06.04.09 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

John Smith's Grand National day news and quotes

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL DAY

RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE

AINTREE, SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009

The John Smith’s Grand National Finishers

1. MON MOME (FR) 100/1

2. COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) 14/1

3. MY WILL (FR) 8/1

4. STATE OF PLAY 14/1

5. CERIUM (FR) 100/1

6. BIG FELLA THANKS 14/1

7. BUTLER'S CABIN (FR) 7/1 Fav

8. SOUTHERN VIC (IRE) 33/1

9. SNOWY MORNING (IRE) 33/1

10. ARTEEA (IRE) 200/1

11. IRISH INVADER (IRE) 16/1

12. IDLE TALK (IRE) 66/1

13. DARKNESS 16/1

14. PREISTS LEAP (IRE) 100/1

15. OFFSHORE ACCOUNT (IRE) 20/1

16. BATTLECRY 33/1

17. CORNISH SETT (IRE) 33/1

distances 12, 1.25, 4.5, 0.75, 4, 1.75, 0.75, 5, 9, 4.5, 3, 3.5, 25, 24, 12, dist

THE 100/1 WINNER - MON MOME (FR)

b g Passing Sale (FR) - Etoile Du Lion (FR) (New Target)

9-11-00 Form: 7U36245/U2121121U/422434/P3609-218278 Owner: Vida Bingham

Trainer: Venetia Williams Breeder: Alexandre Deschere Jockey: Liam Treadwell

Mon Mome

Mon Mome, whose name means ‘My Kid', had just one run in his native France, finishing second in a Flat-race at Pontivy. Bought by Vida Bingham, the horse's first outing in the UK was in a decent novices’ hurdle at Newbury in December, 2004, when he finished seventh of 12. The horse had six further races in the 2004-2005 season, all novices’ or maiden hurdles, without breaking his duck. However, a second at Fontwell, over two-and-a-half miles, and a third at Folkestone, over two furlongs shorter, showed the horse had ability. Mon Mome didn't last too long in his first chase at Cheltenham in October, 2005, coming to grief at the third, but with that aberration behind him, he set about compiling an impressive sequence of results. In his next seven races, Mon Mome registered four wins and three seconds. The wins - at Uttoxeter, Plumpton, Fontwell and Aintree - came on ground that was easy or softer. The last of those wins was at the 2006 John Smith's Grand National meeting in the John Smith’s Novices' Handicap Chase, when he was ridden by amateur Will Biddick. To give his season a certain symmetry, Mon Mome unseated his jockey in the four-mile-one-furlong Scottish National at Ayr in his last race of the season. Consistency was the name of the game in 2006-2007, with the horse placing in the top four in each of his six races, but without winning. He came close, though, in the Coral Welsh National, a four-length second to Halcon Genelardais and, three weeks later, showed his powers of recovery by finishing the same distance behind Ladalko in the totesport.com Classic Chase at Warwick. Mon Mome's final outing of the 2006/07 campaign was in the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival and again the horse acquitted himself well, finishing fourth, eight lengths behind the winner. Last season he did not reappear until February, when he pulled up in the Country Gentlemen's Association Chase at Wincanton. Ten days later he contested a hurdle at Folkestone and, 36lb lower than his chase rating, was made favourite. The horse, though, was tapped for toe and could only finish third. On the agenda for the second successive year was the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival, but he did not match the fourth place of a year earlier, plugging on for sixth, over 20 lengths behind the winner An Accordion. He then headed to Aintree for his first attempt at the John Smith’s Grand National and ran a decent enough race to finish 10th under Aidan Coleman. He ended last season at Ayr in the Scottish Grand National, where he finished ninth. The current campaign began brightly with a fine second behind Possol at Haydock in November and he built on the promise of that effort with his first win in over three years at Cheltenham in December, when he was successful in the boylepoker.com Handicap Chase by half a length from Star De Mohaison. However, he has failed to reproduce that form on his latest four outings, finishing eighth in the Welsh National at Chepstow, second (to fellow John Smith’s Grand National contender Kilbeggan Blade) in a novices’ hurdle at Towcester, seventh to Rambling Minster in the Blue Square Gold Cup at Haydock and, most recently, eighth in the John Smith’s Midlands National at Uttoxeter on March 14. He won the John Smith’s Grand National at 100/1 today.

Race Record Starts: 34; 1st: 6; 2nd: 9; 3rd: 3; Win & Place Prize Money: £687,662

Vida Bingham

The twin passions of Vida Bingham's life are bridge - she has twice played for England - and National Hunt racing and, according to her regular bridge partner Nigel Osmer, if one of her horses is running, the bridge is off. Bingham, who hails from Uckfield in East Sussex, has had three horses with Venetia Williams and has never missed seeing any of them run. Her first horse was Groom's Gordon, who won twice on the Flat, but in six hurdle races never troubled the judge. Heron's Ghyll, her second horse, was more successful, winning three times in 18 outings. Mon Mome, her third acquisition, has been her most successful by far.

John Smith’s Grand National record: 2008 Mon Mome (10th); 2009 MON MOME (WINNER)

Venetia Williams

Venetia Williams began training in 1995 and her first part-season produced a respectable, if modest, seven winners but things really took off the following campaign when her score went up to 33. In 1997/8 there were 45 winners from her yard at King's Caple in Herefordshire and the following two seasons Williams sent out 74 winners on each occasion with a further 63 successes in 2002/2003, 78 in 2003/04, 80 in 2004/05, 77 in 2005/06, 76 in 2006/07, 69 in 2007/08 and 60 so far this season (as at April 1, 2009). Born May 10, 1960, Venetia Williams had a great deal of experience as a trainer and rider before setting out with a licence at her family's Herefordshire estate. She had 10 winners as an amateur through 1986-88 and rode in the 1988 Grand National on Marcolo, who knocked her unconscious when coming down at Becher's, before she broke her neck in a fall and was forced to retire on medical advice. She went all over the world to further her knowledge of training, starting off with seven years as assistant to John Edwards at Sellack, only a few miles from where she is now based. Later she had spells with Martin Pipe and Barry Hills, John Fulton in the United States and Colin Hayes in Australia. She began with a string of limited size and talent but her success has prompted great reaction and new owners have flocked in with the result that her yard is full with more than 80 horses. Her first venture on the Flat yielded a Group 3 winner when Stretarez won the 1998 Ormonde Stakes at Chester. Her first Cheltenham Festival win came courtesy of Samakaan in the 2000 Grand Annual Challenge Cup, while Idole First won the 2005 Coral Cup and the 2007 Racing Post Plate. Her biggest successes came via Teeton Mill in the 1998 Hennessy Gold Cup and King George VI Chase, while she has also enjoyed success at Aintree with the likes of Edelweis Du Moulin (1999 totesport Handicap Chase), Montalcino (2001 Citroen C4 Mersey Novices' Hurdle), Spring Margot (2002 John Smith's Novices' Handicap Chase), Limerick Boy (2003 John Smith's Top Novices' Hurdle), His Nibs (2004 John Smith's Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle) and Mon Mome (2006 John Smith's Novices' Chase). This season her yard enjoyed a further two successes at the Cheltenham Festival, courtesy of Kayf Aramis in the Pertemps Final and Something Wells in the Freddie Williams Festival Plate.

John Smith’s Grand National Record: 1997 Don't Light Up (Fell 13th), Celtic Abbey (Unseated 15th); 1998 Celtic Abbey (Fell 5th); 1999 General Wolfe (12th); 2000 Kingdom Of Shades (16th); 2001 Inis Cara (Fell 4th), General Wolfe (Brought Down 8th); 2002 Inis Cara (PU Bef 25th); 2003 Bramblehill Duke (Fell 2nd); 2007 Sonevafushi (PU Bef 29th); The Outlier (Unseated 19th); 2008 Mon Mome (10th) ; 2009 MON MOME (WINNER)

Liam Treadwell

Born January 3 1986, Liam Treadwell grew up in Arundel, where his parents, Mark and Lorraine, both worked for John Dunlop. A keen sportsman at school, Treadwell represented his county at Rugby, Football and Basketball and excelled at the Tetrathlon, which involved riding, running, shooting and swimming. Treadwell started riding out at weekends for Dunlop, Nick Gifford and Amanda Perrett when he was 14 and spent two working holidays working for Kiaran McLaughlin in Dubai, as well as a stint working at Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle yard. After leaving school, he started working full time for Dandy Nicholls in 2003, riding 20 winners over the next two seasons, before weight concerns forced him to consider riding over jumps. He strengthened up and joined the stable of Venetia Williams in mid-2004, riding his first winner over jumps when Little Rort took a handicap hurdle at Towcester on April 25, 2005. He enjoyed a superb 2006/07 campaign, riding 30 winners, and shot to prominence when riding Mon Mome to finish second in the Welsh National in December, 2006. He followed up with 29 wins last season and won the Richard Davies Award, given to the conditional who accumulates the most wins and places during the season at Cheltenham, Chepstow, Hereford, Ludlow, Stratford, Towcester, Warwick and Worcester,following in the footsteps of jockeys such as Timmy Murphy and Robert Thornton. This season's highlights have included riding Bleu Superbe to victory in a Listed handicap chase at Ascot in November, while a renewed association with Nick Gifford has resulted in Treadwell partnering Helium and Dee Williams to place in Grade Two company. Treadwell was also narrowly denied a first victory at this year's Cheltenham Festival when Ping Pong Sivola was collared near the line by stablemate Something Wells in the Freddie Williams Festival Plate.John Smith’s Grand National record: ; 2009 MON MOME (WINNER)

FIFTH RACE RESULT
4.15pm JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL CHASE (HANDICAP) (GRADE THREE)

£900,000 guaranteed, 4m 4f Grand National Course, For 6yo+ which are allotted a rating of 110 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 8th; horses which are not qualified a rating in GB/Ireland at January 27th may also be entered - such horses may be eligible a weight providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances to February 8th would merit a minimum rating of 110; to qualify horses must have run at least three times in chases run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Turf Authority up to and including February 8th; at the Handicapper's discretion such horses may be allocated a rating; the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final (for riders who, before April 2nd, 2009, have ridden not less than 15 winners in chases/hurdles under GB/Irish rules of racing, or before March 22nd, 2009, have ridden not less than 10 winners in chases/hurdles and have applied no later than March 25th, 2009, to the BHA for exemption to ride; or for riders approved by the BHA who have ridden not less than 15 winners in chases/hurdles under any rules of racing and who ride under the provisions of Rule 60/61) Weights highest weight 11st 10lb Minimum weight 10-0 Penalties (no penalties after the publication of the weights) Cloudy Lane's Handicap Mark 158 Entries 122 pay £750 Confirmed 73 pay £1000 Penalty value 1st: £506,970, 2nd: £190,980, 3rd: £95,580, 4th: £47,790, 5th: £23,940, 6th: £11,970

1 MON MOME (FR) (Vida Bingham) Venetia Williams 9-11-0 Liam Treadwell 100/1

2 COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) (David Johnson) David Pipe 10-11-6b Timmy Murphy 14/1

3 MY WILL (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 9-11-4 Ruby Walsh 8/1

4 STATE OF PLAY (William & Angela Rucker) Evan Williams 9-11-2 Paul Moloney 14/1

5 CERIUM (FR) (Judith Wilson) Paul Murphy 8-10-5 Keith Mercer 100/1

6 BIG FELLA THANKS (Paul Barber & Margaret Findlay) Paul Nicholls 7-11-1 Christian Williams 14/1

7 BUTLER'S CABIN (FR) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 9-10-13p Tony McCoy 7/1f

8 SOUTHERN VIC (IRE) (Brenda Graham) Ted Walsh IRE 10-10-9 Niall Madden

9 SNOWY MORNING (IRE) (Quayside Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 9-11-8t Andrew McNamara

10 ARTEEA (IRE) (Judith Wilson) David Pipe 10-10-5 Johnny Farrelly

11 IRISH INVADER (IRE) (Sackcloth & Ashes Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 8-10-9 Paul Townend

12 IDLE TALK (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Donald McCain Jnr 10-10-5 Brian Harding

13 DARKNESS (Lady Lloyd-Webber) Charles Egerton 10-10-9p Wayne Hutchinson

14 PREISTS LEAP (IRE) (John O’Donohue) Thomas O'Leary IRE 9-11-5b Philip Enright

15 OFFSHORE ACCOUNT (IRE) (Brian Polly) Charlie Swan IRE 9-10-13 David Casey

16 BATTLECRY (Trevor Hemmings) Nigel Twiston-Davies 8-10-10 Tom Scudamore

17 CORNISH SETT (IRE) (Peter Hart) Paul Nicholls 10-10-10b Nick Scholfield

F1 GOLDEN FLIGHT (FR) (John & Barbara Cotton) Nicky Henderson 10-10-11 Barry Geraghty

F1 HIMALAYAN TRAIL (Anne Gittins) Jimmy Mangan IRE 10-10-6t Paddy Flood

F2 OLLIE MAGERN (Roger Nicholls) Nigel Twiston-Davies 11-11-6 Mr Sam Waley-Cohen

F2 BROOKLYN BROWNIE (IRE) (Karen Gaffney & Neil Stevenson) Malcolm Jefferson 10-10-6 Phil Kinsella

B3 REVEILLEZ (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 10-10-12 Mark Walsh

F3 CHELSEA HARBOUR (IRE) (Frances Duffin) Tom Mullins IRE 9-11-8 Emmet Mullins

F7 STAN (NZ) (Paul Beck) Venetia Williams 10-11-6 Aidan Coleman

F12 MUSICA BELLA (FR) (Jean-Paul Senechal) Francois Cottin FR 9-10-10 Philip Carberry

U 15 CLOUDY LANE (Trevor Hemmings) Donald McCain Jnr 9-11-10 Jason Maguire

F16 ZABENZ (NZ) (Michael Watt & Sarah Hobbs) Philip Hobbs 12-10-5b Tom O'Brien

P bef 17 EUROTREK (IRE) (Paul Green) Paul Nicholls 13-11-3 Sam Thomas

U 18 FLEET STREET (Henry Ponsonby) Nicky Henderson 10-10-10 Andrew Tinkler

F18 CAN'T BUY TIME (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 7-10-9 Noel Fehily

P 19 RAMBLING MINSTER (The Lingdale Optimists) Keith Reveley 11-10-9 James Reveley

P bef 21 FUNDAMENTALIST (IRE) (Colin Cornes) Nigel Twiston-Davies 11-10-11t David England

P bef 21 KILBEGGAN BLADE (Kevin Doocey & Anne Doocey) Tom George 10-10-7 Graham Lee

P bef 22 KELAMI (FR) (Halewood International Ltd) Lisa Williamson 11-10-5 Derek Laverty

U 22 BLACK APALACHI (IRE) (G Burke) Dessie Hughes IRE 10-11-5p Denis O'Regan

F22 SILVER BIRCH (IRE) (Brian Walsh (Co Kildare)) Gordon Elliott IRE 12-11-0t Robert Power

F22 PARSONS LEGACY (IRE) (Rodney Offer, Robin & Brian Peppiatt, Michael Sargent) Philip Hobbs 11-10-12 Richard Johnson

P 25 KNOWHERE (IRE) (Raymond Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies 11-11-7 Paddy BrennanP bef last L'AMI (FR) (J P McManus) Enda Bolger IRE 10-10-11 Robert Thornton

F on flat HEAR THE ECHO (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) Mouse Morris IRE 8-11-5 Davy Russell

40 ran Time: 9m 32.9

Distances: 12, 1 1/4, 4 1/2, 3/4, 4, 1 3/4, 3/4, 5, 9, 4 1/2, 3, 3 1/2, 25, 24, 12, dist

Breeder: Alexandre Deschere Breeding: b g Passing Sale (FR) - Etoile De Lion (FR) Totes: Win: £158.40 Places: £27.30, £4.50, £3.50, £3.80 Exacta: £2610.90

Winning Trainer: VENETIA MARY WILLIAMS Trains at Aramstone, Kings Caple, Hereford Date of birth: May 10, 1960 Background: Born May 10, 1960, Venetia Williams had a great deal of experience as a trainer and rider before setting out with a licence at her family's Herefordshire estate. She had 10 winners as an amateur through 1986-88 and rode in the 1988 Grand National on Marcolo, who knocked her unconscious when coming down at Becher's, before she broke her neck in a fall and was forced to retire on medical advice. She went all over the world to further her knowledge of training, starting off with seven years as assistant to John Edwards at Sellack, only a few miles from where she is now based. Later on she had spells with Martin Pipe and Barry Hills in this country, John Fulton in the United States and Colin Hayes in Australia. She began with a string of limited size and talent but her success has prompted great reaction and new owners have flocked in with the result that her yard is full with more than 80 horses. Her first venture on the Flat yielded a Group Three winner when Stretarez won the 1998 Ormonde Stakes at Chester. Her first Cheltenham Festival win came courtesy of Samakaan in the 2000 Grand Annual Challenge Cup, while Idole First won the 2005 Coral Cup and the 2007 Racing Post Plate. Her biggest successes came via Teeton Mill in the 1998 Hennessy Gold Cup and King George VI Chase. Aintree Festival Winners: John Smith’s Grand National (2009 Mon Mome), Silver Cross Prams Red Rum Handicap Chase (2008 Stan), betfair.com Handicap Chase (1999 Edelweis Du Moulin), Citroen C4 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2001 Montalcino), John Smith’s Novices’ Handicap Chase (2002 Spring Margot), John Smith’s Top Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Limerick Boy), John Smith’s Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle (2004 His Nibs) John Smith’s Novices’ Chase (2006 Mon Mome) Other details: Won Group Three Ormonde Stakes (1998 Stretarez) with her first runner on the Flat Number of Winners (1996/6-2007/08): 7, 33, 45, 74, 74, 63, 55, 78, 89, 80, 77, 76; 69; Wins this Season: 61

Winning Jockey: Liam Treadwell Based c/o Venetia Williams, Aramstone, Kings Caple, Herefordshire Background: Rode 20 winners on the level before trying his hand as a jump jockey in the 2004/05 season Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Grand National (2009 Mon Mome) Other Big Race Wins: Inkerman Handicap Chase (2007 Misty Dancer) Wins (2004/2005-2007/08): 0; 8; 30; 29; Wins This Season: 20

FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

MON MOME SPRINGS 100/1 NATIONAL SHOCK - LIAM TREADWELL QUOTES

Mon Mome became the joint-biggest winner in the 162-year history of the John Smith’s Grand National when scoring at odds of 100/1 today at Aintree.

The nine-year-old strolled clear of last year’s winner Comply Or Die in the closing stages to score by 12 lengths, to give jockey Liam Treadwell much the biggest success of his career.

It was a first National success for trainer Venetia Williams, who fell on her sole attempt riding in the race, and owner Vida Bingham.

Liam Treadwell said: "It's an absolutely unbelievable feeling! We had the best run through the race and I had a super horse to win it for me. He's just so genuine. It's an unbelievable feeling, absolutely unbelievable!

"It hasn't really sank it yet, it's just absolutely unbelievable. A couple of times, loose horses came upsides me but it didn't really affect the horse and, if I am honest, he gave me a brilliant ride and there weren't any worries. He’s so genuine and just stays, stays, stays.

"I was really happy with the way he was going all the way but after crossing Melling Road he was getting better and better. I had Comply Or Die upsides but over the last he just picked up.

"The horse got round last year and if I’m being honest I would have been happy to do the same again this year. I had a lot of people texting me and wishing be well and it was as much that I didn’t want to let them down by falling at the first as anything else.

"When I was a young lad I had an equicizer and used to ride along to recordings of the Grand National to get fit to ride on the Flat.

"This was my first season riding without a claim and I clicked on the Racing Post website recently to look at what my biggest successes had been but to be honest there weren’t any - I’ve never really run a big race but this is a different ball game.

"It was a brilliant ride round and an absolute pleasure to ride. Crossing the Melling road, I was sort of in a little pocket but I gave him a tap to go faster and he's so genuine. I had a quick look round but I wasn't too sure how far clear I wasn't going to sit up looking pretty at that stage."

FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL
INITIAL VENETIA WILLIAMS/VIDA BINGHAM QUOTES

Winning trainer Venetia Williams: "How can you ever expect that? How can you ever expect ever to win a like this? It's unbelievable! For the first half of the race, I was watching the wrong horses down the back!

"It was only when he was four lengths over the last that I was confident that he would win. Beforehand I had been shouting to Liam to kick on and don’t wait like all the other f-ers!

"When I rode in the race I was knocked down at Bechers’ and I think it was the last year they had the sloping landing. I admire all the jockeys who take part and get round.

"I’m a great one for not dreaming and aiming too high so I don’t set myself up for disappointments so I was being realistic beforehand. You’ll have to ask me in two days how I feel, I might be horizontal then!"

Owner Vida Bingham: "Both bridge and National Hunt racing are my passions but, at the moment and particularly in the winter, it's National Hunt racing. Venetia found the horse for me because I said I wanted a horse, preferable a stayer and preferably something that would make a chaser and she's done both.

"Finishing 10th last year did give us the hope that he could win the race but I thought he could do it this year and when, you know that you, are just hoping that something wouldn't bring him down."

FINAL JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL QUOTES

Venetia Williams, the winning trainer, told Racing UK: "You just dream to have one winner when you start training and then, once you have one, you dream about getting to double figures - you don't dream here, this is just beyond dreams.

"My memory is so appalling that I can only remember what happened yesterday and yesterday my horses ran rubbish. I was delighted with how they ran on Thursday and I was hoping that one would run well in a handicap chase and Pretty Star was fifth earlier so I thought that it was kind of a good day, I suppose.

"I don't know how Mon Mome has improved so much and I wish I could tell you, if I knew then I would try and do it to everything. He put up a career best when he won a lovely chase at Cheltenham in the late Autumn and he came into this race 7lb higher than last year as a result. He actually hadn't run too well on his last few runs but he had at least run OK and this is such a phenomenally unique race that anything can happen.

"I was thinking as they came to two fences out and there was a whole pile of horses together, "just kick on Liam, everybody is waiting, just go" and he did.

"When Stan lost his jockey I was thinking "damn, here we are at Aintree with these fences. It's been a great season but, numbers wise, that was only 61st winner of the season, so we are down a bit. Our horses were running so well through the thick of the winter when most of the racing was abandoned so I think we lost the best part of four weeks when out horses were absolutely flying.

"Winning two races at Cheltenham was fantastic and I was thinking that we were having an all right season, but now this.

"I am so pleased for Vida. When I first mentioned running the horse in last year's John Smith's Grand National I think she took three steps backwards and then sat down. She has been with me since my very early days and she hasn't been well all of the time and to get her up onto the roof up the stairs, she was probably blowing more than Mon Mome by the time he got to The Chair. Then she had to run down the stairs as fast as she could when we won.

Winning rider Liam Treadwell said to Racing UK: "Venetia said just get the horse into a rhythm and get him enjoying himself. That's all I have done and it's absolutely smashing, I can't believe it.

"There were a few frights, with loose horses falling underneath me, but he jumped smashing for me and didn't put a foot wrong. The only one he got a bit tight to was the last where he sat back but, on the whole, he a pleasure to ride.

"I wasn't sure crossing the Melling road how many horses were left but I got caught in a little pocket. It wasn't until I got to the second last that I realised how many were in contention.

"It has worked out for me because I got caught in that pocket and the horse has built himself up running down to the second last and he's saved him self until after the last where he has picked up and galloped right to the line.

"Venetia likes her horses to be ridden very positively and she hates to see horses get beat for a bit of toe so I was thinking crossing the Melling road that I needed to kick on but it's all worked out in the end.

"I didn't really realise how far clear I had come but it has probably helped me because I haven't looked round and I have kept driving him out. When I landed at the last and gone for him, he has picked up for me and it was unbelievable."
 
John Smith’s Grand National

Winners Press Conference

Venetia Williams - trainer

"You always have to have faith in him. Coming into this race last year, he wasn’t exactly in the best form of his life. In the National anything can happen."

"It’s the race that everyone wants to win, that’s known all over the world, but you always assume that it’s out of reach."

"The only thing I really said to Liam beforehand is remember that a light in front of you is gold dust. By that I mean you need to be able to see the fences."

Vida Bingham - Owner

(How does winning the Grand National compare to playing bridge for England?)

"Oh, they are both very different and besides the other one was a long time ago. I go racing if I’ve got a horse running, I always do."
 
Liam Treadwell - jockey

"Had a lovely run round on the inner. There were a couple of horses that had fallen outside me that slightly hampered me, but on the whole I had a lovely sighting of the every fence.

"I didn’t want to rush the whole thing. I was worried I might have a rush of blood and go too soon."

(When did you think you would win?)

"Not until I came over the last and I’ve gone for the horse and he’s quickened up for me."

"I spoke to mum last night and she said, ‘Are you going to have your hair cut?’, in case I win, and I said I’d just be delighted to get a clear round. I’d have been over the moon to get a clear round."

MON MOME IS FIFTH NATIONAL WINNER TO START AT 100/1

The Venetia Williams-trained Mon Mome became the fifth horse to win the John Smith’s Grand National at odds of 100/1 - the longest starting price in the race’s 162-year history.

Prior to Mon Mome, Foinavon, who had the distinction of having a fence named after him, was the most recent 100/1 winner in 1967. Others were Caughoo in 1947, while Tipperary Tim and Gregalach won consecutive Nationals in 1927 and 1928.

Mon Mome was the third female-trained winner of the race. Jenny Pitman is the only female other than Venetia Williams to saddle the winner, having sent out Corbiere in 1983 and Royal Athlete in 1995.

Race 5 - John Smith’s Grand National

FALSE STARTS

There were two false starts before today’s John Smith’s Grand National got under way five minutes late.

The stewards found that the first false start was caused by Nick Scholfield on Cornish Sett who kicked on before the starter Sean McDonald gave the go-ahead.

The stewards gave him a four-day ban (April 18-21)

The second false start happened when the tape was still being repaired and the stewards found that five jockeys cantered in before being given the go-ahead by the starter Sean McDonald.

The five, all banned four days (April 18-21), were Davy Russell, Paul Townend, Robbie Power, Paddy Flood and Denis O’Regan.

HEAR THE ECHO
Hear The Echo collapsed and died on the run-in of a suspected heart attack

MON MOME GIVES BOOKIES BEST RESULT SINCE FOINAVON SAYS TOTESPORT
 
There was a shock result of the John Smith's Grand National on Saturday afternoon as Mon Mome became the first horse since Foinavon in 1967 to win at odds of 100/1 - giving the bookies their best result for 42 years.

Venetia Williams' gelding was given a superb ride by Liam Treadwell and ran on strongly at the elbow to score by twelve lengths and deny the eventual runner-up Comply Or Die a second consecutive Grand National victory.

'The bookies always expect a nightmare result in the Grand National but we didn't envisage this result in our wildest dreams - we've absolutely cleaned up,' said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

'We paid out on five places and that spot was filled by Cerium at 100/1 - which didn't go unbacked - but all in all it's been a champagne day for the layers.'

The totewin dividend beat SP by returning £158.40 to a £1 stake, whilst there was a record totetrifecta return of £64,356.60 to a £2 stake - beating the tricast return of £11,864.24 by £52,492.36. The previous totetrifecta record on the National was a return of £44,338.60 in 2005.

Total tootepool turnover on-course today came to £1,958,120 while the was a record placepot pool of £475,000.

CROWD TOPS 70,000

Today’s attendance was an excellent 70,130, up on each of the last three years - 68,360 (2008), 68,100 (2007) and 69,680 (2006).

Julian Thick, Aintree’s managing director, said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have broken the 70,000-mark during a recession and it shows the enduring appeal and popularity of the John Smith’s Grand National."

Race 5 - The John Smith’s Grand National
Second place quotes
DAVID JOHNSON PAYS TRIBUTE TO ‘ONE OF AINTREE’S HEROES’

Last year’s winner Comply Or Die ran another bold race to finish second, 12 lengths behind 100/1 winner Mon Mome.

Trainer David Pipe, who won the race in only his second season as a licensed trainer, said: "It was an absolutely amazing performance. What a run under that weight. Timmy gave him a fantastic ride again - he jumped, travelled, looked like he was going to win and then Mon Mome just quickened up. In fairness, he did keep galloping - My Will came to challenge him and he kept going. He’s a bit tired but he seems okay."

Comply Or Die did not return to the winner’s enclosure with Timmy Murphy but was taken straight back to the racecourse stables to be cooled down.

His owner David Johnson said: "He’s obviously exhausted and they’re cooling him down with water but he’s okay. You never presume you have the National in the bag but I thought we had a massive chance in the closing stages. He’s run a gallant race and maybe he’ll go down as one of Aintree’s heroes - he’s been first and second.

"I think the winner’s won with 11 stone and that’s a first since Red Rum. Good luck to his connections, I’ve had my time and I’m thrilled.

"That was probably an even better performance than when he won last year. He comes alive at Aintree - he jumps brilliantly here and Aintree seems to be his home. We will now look at bringing him back again next year. He’ll probably have a couple of runs before he comes back here."

Jockey Timmy Murphy said: "That was absolutely fantastic once again. He probably didn’t travel as well as last year but he has given me everything - except about 10 lengths!"
 
Race 5 - John Smith’s Grand National - Placed Quotes
GALLANT THIRD FOR MY WILL

Back in third was My Will, the mount of Ruby Walsh, who finished a further length and a quarteradrift of the winner.

His owner Andy Stewart said: "That was absolutely fantastic.

"He hit Becher’s and wasn’t great at the Canal Turn second time around, but Ruby was able to get him into a rhythm and he has run a great race. I thought from two fences out that we might just have it, but he has still run a great race

"The Grand National is very much a people’s race and how that has been proved today with a 100/1 winner and last year’s winner running so well to be second. I am so pleased for Venetia.

"It really was a great day for the sport today. We have had a lovely day in the sunshine and you wouldn’t have thought there was a recession on!

"The Grand National works very well in its current format which is like a limited handicap. It is just great for racing."

Ruby Walsh, My Will’s jockey, added: "He ran a great race."

Race 5 - The John Smith’s Grand National

Fourth place

EVAN WILLIAMS ENJOYS THRILL OF A LIFETIME

State Of Play had been backed in the week running up to the race and justified his supporters’ faith in him when posting a solid effort to finish fourth.

An emotional Evan Williams said: "He’s come to win it coming to the second last then the last. He’s run a massive race but the winner was very impressive.

The trainer continued: "I did think at one stage he was coming there to win but I’m delighted - you have to just be pleased to get round and he’s given us the thrill of a lifetime. He’s a wonderful, wonderful horse.

"I’d like to say congratulations to Venetia (Williams)."

State Of Play’s jockey Paul Moloney added: "That was absolutely super. He gave me a lovely ride. He’s a class horse but I just wish we’d had a little bit less weight."

Race 5: The John Smith's Grand National Steeple Chase
JOCKEY QUOTES
Timmy Murphy (Comply Or Die, 2nd):

"He ran an absolute blinder. He jumped fantastic again and he didn't probably travel quite as well as last year but he had a stone more on his back so you wouldn't expect him to.

"Once again, he gave me everything and, apart from being 10 lengths closer, I couldn't have been happier with him."

Ruby Walsh (My Will, 3rd):

"He’s run a cracker. He made four or five mistakes and I was having to use too much then because he hit the fences half way up so I have had to keep squeezing him and kicking up to make the fences which is the wrong thing to do in a four and a half mile race."

Paul Moloney (State Of Play, 4th)

"Turning in, I was saving a little bit up my sleeve and coming to two fences out, I was pretty confident that I would win. Someone said here the other day that you can't do it without the horse and I had a lot of confidence in my horse.

"Early in the race, all that was going to worry me was that something was going to fall in front of me - I had that much confidence in him. I was really keen to get a good position and after a circuit, everything had gone to plan.

"I made two little mistakes a just before Becher's and it just shuffled me back a little and I sort of had to revert to plan B a little bit. Then he's got his second wind and all that was going though my head was that I didn't want to miss two out or the last."

James Reveley pulled up at the 19th on Rambling Minster said: "He was going grand but then he made a bad mistake and then just looked after himself after that. He just wasn’t going after that."
Phil Kinsella on Brooklyn Brownie, who fell at the second, said: "All Sort of things go through your head as you watch them gallop away from you. He was great down to the first and met the first lovely and gave me a lot of confidence but he didn’t met the second as well and that was it."

Robbie Power on Silver Birch who fell at Bechers second time around, said: "It’s disappointing, he just got a bit to close to beachers caught the top and just couldn’t get his front end out. But the old lad was travelling really well and jumping for fun and he ran a big race."

Richard Johnson on Parsons Legacy who fell at the 22nd, said: "I wish I hadn’t fallen he was dead right but it was to far out to tell where we might have finished."

Ruby Walsh on the third My Will said: "He ran well."

Tony McCoy on the seventh Butler’s Cabin: "He ran OK. He’s probably still a bit high in the handicap. From Becher’s on second circuit he was just starting to get a little bit tired and he a made a lot of little mistakes late on."

Barry Geraghty on Golden Flight who fell at the first: "That was a bit of an anti-climax."

Sam Thomas on Eurotrek who was pulled up before the 17th: "We were never going well and pulled up after the water."

Tom O’Brien on Zabenz: "We fell at the 16th until then we were going fine."

Paul Townend on the 11th Irish Invader: "It was great. I think he just maybe didn’t see it out."

Andrew McNamara on the ninth Snowy Morning: "We had a couple of bumps on the way round, but he ran a nice race"

Keith Mercer on the fifth Cerium: "He was brilliant. He jumped magnificently and was in contention on the run to the second-last. It was an amazing feeling. I had just been hoping we would get round he far surpassed my expectations and gave me an amazing spin."

Graham Lee on Kilbeggan Blade (pu 21):"What can you say? Not a lot."

Paddy Brennan on Knowhere (pu 25) said: "All I’ve got to report is that he was never travelling."

Johnny Farrelly, who pulled up on Arteea, said: "He ran well enough, doesn't get the trip, but first time over those fences he jumped great."

Sam Waley-Cohen, who fell at the second on Ollie Magern, said: "He just got in under it, didn't get high enough, and couldn't get his landing gear down. That's the first time I've failed to get round over these fences so it's very disappointing."

Christian Williams, who finished sixth on Big Fella Thanks, said: "He'll be a year older next year, and perhaps on softer ground you never know. He's only a baby. I had A P [on Butlers Cabin] upsides me so I knew I was in the right place, and although he got a little tired over the last three he was a pleasure to ride. He's got a little cut on his hind leg and that may have made a slight difference, but if he improves again and comes back with a nice weight next year he could go close."

Aidan Coleman, who fell on Stan, said: "He didn't enjoy himself and fell at Foinavon."

Robert Thornton who rode L'Ami: "He gave me a great ride, but just didn't get home and I pulled him up."

Niall Madden, who finished eighth on Southern Vic, commented: "He ran well but the ground was a bit too quick for him."

Davy Russell, who rode Hear The Echo, said: "Very sadly the horse died."

Paddy Brennan who rode Knowhere, said: "He was just never travelling."

Denis O'Regan, who unseated from Black Apalachi, said: "It was very disappointing - he was travelling well and jumping from fence to fence. I don't know what happened until I see a replay."

Paul Moloney, who rode fourth-placed State Of Play, said: "He ran a blinder. Jumped brilliant, travelled great. He made two little mistakes before Becher's, then found a second wind past Valentine's and away I went again and thought I might win two out. He just didn't quite quicken with the winner."

Derek Laverty, who pulled up on Kelami before the 22nd, said: "He gave me a great spin. They went a great gallop early doors and I was handy, but he's an old horse and began to feel the pinch on the second circuit. I noticed three horses disappear at Becher's and thought it best to pull him up."

Noel Fehily, who fell at the 18th on Cant Buy Time, said: "He just got in a bit deep. He jumped well up to that point."

Andrew Tinkler, who unseated from Fleet Street at the 18th, said: "We went a circuit and a bit, then he hit a fence really hard and unseated me. He'd given me a fair ride up to then, but we were middle to back and going no where."

Sam Thomas, who rode Eurotrek, said: "He never travelled. We jumped off reasonably handy, but he was never at the races."

Tom Scudamore, 16th on Battlecry, said: "He gave me a great spin for a circuit and a half, but got tired from Becher's second time. He gave me a great thrill for a long way."

Brian Harding, 12th on Idle Talk, said: "He jumped round, but didn't get home. He gave me a great ride and he was pretty good over the fences, but didn't get home."

Philip Enright, 14th on Preists Leap, said: "He gave me a great ride and jumped fierce well. I thought I would go very close jumping the second last, but he got very tired. I had to use him a bit more than I would have liked early on because of the ground, but he ran well and should be back next year."

David England, who pulled up on Fundamentalist, said: "He was good. He ran well and jumped very well even though he was a big outsider. I pulled him just before Becher's second time, but he's run really well for an old lad."

Emmet Mullins, who fell at the third on Chelsea Harbour, said: "He got his back up too high and came down too steeply. But he's grand and so am I. I'm looking forward to the next time."

Nick Scholfield, who finished 17th and last on Cornish Sett, said: "He got round once again, gave me a great spin and jumped well in the main, but just didn't seem to get the trip this year. He was on his nose once or twice, but he's so clever."

Jason Maguire, who unseated from Cloudy Lane, said: "He unseated me at The Chair when he landed on the fence - but it's the National isn't it? I couldn't have been happier up to that point, because he was jumping well."

Paddy Flood, who fell at the first on Himalayan Trail, said: "We didn't get very far, did we!"

Wayne Hutchinson, 13th on Darkness, said: "He's run well and jumped fine. He was just thinking about it a bit, and while we had a good position going out on the second circuit he just spat the dummy a bit from there and we were going through the motions."

Mark Walsh, rider of Reveillez, who was brought down at the third, said: "It was disappointing to only get as far as the third, but he's a nice horse."

David Casey, rider of Offshore Account, who finished 15th, said: "He was too gassy and too fresh. It was only his second run back after a layoff. But he gave me a great ride and will be back next year."

Philip Carberry, who fell at the 12th on Musica Bella, said: "She just got a bit close, got her hind legs caught and flipped. She's unlucky - she was jumping quite well up to then."

The John Smith’s People’s Race

GRIFFITHS SPARKLES IN PEOPLE’S RACE

25-year-old David Griffiths became the third winner of the John Smith’s People’s Race after driving Mith Hill to an impressive 15-length win on Aintree’s famous turf.

"That was absolutely brilliant - I can’t put it into words, it’s unbelievable. I thought they were a lot closer to me than that," said the jeweller from Droitwich who has been riding out three times a week for Ian Williams in Alvechurch.

The beaming rider continued: "He’s a brilliant horse and travelled so nicely all the way through. I’ve ridden him four or five times at Ian’s yard. I also had a few rides in point-to-points last season and I loved it so much I just thought I’d like to take it as far as I can. It was such an open race and I was hoping to be placed but I really didn’t think we’d win that easily.

"I knew I was in front but I didn’t dare look round. I thought I could hear someone just over my shoulder so I kept pushing to the line. I could hear the crowd as I was coming up the run-in and it was just brilliant."

Griffiths’ winning ride has earned £50,000 for his chosen charities the Injured Jockeys’ Fund and the County Air Ambulance.

He said: "I wanted the money to go to the Injured Jockeys’ Fund for obvious reasons as they do such good work helping jockeys who aren’t fortunate enough to still be riding. The County Air Ambulance has helped a number of people I know and has saved the life of one of my friends.

"I’ve ridden all my life and grew up hunting and Pony Clubbing but I’ve had an enormous amount of help from Richard Perham at the British Racing School who has improved my riding so much."

Trainer Ian Williams said: "David really, really wanted this. He’s put a lot of effort in and has done a lot of work on his fitness - this wasn’t just a day out for him. He’s been riding the horse at home. He’s a nice reliable ride and David gets on really well with him."

GOING AFTER THE FIRST RACE

Noel Fehily, rider of the 16/1 winner Bouggler, said: "It is on the slow side of good."

Wayne Hutchinson, rider of fourth placed Trenchant, said: "Lovely."

Phil Kinsella, rider of the beaten 3/1 favourite Cape Tribulation, said: "Good ground, it is exactly the same as two days ago really."

Ken Whelan, rider of Maidstone Mixture, said: "We would call it yielding at home, I was really getting into it."

Robert Thornton, rider of Saticon, said: "It rode really soft, but my lad is only a little flat horse and didn’t really like it."

Mark Grant, rider of Micheal Flips, thought the going "Lovely."

Michael O’Connell, rider of Borderhopper, said: "Nice ground."

Ruby Walsh, rider of Conflictofinterest, said: "Good."

Denis O’Regan, rider of Door Boy, described the going as "On the soft side of good."

Tom Scudamore, rider of Marwan, thought the going "A bit dead."

Barry Keniry, rider of Sir Tantallus Hawk, said: "Dead."

Tom Siddall, rider of Trafalgar Road, said: "It is only just good and a little bit dead."

Brian Hughes, rider of Little Lu, said: "A bit dead."

First Race: John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle

Winner’s quotes
 THE BATTLING BOUGGLER

John Smith’s Grand National Day started with a fabulous finish in the John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle. Bouggler belied his hurdling inexperience to repel all boarders and earn victory by a head over Copper Bleu.

It was only the second race over hurdles for Bouggler, who had won at Kempton in February. The horse’s rawness was evident at the early hurdles: "He was novicey at the first couple of hurdles. There were a lot of horses round him and everything was happening quicker than normal. He was careful, sensible about it, but warmed to it, got more confident," said the trainer Emma Lavelle.

"I wouldn’t have dreamed of bringing a National Hunt novice that’s had one run, one win here, but he’s had experience on the Flat and I thought that would stand him in good stead," she added.

"As much as you school them at home, race practice is what they need. He's tough, honest and very good with his jumping at home and he showed it towards the end of the race. He needed to jump and he really delivered for Noel," she said

Winning rider Noel Fehily said: "Things didn’t really go to plan, I wanted to be wider jumping off, but got caught on the inner. I managed to angle out, but got no room. He jumped a bit slow early on but warmed up well. Barry Fenton told me all about him beforehand and he was spot on.

"He’s such a tough horse and for a four-year-old he was amazing. Every time I gave him a squeeze he kept finding more and is a lovely horse that can only improve. It was like slow motion coming up the run-in and I thought we would never get there. It was very close - Richard's [Johnson] horse and my horse tried very hard and neither deserved to lose. I'm delighted to get there."

The trainer confirmed that Punchestown was an option for Bouggler. "We’ll have to see how he is. He’s a lovely horse with a big future."
 
First Race: John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle

Winner’s quotes
THE BATTLING BOUGGLER

John Smith’s Grand National Day started with a fabulous finish in the John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle. Bouggler belied his hurdling inexperience to repel all boarders and earn victory by a head over Copper Bleu.

It was only the second race over hurdles for Bouggler, who had won at Kempton in February. The horse’s rawness was evident at the early hurdles: "He was novicey at the first couple of hurdles. There were a lot of horses round him and everything was happening quicker than normal. He was careful, sensible about it, but warmed to it, got more confident," said the trainer Emma Lavelle.

"I wouldn’t have dreamed of bringing a National Hunt novice that’s had one run, one win here, but he’s had experience on the Flat and I thought that would stand him in good stead," she added.

"As much as you school them at home, race practice is what they need. He's tough, honest and very good with his jumping at home and he showed it towards the end of the race. He needed to jump and he really delivered for Noel," she said

Winning rider Noel Fehily said: "Things didn’t really go to plan, I wanted to be wider jumping off, but got caught on the inner. I managed to angle out, but got no room. He jumped a bit slow early on but warmed up well. Barry Fenton told me all about him beforehand and he was spot on.

"He’s such a tough horse and for a four-year-old he was amazing. Every time I gave him a squeeze he kept finding more and is a lovely horse that can only improve. It was like slow motion coming up the run-in and I thought we would never get there. It was very close - Richard's [Johnson] horse and my horse tried very hard and neither deserved to lose. I'm delighted to get there."

The trainer confirmed that Punchestown was an option for Bouggler. "We’ll have to see how he is. He’s a lovely horse with a big future."

Race 1: The John Smith's Mersey Novices' Hurdle

Placed quotes

BLEU SECOND FOR FRUSTRATED HOBBS

Somerset trainer Philip Hobbs is suffering a frustrating run of near-misses at this week's John Smith's Grand National meeting.

The hallowed winner's spot was denied him once again when Copper Bleu finished second, beaten a mere head by Bouggler, in the John Smith's Mersey Novices' Hurdle. Five of Hobbs's horses have finished second or third during the three-day meeting, and he fared no better at the Cheltenham Festival, where Copper Bleu was fourth in the williamhill.com Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Hobbs, who runs Parsons Legacy and Zabenz in the John Smith's Grand National, said of Copper Bleu: "He'll be a nice horse next year, but it's very frustrating to be beaten again.

"He doesn't wear hind shoes because he tends to knock his joints in front, but that's not a problem. He'll go chasing straight away next season, but he may run over hurdles again before this one finishes."

Trainer Nicky Henderson was very satisfied with the effort of third-placed Ainama, who finished a further length and a half back in third.

The master of Seven Barrows said of the 8/1 chance: "He has run a good race.

"AP (McCoy) has given him a beautiful ride today, down the inside with plenty of cover. That was the way we tried to ride him at Cheltenham last time, but he got no cover at all that day.

"I would say that if he runs again this season it will be in a race at Punchestown for horses which have won once. He will be going to Ireland for his summer holiday, so he can stop off there on the way."

Phil Kinsella, who rode fifth-placed Cape Tribulation, the 3/1 favourite, said: "I have no excuses. I'm totally scratching my head. He should have run like he wanted three miles, but he didn't."

Race 2 - John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase - Winning Quotes

KALAHARI GAINS COMPENSATION

Kalahari King gained compensation for his narrow defeat in the The Irish Independent Arkle Trophy Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month when successful in the Grade One John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase.

The eight-year-old was travelling so well in the home straight that jockey Graham Lee was able to take a pull approaching three out and after the last the 9/4 chance pulled away to register an eight-length success over 13/8 favourite Tatenen.

Winning trainer Ferdy Murphy was quick to pay tribute to jockey Graham Lee, who has faced a fitness battle to ride today following a fall at Wetherby earlier this week.

The Leyburn handler said: "That was fantastic for Graham. He has had a hit and miss season,
with some bad falls and a lot of seconds, with obviously the Arkle being one of them.

"Graham is a big part in our operation and I was confident he would make it here today after I spoke to the physio last night. When he trotted out in the parade ring, I knew he had nothing to prove!

"I never give Graham any instructions. I leave it all up to him. It was brave for him to take a pull three out! A lot of people said that he rode too far back in the Arkle but they forget that he won the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Jewson from further back and he's a fantastic rider. He's a great tactician and does all of his homework so I just leave it up to him.

"Today was a bit similar to when we won this race a few years ago (2001) with Ballinclay King, as Adrian Maguire, who rode him that day, also hadn’t had a good season.

"Although he had a hard race at Cheltenham, this horse improved all the way throughout last season and had been taking a fair grip when he was working at home. He had traffic problems when he was beaten at Cheltenham and when he got beaten at Haydock the ground was too soft for him.

"He is a very nice little horse. We could look at taking him to Punchestown now for Swordlestown Chase or maybe to Sandown. Our horse is a good ground horse. I am not sure about taking on Tatenen on soft ground.

"We will look at the Queen Mother next year for him. There is the little problem of Master Minded but racing is all about dreams and having something to look forward to."

Lee declared: "I am delighted for the horse, for Ferdy, and for the owners. He's a little star, isn't he? I had a 50-50 decision coming into the home straight - I could have got in there and filled the gap because I had the horse to do it but I didn't want to use him because I would have been there too soon.

"I tried my best to be here and luckily I am."

Kalahari King is quoted by bookmakers between 12/1 and 16/1 for the 2010 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase.

ONE-DAY BAN FOR JOHNSON

Jockey Richard Johnson picked up a one-day ban following his ride on second-placed Copper Bleu in the opening John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.

The stewards found that Johnson had interfered with the winner, Bouggler, who in turn had interfered with third-placed Ainama. It was held by the stewards that this was the result of careless riding by Johnson in that he had allowed his mount to drift left without taking corrective action.

The one-day ban takes effect on Saturday, April 18.

Second race - The John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase

Placed quotes

SOFT GROUND LOVER TATENEN LIKELY TO STEP UP IN TRIP

Paul Nicholls has been successful in the John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase on four occasions but he had to settle for the runner-up slot today when Tatenen, owned, like John Smith’s Grand National favourite My Will, by the Stewart Family, finished eight lengths behind Kalahari King.

Nicholls said: "He wants it softer. On that ground he wants two and a half miles. There were no excuses - he tried his heart out."

Just a neck behind Tatenen was the Irish-trained Made In Taipan. His trainer Thomas Mullins said: "We’ll definitely have to step him up in trip. He’ll need another halfmile at least in Grade One company. He ran well - he was fourth in the Arkle and now third here so we’re pleased."

Nick Williams, trainer of fourth-placed Cornas, said: "That was a solid run and he’s come a long way given his first race over fences was at Ludlow two months ago. He ran well in the Arkle and now here and he’s run exactly to form today and they were a long way clear of the fifth.

" That will be it for the season but I’m sure there’s going to be a lot more to come from him next season. I think we’ll stick to two miles."

AP McCoy, who partners the strongly fancied Butler’s Cabin in the John Smith’s Grand National, walked away after Song Of Songs fell at the second-last fence. The JP McManus-owned seven-year-old was re-shod after losing a plate when going to post and Doctor David, trained by Caroline Bailey, was withdrawn after being reluctant to line up for the start.  

Race 2: The John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase

BAILEY ANGRY AFTER DOCTOR DAVID WITHDRAWN

Trainer Caroline Bailey was disappointed and angry after Doctor David was withdrawn at the start of the John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase.

During a delay while Song Of Songs was reshod, jockey Andrew Thornton got off Bailey's grey six-year-old and walked him around. But after the starter mounted his rostrum and asked the seven runners to come into line, Doctor David dug his toes in and was reluctant to move forward.

Thornton jumped off the horse once again and he walked forward, but showed further reluctance when the jockey got back in the saddle. The horse was then led away and the rest of the field began racing.

Northamptonshire-based Bailey said: "The starter didn't give the horse enough of a chance. I appreciate the race was late in starting because of the need to shoe the other horse, but if the starter had allowed enough time for the other runners to go back to him [Doctor David] he would probably have gone with them.

"He was reluctant at Kempton [when winning there in November], but the starter told the others to give him a lead and he was fine."

Bailey's husband, Gerald, said: "It's all down to television and the need to keep to their schedules, which is wrong."

THIRD RACE WINNING QUOTES

JOHN SMITH’S AINTREE HURDLE (GRADE 1)

SOLWHIT STARS

The Charles Byrnes-trained Solwhit looked a potential hurdling star when seeing off a high-class field in the John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle, eventually scoring by half a length from Fiveforthree.

The winner received quotes ranging from 12/1 (Boylesports, Paddy Power) to 25/1 (Cashmans) for next year’s Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle after the victory and the Cheltenham race looks a likely long-range target.

"We didn’t go to Cheltenham this year and this was the obvious race to go for," said Byrnes. "I don’t think the trip is too much of a bother, although he might be slightly better over two and a half than two miles.

"I just didn’t want to put him up against the top two milers at Cheltenham at this stage of his career because he’s still only five.

"He was the improving horse of the race today, he had to find another 10lb but he did so. He’s quite durable, goes on any ground and as you saw he’s not a slow horse."

Asked about the Champion Hurdle quotes, Byrnes added: "I wouldn’t be getting on yet, there’s a lot of water under the bridge before then. But I’d imagine of everything went to plan then that would be his target.

"He’ll probably go to Punchestown and is well capable of winning on the flat, he was very unlucky in the Cesarewitch and won the November Handicap easily."

It was Byrnes’ first winner at the John Smith’s Grand National meeting.

Solwhit is owned by a syndicate from Wexford and Pat O'Hanlon, one of the winning partnership, said: "We are very pleased. We have only had him for a year and it's a big feeling for us - his first Grade One. He has always done everything that we have asked of him apart from one run.

"We had a horse previously but unfortunately we lost him so we were lookingfor one and we ended up in Belgium, where we bought this fellow. He had raced in France and somebody had seen him run there.

"I would think that this would have been the plan all season but Charles doesn't say a lot to us and it's one race at a time. The horse had won the Leopardstown November Handicap for us on pretty good ground so conditions here didn't worry us.

"Going to the last we were pretty pleased because we knew that he would pull a bit out in front but he was under pressure the whole way.

"We haven't discussed where to go with him next season but you can tell

Boylesports that we have backed him at a better price than 12/1 for next year's Champion Hurdle."

THIRD RACE WINNING QUOTES

JOHN SMITH’S AINTREE HURDLE (GRADE 1)

Winning jockey’s quote

SOLWHIT ‘SO PROFESSIONAL’ SAYS RUSSELL

After driving Solwhit to victory in the John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle, jockey Davy Russell said: "As soon as we jumped out the gate he travelled well, winged every hurdle bar the last one down the back, was doing everything I wanted turning into the straight for the final time, then picked up and stayed at it. Everything went according to plan and he’s very good jumper.

"We’ve always thought he was a good horse, but we were hopeful more than confident today.

"He didn’t travel that well on heavy ground in Ireland, but he handled it, and the only worry I had today was that he might lack a gear early on, but he was very professional for a horse that didn’t have a whole lot of experience.

"I was nervous of Willie Mullins’ horse [Fiveforthree] and I saw Timmy Murphy [on Al Eile] getting a lovely run up the inner, but I had plenty of horse and didn’t want to commit him too early.

"There were three of us in a line after the second-last and at that point I thought I’d better start rowing away. When I did he kept picking up, gave me a good jump at the last, and while Paul Townend [riding Fiveforthree] got a little bit ahead of me for a few strides that helped and my fellow battled all the way to the line. I was always confident he’d find a bit off the bridle and he kept finding more against Fiveforthree.

"The ground would dictate his best trip – if there was ease in the ground he might be okay back at two, but he seems right good over two and a half. He’s very competitive over two miles in Ireland but it’s a different scene coming up against Champion Hurdle horses. He might be OK if the ground is soft but if it’s better going he may need a bit further.

"He disappointed at Thurles in December but didn’t eat or drink afterwards and then won very easily at Gowran after that - maybe the key to him is to keep him fresh.

"Charles Byrnes’ brother Pat brought him over here and I’ve been riding him out every morning and Pat’s been very pleased with him. He’d been eating up and drinking well."

WALSH BANNED

Jockey Ruby Walsh received a one-day suspension (Saturday, April 18) having been found guilty of causing interference through careless riding aboard Tatenen in the John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase.

Third Race: John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle
Placed quotes

FIVEFORTHREE FINDS ONE TOO GOOD

Two hurdles out, there were three horses on the bridle in the John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle and as one of them was Fiveforthree, Trainer Willie Mullins was more than hopeful. "I thought we might have had it in the bag," admitted the trainer.

The race was won by Solwhit, by half a length in what Mullins described as a "fantastic race".

"I was delighted with his run, it’s a big step up in class. To win his race at Wexford and come here for a Grade1. Paul gave him a great ride," said Mullins, who added that the horse had lost a hind shoe, but "that was no excuse."

Mullins confirmed that Fiveforthree will now go on to Punchestown.

Lucy Wadham, whose El Dancer landed the highstreetvouchers.com Top Novices' Hurdle on Friday, was delighted with the performance of third-placed United.

She said: "We are absolutely thrilled to bits with that. It was a fantastic run. She jumped brilliantly and Dominic [Elsworth] said she was in front turning in and still in front at the second last but there were just two too good for her.

"She just loves her racing. She does like it a bit softer than this and Dominic took her on the grotty ground as she likes a bit of light too. She's come on from Cheltenham and we felt she was in better order coming into this race. She's come in her coat and looks fantastic.

Wadham added: "She's unlikely to go to Punchestown - there isn't really a race for her there. There's the three-miler but I think we've decided she's better over two and a half (miles) so that's probably it for her for this season."

There were no excuses from trainer John Queally after Al Eile, attempting to win the John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle for a third consecutive year, could only muster fourth place in the 2009 renewal. 

Race 4 - The John Smith’s Handicap Chase

Winner’s quotes

DON’T PUSH IT IS PERFECT NATIONAL WARM-UP FOR MCCOY

AP McCoy won't need to change his silks for the Grand National after landing the preceding race, the John Smith's Handicap Chase on Don't Push It for owner JP McManus and trainer Jonjo O'Neill.

The champion jockey said: "They went a good gallop and we have always thought that he was a horse with plenty of ability but, to be honest, he has really only ever disappointed us. I'm pleased for Jonjo - he's picked the right race for him and had him spot on.

"It's a great training performance by him and I am even more delighted for the owner. I keep saying that this game would be lost without him and if I can win another race for him in 45 minutes, that would be the best in the world."

Owner JP McManus said: "I suppose you could say he deserved this. AP gave him a great ride and encouraged him along. Thankfully we found out today what it is he wants.

"He is a good horse and he probably suited by a very strong gallop which he got today. Tony persevered, encouraged him along and he got a great result.

Don’t Push It makes mistakes and it is the story of his life really."

Looking ahead to second favourite Butler's Cabin in the John Smith's Grand National, he said: "Hopefully he'll give a good account of himself."

Fourth Race: John Smith’s Handicap Chase
Placed quotes

PAYNE PLAYS IT BY EAR WITH OAKFIELD

Phil Payne brought his gelding Oakfield Legend to Aintree to contest the John Smith’s Handicap Chase to, "see just how good he is."

The Welsh handler - he trains near Bridgend - was not surprised that he turned out to be very good indeed, the eight-year-old, who started at 25/1, finishing third to the J P McManus-owned Don’t Push It.

"Yes, I thought he had a chance, that’s why I bought him here. After his run at Sandown in the Grand Military. I thought, ‘What do I do? How good is he?’. I had to come somewhere just to find out how good he was."

"He just has one pace. He holds on in front and says, come and catch me if you can," added the handler.

Having proved his point, Payne now has to work out what to do next. "I don’t really know. That’s being honest with you. I take it from day to day. He loves the top of the ground. He hates soft going, hates it. He likes to go fresh too. He might have a break, five weeks off. Then he’ll go through the summer," said Payne.

Sarah Hobbs, whose husband, Philip, trained runner-up Leading Contender, said: "We're delighted with that run - he jumped very well and stayed on at the finish. He's getting better all the time.

"Tom [O'Brien] said the trip and ground were perfect and he jumped better as he went on, having been a bit erratic early on. We keep finishing in the places, but we're going to win the [John Smith's] Grand National. I own half of Zabenz and could do with the prize money!"

SIXTH RACE WINNING QUOTES

JOHN SMITH’S HANDICAP HURDLE
66/1 CULCABOCK SPRINGS ANOTHER SHOCK

Some half an hour after Mon Mome won the John Smith’s Grand National at 100/1, there was another shock success in the John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle when Culcabock scored at 66/1 for trainer Lucinda Russell and jockey Campbell Gillies.

"I saw he was 100/1 and thought that was an insult so I had a whole £5 on!," said Russell. "The race was run to suit him and he was given a great ride by Campbell. He stayed on up the inner and just got there and this continues a great season for us."

Race 7 - The John Smith’s Champion Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

Winner and runner-up quotes

GIRLS ON TOP AS BUMPER FALLS TO KATE WALTON’S SITTING TENNANT

Continuing the run of female-trained long-priced winners on John Smith’s Grand National day, 66/1 shot Sitting Tennant got the verdict in a photo finish in the bumper to give Kate Walton a memorable end to the three-day meeting.

The Middleham-based trainer said: "He’s always been so genuine. We thought he was justified in taking his chance and he’s proved us right. Since his Newcastle run he’s been strengthening up all the time.

"He’s not strong enough to go hurdling yet so this was his last option and he’ll go out in the field now. He’s still a weak baby but I hope he’ll make a nice chaser eventually."

Richard McGrath steered the six-year-old son of Erhaab to victory down the stands’ rail, beating Lidar, racing on the other side of the course, by three-quarters of a length.

The winning jockey said: "He’s a game sort of horse and he did really well. I knew he’d keep coming. He just had one little look at the stands but you’d expect that."

Trainer Alan King was naturally disappointed to lose out with Lidar but was philosophical, saying: "He’s a very exciting prospect. Obviously it’s very disappointing he didn’t win but he’s a very good horse. He’s a lovely horse for next season and he’ll go hurdling now."

PATRICK MULLINS SUSPENDED FOR TWO DAYS

The stewards have suspended jockey Patrick Mullins for two days [Saturday, 18th and Sunday, 19th April 2009] following his ride on Cranky Corner in the John Smith’s Champion Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race. The stewards held an enquiry under Rule 153 and adjudged that Mullins had made a manoeuvre to his left turning into the home straight and interfered with City Theatre, ridden by Tony McCoy.

G4S LEADING RIDER AWARD

FINAL STANDINGS

Jockey Win 2nd 3rd

Robert Thornton 3 1 1

Ruby Walsh 2 3 1

Tony McCoy 2 1 3

Paddy Brennan 2 - 1

Davy Russell 1 1 3

Noel Fehily 1 1 -

Liam Treadwell 1 1 -

Dominic Elsworth 1 - 1

Campbell Gillies 1 - -

Mr Tom Greenall 1 - -

William Kennedy 1 - -

Graham Lee 1 -

Jimmy McCarthy 1 - -

Richard McGrath 1 - -

Denis O’Regan 1 - -

Tom Scudamore 1 - -

Richard Johnson - 3 3

Timmy Murphy - 1 1

Miss Claire Allen - 1 -

David Casey - 1 -

Seamus Durack - 1 -

Paddy Flood - 1 -

James Halliday - 1 -

Jason Maguire - 1 -

Paul Moloney - 1 -

Tom O’Brien - 1 -

Paul Townend - 1 -

Rhys Flint - - 2

Mattie Batchelor - - 1

Sam Jones - - 1

Wayne Kavanagh - - 1

Mr J T McNamara - - 1

Mr Patrick Mullins - - 1

AINTREE LEADING TRAINER

FINAL STANDINGS

Trainer Win 2nd 3rd

Alan King 3 1 -

Jonjo O’Neill 2 1 1

Paul Nicholls 1 3 1

John Kiely IRE 1 1 -

David Pipe 1 1 -

Venetia Williams 1 1 -

Tom George 1 - 1

Nigel Twiston-Davies 1 - 1

Lucy Wadham 1 - 1

Richard Barber 1 - -

Charles Byrnes IRE 1 - -

Howard Johnson 1 - -

Emma Lavelle 1 - -

Ferdy Murphy 1 - -

Renee Robeson 1 - -

Lucinda Russell 1 - -

Kate Walton 1 - -

Paul Webber 1 - -

Philip Hobbs - 3 4

Dessie Hughes IRE - 1 1

Willie Mullins IRE - 1 1

Henry Daly - 1 -

Malcolm Jefferson - 1 -

Charlie Mann - 1 -

Donald McCain - 1 -

Charlie Swan IRE - 1 -

Sue Taylor - 1 -

Tim Vaughan - 1 -

Evan Williams - 1 -

Mark Bradstock - - 1

Richard Fahey - - 1

Alan Fleming - - 1

Nicky Henderson - - 1

Henrietta Knight - - 1

Seamus Mullins - - 1

Tom Mullins IRE - - 1

Ferdy Murphy - - 1

Edward O’Grady IRE - - 1

Phil Payne - - 1

SATURDAY’S WINNERS

1.45pm JOHN SMITH’S MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRADE TWO)

BOUGGLER (Axom (XXI)) Emma Lavelle 4-10-7 Noel Fehily 16/1

2.15pm JOHN SMITH’S MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE (GRADE ONE)

KALAHARI KING (Mrs J Morgan) Ferdy Murphy 8-11-4 Graham Lee 9/4

2.50pm JOHN SMITH’S AINTREE HURDLE (GRADE ONE)

SOLWHIT (Top Of The Hill Syndicate) Charles Byrnes IRE 5-11-7 Davy Russell 6/1

3.25pm JOHN SMITH’S HANDICAP CHASE

DON’T PUSH IT (JP McManus) Jonjo O’Neill 9-10-11 Tony McCoy 9/1

4.15pm JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL (GRADE THREE)

MON MOME (Vida Bingham) Venetia Williams 9-11-0 Liam Treadwell 100/1

5.00pm JOHN SMITH’S HANDICAP HURDLE

CULCABOCK (Elizabeth Ferguson) Lucinda Russell 9-11-5 Campbell Gillies 66/1

5.35pm JOHN SMITH’S CHAMPION STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (GRADE TWO)

SITTING TENNANT (Tennant, Sharpe & Boston) Kate Walton 6-11-4 Richard McGrath 66/1

FRIDAY’S WINNERS

2.00pm highstreetvouchers.com TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRADE TWO)

EL DANCER (Ron Davies) Lucy Wadham 5-11-0 Dominic Elsworth 14/1

2.35pm matalan.co.uk MILDMAY NOVICES’ CHASE (GRADE TWO)

KILLYGLEN (D McCammon) Howard Johnson 7-11-3 Denis O’Regan 7/1

3.10pm JOHN SMITH’S MELLING CHASE (GRADE ONE)

VOY POR USTEDES (Sir Robert Ogden) Alan King 8-11-0 Robert Thornton 15/8f

3.45pm JOHN SMITH’S TOPHAM CHASE (HANDICAP)

IRISH RAPTOR (Caroline Beresford-Wylie) Nigel Twiston-Davies 10-10-0 Paddy Brennan 8/1f

4.20pm CITROEN SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRADE ONE)

OGEE (Sir Evelyn de Rothschild) Renee Robeson 6-11-4 Jimmy McCarthy 25/1

4.55pm totepool HANDICAP HURDLE (LISTED)

TIME FOR RUPERT (Littlecote Racing Partnership) Paul Webber 5-10-10 William Kennedy 50/1

5.30pm JOHN SMITH’S MARES’ STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (LISTED)

CANDY CREEK (Edmond Kent) John Kiely IRE 5-11-4 Ruby Walsh 9/2

THURSDAY’S WINNERS

2.00pm JOHN SMITH’S LIVERPOOL HURDLE (GRADE TWO)

BIG BUCK’S (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 6-11-10 Ruby Walsh 5/6f

2.35pm MATALAN ANNIVERSARY 4YO NOVICES’ HURDLE (GRADE ONE)

WALKON (McNeill Racing) Alan King 4-11-0 Robert Thornton 2/1f

3.10pm totesport BOWL CHASE (GRADE TWO)

MADISON DU BERLAIS (Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds II) David Pipe 8-11-0 Tom Scudamore 12/1

3.45pm JOHN SMITH’S FOX HUNTERS’ CHASE

TRUST FUND (Lord Daresbury) Richard Barber 11-12-0 Mr Tom Greenall 13/2

4.20pm JOHN SMITH’S RED RUM HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE THREE)

OH CRICK (David Sewell) Alan King 6-11-1 Robert Thornton 7/1 co-fav

4.55pm JOHN SMITH’S MANIFESTO NOVICES’ CHASE (GRADE TWO)

TARTAK (Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd) Tom George 6-11-4 Paddy Brennan 11/2

5.30pm SILVER CROSS HANDICAP HURDLE (LISTED)

SUNNYHILLBOY (JP McManus) Jonjo O’Neill 6-11-0 Tony McCoy 8/1