04.04.08 - THE GRAND NATIONAL, RACING AT AINTREE

FIRST NATIONAL MEETING WIN FOR TINKLER

Jockey Andrew Tinkler - who rides Naunton Brook in tomorrow’s John Smith’s Grand National - enjoyed his first success at the meeting when partnering the Nicky Henderson-trained Oedipe to win the totepool Handicap Chase.
 
Tinkler was a late call-up for the ride after Oedipe’s intended partner, Mick Fitzgerald, gave up his rides after a fall earlier in the day.
 
"I’ve ridden a winner at the Cheltenham Festival but this is my first at the Aintree Festival," said Fitzgerald. "I fancied him off this weight today, as Mick must have done to be willing to ride off 10st 4lb.
 
"He’s a good horse on his day and probably needed the run at Cheltenham. He has quite a French way of jumping but you can’t change that, it’s best to stick to what you know. I knew he’d improve for the better ground and flat track here."
 
Tinkler is looking forward to the ride on Naunton Brook and added: "It’s my third ride in the race and he jumped very well last year until pulling up. He’s been placed in a lot of the big staying handicaps and every horse has his day so hopefully we’ll have a bit of luck tomorrow."