the Sunday Times estimated McManus’ wealth at £435 million. Since Mister Donovan landed the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 1982, he has enjoyed 32 Cheltenham Festival successes, headed by three-time Champion Hurdle hero Istabraq plus Baracouda, who landed the 2002 and 2003 renewals of what is now the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. This year he won a fourth Champion Hurdle with Binocular. He does a lot of work for charity and his Pro-Am golf tournament, where he plays with Padraig Harrington as his partner, has raised millions of Euros. McManus is also a keen backgammon player and a big hurling fan. He owns Jackdaws Castle, the Gloucestershire yard that Jonjo O’Neill trains from, and has invested heavily in improving facilities. He was British champion owner for the 2005/6, 2006/7 and 2008/9 seasons and he has become increasingly serious about trying to win the John Smith’s Grand National, having five runners in 2004, six in 2005, four in 2006, two in 2007, four in 2008 and four again last year. Clan Royal went close when second in 2004, was carried out when in the lead at Becher’s second time around in 2005 and was third in 2006, while King Johns Castle filled the runner-up spot in the 2008 contest. John Smith’s Grand National Record: 1982 Deep Gale (Fell 1st), 1988 Bucko (PU bef 27th), 1992 Laura's Beau (3rd), 1994 Laura’s Beau (Fell 6th), 1996 Wylde Hide (UR 24th), 1997 Wylde Hide (UR 22nd); 1998 Gimme Five (5th), 2002 Spot Thedifference (UR 27th); 2003 Youlneverwalkalone (PU bef 13th); 2004 Clan Royal (2nd), Spot Thedifference (5th), Risk Accessor (UR 6th), Le Coudray (Fell 22nd); 2005 Innox (7th), Spot Thedifference (18th), Shamawan (21st), Clan Royal (CO 22nd), Le Coudray (PU before 21st), Risk Accessor (UR 2nd); 2006 Clan Royal (3rd), Risk Accessor (5th), Innox (Fell 1st), First Gold (UR 23rd); 2007 L’Ami (10th), Clan Royal (11th); 2008 King Johns Castle (2nd), L’Ami (Fell 2nd), Bob Hall (PU bef 19th), Butler’s Cabin (Fell 22nd); 2009 Butler’s Cabin (7th), Reveillez (BD 3rd), Can’t Buy Time (Fell 18th), L’Ami (PU bef 30th);2009 DON’T PUSH IT (WON) and three others

The Winning Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill

Jonjo O’Neill (born April 13, 1952)  was a highly successful jump jockey and has established himself at the top of the training ranks in recent seasons. In spite of an appalling list of injuries, he was champion jockey on two occasions (1977/78 and 1979/80), and he set a then record for a season of 149 winners in his first championship year. The most sensational moment of his riding career came when he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Dawn Run in 1986 as the mare became the only horse to win that trophy after having previously taken the Champion Hurdle (1984), also with O’Neill in the saddle. He also won the Gold Cup on Alverton in 1979, though he had a dreadful record in the Grand National, in which he never completed the course in spite of having had a number of fancied rides. He retired from the saddle at the end of the 1985/86 season and, having survived lymphatic cancer not long after that, started training near Penrith, Cumbria, in 1987. He forged a reputation with horses such as Vicario Di Bray, winner of the 1989 Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock, and Legal Right, who landed the Grade Three Tripleprint (now Boylesports) Gold Cup at Cheltenham in 1999 and went on to capture the BGC Silver Cup at Ascot as well as the Grade Two Tommy Whittle Chase. He moved to his present base at Jackdaws Castle in Gloucestershire, not far from Cheltenham, when the yard was bought by owner J P McManus in 2001. His victories at the Aintree Festival as a trainer include Quazar in the John Smith’s Anniversary 4YO Novices’ Hurdle in 2002, Clan Royal in the 2003 John Smith’s Topham Chase, Iris’s Gift (2003) and Black Jack Ketchum (2006) in the Citroen C5 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, Iris’s Gift in the 2004 John Smith’s Liverpool Long Distance Hurdle and Exotic Dancer (2007) in the totesport Bowl. His 17 Cheltenham Festival victories include five wins in the National Hunt Chase, the JCB Triumph Hurdle with Spectroscope, the 2004 Ladbrokes World Hurdle with Iris’s Gift and the two victories of Albertas Run in both the RSA Chase (2007) and the Ryanair Chase (2009).  John Smith’s Grand National Record: 2003 Carbury Cross (7th); 2004 Clan Royal (2nd), Joss Naylor (PU bef 19th); 2005 Simply Gifted (3rd), Shamawan (21st), Native Emperor (UR 9th), Clan Royal (CO bef 22nd); 2006 Clan Royal (3rd), Risk Accessor (5th); 2007 Clan Royal (11th); 2008 Bob Hall (PU bef 19th), Butler’s Cabin (Fell 22nd); 2009 Butler’s Cabin (7th), Reveillez (BD 3rd), Can’t Buy Time (Fell 18th); 2009 DON’T PUSH IT (WON) and one other

The Winning Jockey Tony McCoy

Born in Moneyglass, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland on May 4, 1974, Tony McCoy is the greatest jump jockey of his era and many would argue the greatest of all time. He is the son of Peadar McCoy, who bred the 1993 County Hurdle victor Thumbs Up. McCoy started out with Billy Rock, riding out from the age of 12, before trying his luck as a Flat jockey with Jim Bolger and rode his first winner on Legal Steps at Thurles on March 26, 1992. Since growing too heavy and turning to jump racing, he has not looked back. He partnered his first British winner, Chickabiddy, at Exeter on September 7, 1994 and was champion conditional rider in Britain in 1994/5 with a then record 74 winners when attached to Toby Balding's Hampshire yard. He took his first senior title the following season with 174 wins. His domination has brought 14 consecutive jump jockey's titles and he is currently well on course for number 15 this season. McCoy broke Peter Scudamore's record of 221 wins in the 1997/8 season with 253 successes and broke his own record for the fastest 200 winners in the 1999/2000 season, ending up with 245 successes. In 2001/02 he beat by 20 the record of 269 winners in any season set by Flat jockey Sir Gordon Richards. He has passed the double century mark five times and reached the 3,000 winner mark at Plumpton in February, 2009. He had a fairytale 1997 Cheltenham Festival, recording a rare double on Make A Stand for his then boss Martin Pipe in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle and Mr Mulligan in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup. McCoy added a second Champion Hurdle when successful on Brave Inca in 2006 and a third this season with Binocular. In total, he has partnered 23 winners at The Festival, although he has yet to finish better then third from 14 rides in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree. In April, 2004, he left Martin Pipe's stable after accepting a reportedly huge retainer from owner J P McManus and rides for McManus's principal trainer in Britain, Jonjo O'Neill. McCoy also rides regularly for Nicky Henderson. McCoy’s wife Chanelle gave birth to their daughter Eve late in 2007. McCoy was made an MBE in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Honours List and his achievements were recognised with a reception at Stormont, the seat of government in Northern Ireland, in August, 2009. John Smith’s Grand National Record: 1995 Chatam (Fell 12th), 1996 Deep Bramble (PU bef 2 out); 1998 Challenger Du Luc (Fell 1st); 1999 Eudipe (Fell 22nd); 2000 Dark Stranger (UR 3rd); 2001 Blowing Wind (3rd), 2002 Blowing Wind (3rd), 2003 Iris Bleu (PU bef 16th); 2004 Jurancon II (Fell 4th); 2005 Clan Royal (CO 22nd); 2006 Clan Royal (3rd); 2007 L’Ami (10th; 2008 Butler’s Cabin (Fell 22nd; 2009 Butler’s Cabin (7th):2009 DON’T PUSH IT (WON)                                    

Factfiles

Winning Jockey: Anthony Peter McCoy MBE  Date of Birth: 04/05/74 Background: Tony McCoy is the greatest jump jockey of his era and many would argue the greatest of all time. McCoy started out with Billy Rock then tried his luck as a Flat jockey with Jim Bolger. Since growing too heavy and turning to jump racing he has not looked back. He was champion conditional rider in Britain in 1994/5 when attached to Toby Balding's Hampshire yard and took his first senior title in 1995/96 season with 174 wins. His domination has brought 14 consecutive jump jockey's titles. Tony was awarded an MBE in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Honours. Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Grand National (2010 Don’t Push It), John Smith’s Handicap Chase (2009 Don’t Push It), Betfair.com Handicap Chase (2007 Reveillez), John Smith’s Melling Chase (2010 Albertas Run, 1996 Viking Flagship), John Smith’s smithythehorse.com Handicap Hurdle (2010 Ringaroses), John Smith’s 250th  Anniversary 4yo Hurdle (1996 Zabadi, 1999 Hors La Loi III, 2008 Binocular), Barton & Guestier Novices’ Hurdle (1998 Fataliste), John Smith’s Top Novices Hurdle (2006 Straw Bear), John Hughes Trophy Chase (1998 Cyfor Malta, 2000 Northern Starlight), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (1998 Boss Doyle, 2005 Like-A-Butterfly), Citroen C6 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (1998 Unsinkable Boxer, 2006 Black Jack Ketchum), Martell Aintree Hurdle (1998 Pridwell), Martell Cognac Handicap Hurdle (1996 Top Spin, 2003 Carlovent)

John Smith’s Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle (2006 Refinement), Chivas Regal Novices’ Hcap Chase (1999 Royal Predica), John Smith’s Red Rum Handicap Chase (2003 Golden Alpha, 2005 Fota Island), Betfair Bowl Chase (2004 Tiutchev, 2007 Exotic Dancer), Martell Maghull Novices’ Chase (2004 Well Chief), Silver Cross Handicap Hurdle (2005 Genghis, 2009 Sunnyhillboy),

John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (2006 Foreman)) Wins 1994/5-2008/09: 74; 175; 189; 253; 186; 245; 191; 289; 257; 209;

199; 178; 184; 140; 186; Wins this season: 192

Winning Trainer: JONJO O’NEILL Born: April 13, 1952 Based: Jackdaws Castle, Gloucestershire Background: Jonjo O’Neill was a highly successful jump jockey and has established himself at the top of the training ranks in recent seasons. In spite of an appalling list of injuries, he was champion jockey on two occasions (1977/78 and 1979/80). Aintree Festival wins: John Smith’s Grand National (2010 Don’t Push It), John Smith’s Melling Chase (2010 Albertas Run), John Smith’s Handicap Chase (2009 Don’t Push It), Totesport Bowl (2007 Exotic Dancer), betfair.com Handicap Chase (2000 Radiation, 2002 Carbury Cross, 2003 Master Tern), John Smith’s smithythehorse.com Handicap Hurdle (2010 Ringaroses), John Smith’s Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle (2002 Sudden Shock, 2006 Refinement, 2007 Alberta’s Run), John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle (2002 Quazar), John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle (2002 Intersky Falcon), John Smith’s Topham Chase (2003 Clan Royal), Citroen C6 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Iris’s Gift, 2006 Black Jack Ketchum), John Smith’s  Champion Standard National Hunt Flat Race (2003 Classic Native), John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift), S&N Aintree Hurdle (2004 Rhinestone Cowboy), Silver Cross Handicap Hurdle (2009 Sunnyhillboy, 2007 Two Miles West) Number of Winners (1995/96-2008/09): 18; 17; 32; 38; 44; 58; 113; 114; 102; 96; 105; 126; 106; 97;  Wins this Season: 102

INITIAL JOHN SMITH’S GRAND WINNING NATIONAL QUOTES

Tony McCoy, the 14-time champion jump jockey and breaker of all records, shed tears as he won the £925,00 John Smith’s Grand National at his 15th attempt.

“I am being a big wuss but it is everything to win the John Smith’s Grand National. I have won lots of big races and I am supposed to be a good jockey but to not win the Grand National is bit of a negative on the CV.

“I am delighted. When I started off riding for Billy Rock - he really believed in me.  I am delighted for my mum and dad - they have been great to me - and obviously my wife Chanelle and Eve (his young daughter) - she will be proud of me now hopefully when she grows up.

“My mum and dad aren’t here but I am sure that they will be watching at home. It’s great for them . My trainer put me on the right horse - he swayed me very much and didn’t argue with me. I asked him to toss a coin and I think he tossed it a few times until he got Don’t Push It. Jonjo is an amazing trainer - he was very adamant  - and I didn’t argue with him.

“I think that you get enough goes at something and you keep going - you are always punching - you  have always got a chance of winning. I am delighted for this man (JP McManus) because he the best supporter that this game has had or ever will have.  I am very, very privileged - I mean I rode a Grand National winner in these colours.”

Jonjo O’Neill, the winning trainer, said: “I am lost for words! It is fantastic and I thought that it would never happen to me. I am delighted that it has happened and I am delighted for AP, for JP , and all of lads. It is brilliant.

“Alan Berry does everything with this horse. The horse lives out in a field, with half a dozen Jacobs sheep, and Alan does everything with him. I don’t even go near him, so it all down to him.

“I didn’t really believe we would win until we passed the post I didn’t think that it would  never happen but, anyway, it did happen so it is marvellous.”

J P McManus, the winning owner, said: “Firstly, I want to thank Frank Berry because he found the horse and bought him as a foal and I don’t think we would have the horse without him. So that was a great start and full marks to Jonjo and all of the team at Jackdaws - Don’t Push It has been a difficult horse over the years to keep him right and keep his mind right.

“He gets very hot and very warm so I think it was a great effort on beahlf of Jonjo and all of his team.

FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

 
TONY McCOY

After 14 failed attempts at the John Smith’s Grand National and the same number of jockeys’ championships, the most-successful jump rider of all time Tony McCoy finally landed his sport’s most-famous prize.

McCoy was confident from a mile into this year’s race aboard Don’t Push It that he would be successful and he eventually came home five lengths clear of Black Apalachi.

“The only good thing going into the race was that (owner) J P (McManus) had had more failed attempts than me!” jocked McCoy.

“It was the perfect race and he jumped well all the way.

“I had four horses to choose from but ruled two of them out a couple of weeks ago and Jonjo (O’Neill) more or less put me on Don’t Push It. If truth be told my trainer put me on the right horse.

“He ran well in November at Cheltenham under top weight and that had always been at the back of my mind. He has always had ability but is mentally unstable so the two of us get on well together!

“I’m the biggest dreamer in the world, I dream every day, and for the past five or six years I’ve dreamt that I’d win the National. I got a bit down so this year I decided to enjoy myself.

“I hadn’t gone more than a mile and I wouldn’t have swapped my position for anything, and I don’t just mean horses. He had just totally taken to it. He’s sometimes been too intelligent but today he totally used his brain the right way. He made a couple of mistakes but that was my fault as much as the horse and who cares.

“I’ve won a few other races that nobody knows but everyone on the street knows the Grand National, it’s the people’s race and from a jockey’s perspective that’s why it’s important. At least that I can think that I’ve sort of done alright as a jockey now.

“My daughter (Eve) is more into Ruby Walsh than me. I thought at Christmas that it was because he looked like Santa but she still talks a lot about Ruby. But hopefully this win should give her something to be proud about in years to come.

“J P is the greatest supporter this game will ever had and it’s probably only Jonjo and me who know how much every horse, whether at Plumpton on a Monday or at Cheltenham, means to him. There have been plenty of horses that I’ve suggested we should move on but he said to keep them and he’s often been right. “
 

FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

JONJO O’NEILL

Trainer Jonjo O’Neill never got round in seven attempts as a jockey in the John Smith’s Grand National but finally triumphed in jump racing’s biggest prize today thanks to Don’t Push It.

“That was harder than riding!” said O’Neill. “It will take a bit of sinking in but it was fantastic. He just had a good position all the way and seemed to be jumping all the way.

At the Canal Turn I thought that Big Fella Thanks was going best but that we’d be placed and I’d have been happy with that but he picked up again.

“I walked the track with the kids this morning and said to them that I’d had seven goes as a jockey but when we got to the Canal Turn I said that that was where we stopped because I didn’t know what happened after that, I never got any further!

“As a trainer I’ve come close and hit the bar a few times but I just thought we were destined never to win the National. I just hoped they’d get back safe and sound.

“A P knew the horses well and he was on the better of the two on form and I thought this one had the better chance of getting the trip, which he did.

“The parade was going to be a big thing with this fellow and I saddled him in the stables and put ear plugs in. I did the whole lot and didn’t think it would work out but it did.

“He’s always had time in field and has had a few problems with the likes of a kissing spine and with his stifles. Alan (Berry) rides him all the time at home, nearly always on his own and he just gets a little bit of work. A P knows him on the track and Alan knows him at home.”
 

FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

J P McMANUS

Jump racing’s biggest ever owner J P McManus has been fixated with the John Smith’s Grand National for 50 years and he put

Don’t Push It’s victory today at the top of his many successes in racing.

“There’s no doubt that this was the race I have always wanted to win. The National is the National and to win it is great,” said McManus. “The first one I remember is Merryman (in 1960) and I think I first came here in 1976 for Rag Trade. There are many strange memories that go with the race for me, for instance it’s my mum’s anniversary mass tomorrow and we all used to look forward to the National together. From the time you were whatever age you’d look forward to the National for whatever reason, whether you’d do the cows in the morning so you could be finished to watch the race and your father gave you a couple of shillings to put on the race.

“It’s great to have a runner and it’s even better when you win. I suppose as a child the one race you know about is the Grand National and it means such a lot. My mum, my dad, we all loved the National and we were encouraged to have a bet. It’s a wonderful day for everyone - for Jonjo (O’Neill) for Alan Berry, who looks after him, and for all the staff.

“We had planned to watch the Munster rugby match in the box at the racecourse after racing and I’ll leave it up to my family to see if they want to change plans. I suspect we could be flying back to Shannon.

“You come to the National more in hope than expectation and then you are not disappointed and if I had 10 good enough to run in the race I’d run them.

“I want to thank Alan Berry, who looks after this horse and all the team at Jonjo’s, the horse needs an enormous amount of individual training. Alan went to Chepstow but sadly for a horse that was a non-runner.

“I also want to thank Frank Berry, who found the horse as a store and liked him, without him we wouldn’t have been here.

“I go back a long way with Jonjo, to 1980 when he ride Jack Of Trumps in the Gold Cup, so we have had an association spanning five decades, it’s a long time.

“I noticed his odds had come in before the race but I didn’t back him, I was just happy to see him deliver the goods.

“Although we had four runners, we were down to one after the Chair and I thought that only four or five could win from the second circuit and I knew Don’t Push It would get the trip.

"When he ran last November in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, A P said he could just be a National horse and I’m very glad he picked him today. The horse goes well fresh but maybe he needed his last run to get the edge off him.

“It’s just a very, very special day for us all. AP really deserved to win this race and I’m just so glad it was on one of mine."

MORE JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL QUOTES

Chanelle McCoy, Tony’s wife, said: “I am just practically speechless. For him to do this means the absolute world for him. I know that he would love his mother and father to be here - Claire and Paeder - who are the most amazing parents. Our little daughter Eve is at home cheering. It has been an emotional day and, for a man that doesn’t get too emotional, this is a hugely emotional end.

“Thanks also to Mr and Mrs McManus to have make this possible for Anthony, and for Jonjo and Jackie. I think that it is a lovely team effort and a massive achievement.”

JP McManus said later: "It’s great to have a runner and it’s even better when you win. I suppose as a child the one race you know about is the Grand National and it means such a lot. My mum, my dad, we all loved the National and we were encouraged to have a bet. It’s a wonderful day for everyone - for Jonjo (O’Neill) for Alan Berry, who looks after Don’t Push It, and for all the staff.

"When he ran last November in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, AP (McCoy) said he could just be a National horse and I’m very glad he picked him today. It’s just a very, very special day for us all.

"AP really deserved to win this race and I’m just so glad it was on one of mine."

Barry Geraghty, rider of the fourth Big Fella Thanks, said: “He was brilliant - he jumped great and travelled well. He was the pick of Paul’s horses from weeks back and Ruby obviously went for him so it was nice to get back on him. It’s unfortunate for Ruby and I hope that he is OK.

“I knew that I was not sitting on the winner to the second last and AP was sitting on plenty of horse. It was a good result for him and JP - they deserve it.

“I thought that I might win going to the third last but I was running out of petrol going to the second last.”

Denis O’Regan, rider of the second Black Apalachi, said: “I had a tremendous ride. He jumped superbly and he is a credit to all of the team - to Dessie and all of the team back home - they got him in perfect condition.

“He jumped from fence to fence and gave me a great ride. I am delighted for AP - he beat me fair and square on the best horse on the day. Fair play to him because he has achieved so much.

“We were 1lb better off compared to last year and he was a lot more settled today. He is a credit to the team and it was a great run.”

O’REGAN: ‘IF ANYBODY HAD TO BEAT ME I’M JUST GLAD IT WAS AP’

The high regard in which AP McCoy is held by his weighing-room colleagues was evident in the immediate aftermath of the John

Smith’s Grand National when Denis O’Regan, beaten five lengths on Black Apalachi by McCoy and Don’t Push It, was swift to pay tribute to the winning rider, who had been out of luck in 14 previous starts in the race.

O’Regan said: “I’m so delighted for AP McCoy, he’s been years in the game. If anybody had to beat me I’m just glad it was him.

“My fella’s a tremendous horse and he gave me a tremendous feel. All credit to Dessie (Hughes) and the team. They had him spot on for today.

“He just loves bowling along, he loves this place. He was a bit keen early on but he settled into it lovely and once he got into a rhythm he was fantastic. I had a wonderful round and it’s a pleasure to ride a horse like him around here.” 

Trainer Dessie Hughes also paid tribute to Black Apalachi, the winner of the 2008 totesport Becher Chase who ran a valiant race in this year’s National after falling last year at Becher’s Brook on the second circuit when also travelling well.

He said: “We’re very proud of him, it was a great run. He did everything right, just a better horse beat him.”

MOORE PUZZLED BY KING JOHNS’ REFUSAL

Trainer Arthur Moore could shed no light on the behaviour of King Johns Castle, the mount of Paul Carberry who was reluctant to line-up at the start and the refused to jump off with the rest of the field.

Moore said: “He’s always been slightly quirky but I never thought that would happen. I don’t really know why, it just happened.”

Race 5: John Smith’s Grand National - Third Place Quotes

STATE OF PLAY DOES WILLIAMS PROUD

State Of Play, fourth behind Mon Mome in last year’s John Smith’s Grand National, went one better in this year’s race, finishing third, 25 lengths behind the AP McCoy-ridden winner Don’t Push It.

His trainer, Evan Williams, was delighted: “Over the moon, of course we are. He’s run such a gallant race. It was run atsuch at such a fast pace and you could see early on there were a lot of horses struggling to go with it.

“They’ve gone hard and I’ve just thought two from home  - Paul [Moloney] had crept and crept and crept - and I thought he might get up to them. But the first two have gone clear and the fourth horse has weakened. He’s just been given a very good ride and run a very good race.

“I’m just very, very proud of the horse. He means so much to me. I thought we had him as right as we could get him and he’s run a blinder.

“Everything was perfect, there’s no excuses. He’s just showed what a brave horse he is. I’ll never have another one like him,” he said.

Jockey Paul Moloney said: “It was a serious run from a serious horse who’s very been good to me - and he might win next year, please God!”

Race 5: John Smith’s Grand National - Fourth Place Quotes

 
BIG FELLA THANKS STRETCHES HIS STAMINA?

Big Fella Thanks, ridden by Barry Geraghty in the absence of the injured Ruby Walsh, started as 10/1 joint favourite with the eventual winner Don’t Push It, but didn’t appear to stay the four and a half miles.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said: “ I’m delighted with him. No excuses at all. He travelled brilliantly, jumped brilliantly and Barry had a fantastic ride, but he just didn’t truly stay.

“Coming to the second last, he was running out of petrol. This year, in his training, he’s found a bit of speed and maybe he’s not so much of a stayer as we thought initially.

“If he doesn’t stay I don’t know how we could get more out of him. Maybe if the ground was slower, I don’t know. Or maybe we just look for another race for him.”

Tricky Trickster, Nicholls’ second string, was running in his first John Smith’s Grand National and finished a commendable ninth.

Nicholls said: “As I suspected, the ground was probably quick enough for him. When he gets older and stronger he’ll be a perfect one for the National. Hopefully he’ll run in it for the next three or four years - and one day he’ll get his ground.

“It’s good for AP though. We couldn’t have had a better result,” he added.

Barry Geraghty, jockey of Big Fella Thanks, said: “Brilliant! He galloped from end to end. The best ride I’ve ever had round here. But if you can’t have the winner, then it’s good to see AP win it.”
 

Fifth race jockey quotes

John Smith’s Grand National Handicap Chase

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

JOCKEY QUOTES 1

Nick Scholfield, who fell at the fourth on My Will: “He got a bit close to it and couldn’t get his landing gear down, but we’re both fine.”

Johnny Farrelly, who was 13th on Piraya: “He jumped fine, but didn’t travel well enough between the fences. It was a brilliant experience.”

Joe Tizzard, 10th on Joe Lively: “He got the trip really well, but he had a lot of weight for a little horse. He ran a blinder.”

Brian Hughes, who rode Beat The Boys: “He didn’t really enjoy it, but he was safe enough.”

Tom Molloy, Ollie Magern: “We pulled up before two out, but he ran a great race.”

Paul Townend, who unseated from Arbor Supreme: “We went at The Chair.”

Richard Johnson, who rode ninth-placed Tricky Trickster: “He gave me a great ride, but the pace just took him off his feet a little bit. I was always just struggling to get competitive, but he’s run a fine race and I’m sure he’ll be back again.”

Philip Enright, who rode Preists Leap to finish 14th and last: “We made a mistake at the water and were never in the race after that.”

Wayne Hutchinson, who fell on Eric’s Charm: “We only got as far as the first.”

Danny Cook, who fell on Pablo Du Charmil: “We came down at the second - too early.”

Tom Scudamore, who was unseated from Madison Du Berlais at the 19th: “He gave me a great ride, he made one mistake, frightened himself a little bit and then dropped his hind legs in the last ditch. I wouldn’t have won, but thought I was going to be in the first six until that mistake.”

Davy Casey who rode Snowy Morning to finish 6th: “He ran super. Made a couple of mistakes, but jumped great and travelled well.”

Jason Maguire, who rode Cloudy Lane to finish 8th: “He’s run well and finished well, but was a bit slow over the early fences. I was always struggling to make up ground after that.”

Harry Skelton, who pulled up two out on Niche Market: “He just couldn’t go with them on the second circuit - you need a real speed horse, but I had a great time.”

Fifth race jockey quotes

John Smith’s Grand National Handicap Chase

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

JOCKEY QUOTES 3

Aidan Coleman, who fell at the 26th on last year’s winner Mon Mome: “I wasn’t very happy with him today. They went a stride too quickly for him and he never got into the race. He was good, but out of his comfort zone, and then he got in a bit tight to one and couldn’t get his landing gear down.”

Liam Treadwell, last year’s winning jockey, who was unseated at the 20th fence on Nozic: “It was a bit different this time.

I was always flat out and the horse didn’t really enjoy it. To be fair he was warming to it when a horse fell in front of me. The result was quite different from last year, but to come back as last year’s winning jockey has been a fantastic experience.”

Sean Flanagan, who rode long-time leader Conna Castle, eventually pulling up two out: “He was brilliant, but got tired. He doesn’t get four miles, and he nodded on landing over Becher’s second time around. After that we were struggling.”

Barry Geraghty, fourth on Big Fella Thanks: “I had a great ride and he jumped brilliantly, but I’m so pleased for A P

[McCoy] and J P [McManus] - they deserve it.”

Richie McLernon, who unseated at the Canal Turn first time round on Can’t Buy Time: “I’m fine. The horse is fine.”

Davy Condon, who was unseated at the 20th on Backstage: “I was hampered by a loose horse when in ninth or tenth position.”

David England who fell at the second Becher’s Brook on Ballyfitz: “The ground was too quick for him, but he was just starting to get going and was running his best when we came down. Next year he’d have a hell of a chance if the ground is soft.”

Roger Loughran who was brought down at the 20th on Vic Venturi: “He did well to stand on his feet at the first, but after jumping two or three more he started giving me a great spin. I was following Tony [McCoy on winner Don’t Push It] and Tom Scudamore [on Madison Du Berlais] early on. My lad was really travelling and enjoying it, but then Davy Condon’s horse made a mistake, unseated him and I went into the back of them. It was unlucky. I really enjoyed it to that point.”

Fifth race jockey quotes

John Smith’s Grand National Handicap Chase

NINA HAS A CHARACTER BUILDING RIDE

Nina Carberry became the first woman to complete the John Smith’s Grand National on more than one occasion, when finishing seventh on the John Quinn-trained Character Building.

Carberry, who finished ninth on Forest Gunner in 2006, said of Character Building: “He was great and gave me an absolutely brilliant ride. They were going a stride too quickly for him early on, so I just tried to get him travelling and keep in touch. I had a real hope of being in the first three after the Canal Turn because he really took off, but he started to feel the pinch jumping the last.

“At that point I still hoped to finish fifth, but we got caught by a couple of horses on the run-in. Despite that he ran a great race, and if the ground had been a bit softer the leaders might have come back to him.

“He really couldn’t lie up early on - the plan was to give him a chance of getting into a rhythm over the first half dozen fences, and he didn’t get going until after Becher’s first time. On softer ground he could do really well next year.

“It felt like a normal race and all the jockeys were great. They’re all looking out for each other. I’ve got round twice from two attempts now, and I just want to get that bit closer.”

More John Smith’s Grand National

Jockey quotes
 
Andrew McNamara, who pulled up before two out on Ballyholland: “He was always just doing too much all the way.”

Wilson Renwick, who unseated at the 14th on Royal Rosa: “He was always flat out. They were always going a bit quick for him, and while I wanted to be handy they were that stride too fast. It’s a grade up from the Becher Chase [in which he was third last year] and go that little bit quicker. I got a great ride up until the 14th when he stuck me over his head and gave me kick.”