Chepstow Racecard - Coral Welsh Grand National

WELCOME When I started my job at Chepstow in late 2012 if someone had told me we Phil Bell would be holding the Coral Executive Director Welsh Grand National without spectators, I would have said they had taken leave of their senses. Roll forward eight years and few people are surprised that today our stands and hospitality suites are empty.

But despite the most challenging of circumstances created by the coronavirus pandemic, we are delighted to be hosting the biggest race of the year in Wales, the £150,000 Coral Welsh Grand National. It is also a great honour to have this year’s race named in memory of Kim Gingell, daughter of Colin and Pauline Tizzard, who sadly passed away last year.

As sponsors, Coral have been the most loyal of supporters and our thanks go to Simon Clare and his team.

Today at the course the only people in attendance will be jockeys, trainers, stable staff, racing officials, medical teams, the media and the racecourse management. It’s likely to be around 250 people. For a fixture that usually attracts more than 10,000 spectators, it will be a bizarre experience.

The entire race meeting, which starts at 11.45am, is live on Sky Sports Racing with the two main races also live on ITV Racing. We appreciate ITV Racing adjusting their schedules to cover our races as well as those from Kempton and Wincanton.

Due to the current lockdown in Wales, unfortunately owners are not allowed to attend today but discussions about the return of spectators and owners are on-going between the three Welsh racecourses and the Welsh Government.

Last year’s Coral Welsh Grand National produced the first Welsh trained winner since 1965 when Potters Corner won for Christian Williams, jockey Jack Tudor and owners All Stars Sports Racing. There are three Welsh-trained runners today and I would like to wish the best of luck to the connections of these and all the other runners. Thank you for supporting this prestigious race.

This is our 48th year of sponsoring the Coral Welsh Grand Simon Clare National, and by far Ladbrokes Coral the most challenging PR Director circumstances the race meeting has ever had to contend with given the impact of the global pandemic. Sadly this year there will be no crowds to cheer on the horses and jockeys, to belt out the national anthem before the big race, or to applaud the victors back to the winners’ circle, but we all understand the reasons why.

So for this one year everyone will be at home on their sofas, being entertained by the talented teams at ITV Racing and Sky Sports Racing, who have done such a great job to keep the show on the road in these unusual times.

This year we will be running the Coral Welsh Grand National in memory of the amazing Kim Gingell, the daughter of Colin and Pauline Tizzard, and sister to Joe. Kim tragically lost a short battle with cancer in May this year, leaving her husband David, and son, Freddie The Tizzard team have enjoyed great success in recent years winning at this meeting winning the Coral Welsh Grand National with Native River in 2016 and Elegant Escape in 2018, and we are honoured that the family have given their blessing for us to run the race this year in her memory.

THE DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT OF CHEPSTOW RACECOURSE WOULD LIKE TO THANK CORAL FOR THEIR LOYAL SUPPORT OF THE WELSH GRAND NATIONAL - ONE OF THE LONGEST SPONSORSHIP PARTNERSHIPS IN JUMP RACING.

2021

RACE FIXTURES

CHEPSTOW

Wednesday 20th January

Monday 5th April

Friday 5th February

Saturday 10th April

Thursday 25th February

Friday 23rd April

Sunday 21st March

Friday 30th April

Thursday 25th March

FFOS LAS Friday 22nd January Thursday 4th February Thursday 11th February Thursday 1st April

Follow all the action at the Welsh tracks on

TODAY’S TIPS RACE ONE

SELECTION: CHAMPAGNE RHYTHM

This will be a proper test for some inexperienced horses and Champagne Rhythm’s previous course form at Chepstow should stand him in extremely good stead. Pozo Emery was a beaten favourite on debut but is bred to relish this stiffer test and softer ground, and he can give the Evan Williams trained horse most to do.

RACE TWO

SELECTION: TIQUER

Two trainers have dominated this contest over the last nine years, and both are represented here. Venetia Williams has won it an incredible five times in the last nine years, and Cepage looks an ideal type to improve her record further.

He has done most of his recent racing at Cheltenham, but he loves soft ground and looks a horse that will relish the Chepstow test. However, shrewd trainer Alan Jones has won the race three times over the same period, including last year with Tiquer, and that horse is back to defend his crown. He’s only 5lbs higher than last year and carrying just 10 stone is such an asset on this ground at Chepstow that he may be the value to beat Cepage.

RACE THREE

SELECTION: CLYNE

Evan Williams has his yard in fantastic form, and there’s good reason to believe that his popular inmate, Clyne can run back to his best and win this for the same combination. He was second twelve months ago carrying 4lbs more and, having lost his form a bit since then, he looked much more like his old self at Haydock last time out finishing second.

This race has been kept in Wales for six of the last ten renewals, and I think it will be again.

RACE FOUR

SELECTION: ADAGIO

This is a cracking renewal of a race that has produced some top class winners, including Bristol De Mai, Defi Du Seuil and last year’s winner Allmankind. The two week delay in running this race has seen Nassalam emerge as the leading contender. He’s won both his starts at Fontwell by a combined 108 lengths but this will be far tougher. Houx Gris is making his debut for Paul Nicholls having been a 200,000 euro purchase from France and is a serious contender and Elham Valley looked tough as nails when winning at Sandown. However Adagio looks a strong stayer, will relish the ground, and is in peak condition after three starts since the start of November.

RACE FIVE

SELECTION: ASK ME EARLY

Ask Me Early proved his liking for Chepstow when winning over course and distance last month. He’s only 6lbs higher in the weights and is carrying only 10st 6lbs in what will be really testing conditions. Hold That Taught looks the type of horse that will enjoy himself around here and can run well.

RACE SIX

SELECTION: NEON MOON

Easy As That is likely to start favourite, but Neon Moon might be the one to focus on here. He won an Irish point to point in September before finishing fourth under rules for David Pipe and Tom Scudamore at Southwell in a bumper looking like he would improve for the run. This looks a great opportunity for him.

RACE SEVEN

SELECTION: LORD DU MESNIL

Secret Reprieve has a great profile for the race, having won the Welsh National trial last time out, is carrying 8lbs less than his official mark, and will be getting weight from almost every rival on heavy ground. But he’s a very short price as a result and there are a host of seriously tough staying chasers in this field that are more than capable of running big races. Yala Enki, Truckers Lodge and Ramses De Teillee all love Chepstow and will relish the conditions. However Lord Du Mesnil may be the one to stop the favourite having run second in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, and run over inadequate trips on his two starts this term.

RACE EIGHT

SELECTION: WHITEOAK FLEUR

Whiteoak Fleur looks to have a leading chance in this mares’ contest for the Donald McCain stable. Her best form is on a soft surface and she could improve for this Chepstow test.

TRACKFACTS A left handed oval track, approximately two miles in circumference, with significant undulations, which joins the straight course five furlongs from home.

TOP COURSE TRAINERS

LEADING TRAINERS AT CHEPSTOW (2016-2021) WITH RUNNERS: P NICHOLLS (46 wins from 171 runners, 27%) runs MONTYS MEDOC and POZO EMERY (11.45), MY WAY (12.17), STORM ARISING (12.50), HOUX GRIS (1.25), HIGHLAND HUNTER (1.58), YALA ENKI and TRUCKERS LODGE (3.10).

C TIZZARD (29 wins from 218 runners, 13%) runs NO HUBS NO HOOBS (11.45), CHRISTMAS IN APRIL (3.10).

P HOBBS (28 wins from 154 runners, 18%) runs TIDAL FLOW and GALA BALL (12.17), GOLDEN SOVEREIGN (1.58).

TRAINERS IN FORM

MOST WINS IN THE LAST 14 DAYS: P NICHOLLS (7 wins from 41 runners, 17%) runners listed above.

D MCCAIN (5 wins from 20 runners, 25%) runs WHITEOAK FLEUR (3.50).

J FARRELLY (3 wins from 4 runners, 75%) runs GASTARA (11.45).

TOP COURSE JOCKEYS

LEADING JOCKEYS AT CHEPSTOW (2016-2021) WITH RIDES: TOM SCUDAMORE (21 wins from 117 rides, 18%) rides BOYHOOD (12.50), ADAGIO (1.25), NEON MOON (2.30), RAMSES DE TEILLEE (3.10).

ADAM WEDGE (19 wins from 141 rides, 13%) rides RANIERI (11.45), ESPRIT DU LARGE (12.17), CLYNE (12.50), BANNISTER (1.25), CAN YOU CALL (2.30), SECRET REPRIEVE (3.10), EQUILIBRIUM (3.50).

SEAN BOWEN (19 wins from 109 rides, 17%) rides NORDANO (12.50), HOUX GRIS (1.25), ASK ME EARLY (1.58), REVELS HILL (2.30), SPRINGFIELD FOX (3.10).

JOCKEYS IN FORM

MOST WINS IN THE LAST 14 DAYS: SEAN BOWEN (4 wins from 13 rides, 31%) rides listed above.

CHARLIE DEUTSCH (3 wins from 15 rides, 20%) rides FRANCO D’AUNOU (11.45), CEPAGE (12.17), FARRANTS WAY (12.50), HOLD THAT TAUGHT (1.58), CLOUDY GLEN (3.10), PONIENTE (3.50).

TOM SCUDAMORE (3 wins from 17 rides, 18%) rides listed above.

FANCY THAT

P NICHOLLS won the 1.25 race in 2016 and 2018. The stable is represented by Houx Gris in the race today.

C TIZZARD won the 3.10 race in 2016 and 2018. The stable is represented by Christmas In April in the race today.

A JONES won the 12.17 race in 2011, 2014 and 2019. The stable is represented by Tiquer in the race today.

V WILLIAMS won the 12.17 race in 2013, 2016 and 2018. The stable is represented by Cepage in the race today.

LONGEST TRAVELLERS

BIG RIVER (3.10) trained by L Russell, Kinross, distance of 386 miles.

NOTE: All statistics are up to and including 7th January.

HOW TO READ THE RACECARD 1

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POTTERS CORNER (IRE) (20)

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B g Indian Danehill (IRE) - Woodford Beauty (IRE) (Phardante (FR)) Owner: All Stars Sports Racing & J Davies Colours: RED, WHITE epaulets, DARK BLUE Trainer: Christian Williams, Bridgend and WHITE hooped sleeves, YELLOW and Breeder: Mrs P. J. O’Connor DARK BLUE quartered cap.

Sponsor: Naf Form: F1-5P01 C

TIMEFORM VIEW Midlands National winner. Campaigned over hurdles this term, warming up for this with course win 3 weeks ago. Much higher mark back chasing but likely to be staying when others have cried enough.

Star Rating Official BHA Rating 145

10 1. Jockey Colours 2. Saddlecloth Number 3. Colour & Sex of Horse

Jack Tudor (7)

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4. Horse Name 5. Dam/Sire 6. Days since last run 7. Age of Horse

8. Weight (st lbs) 9. Jockey Name 10. Form Guide

11. Form Figures Bold Figures indicate point-to-point form

Star Ratings Explained

Each horse has been given a star rating, these are defined below: Selected to win the race.

Good chance of being placed.

By no means out of the reckoning but at least one or two hold stronger claims Unlikely to win but not totally without hope.

Can be given little or no chance.

Abbreviations

Colour: B = Bay, Br = Brown, Ch = Chestnut, Gr = Grey, Ro = Roan, Sex of Horse: c = Colt, h = Horse, g = gelding, f = filly, m = mare Form Figure: BF-Beaten Favourite. B-Brought Down. C-Course Winner. D-Distance Winner. F-Fell. P-Pulled Up. R-Refused. S-Slipped Up. U-Unseated. d-Disqualified. r-Ran Out.

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First Race 11.45

2m 3f 100y

THE PLAY CORAL ‘RACING SUPER SERIES’ FOR FREE MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (GBB RACE) (Class 4) for maiden five yrs old and upwards

Total race value £5800

1

Owners Prize Money. Winner £2872; Second £951; Third £476; Fourth £237.

(Penalty Value £3768.84) For conditions of this race see page 50

No Horse

Age

1 BIGBILLRIGLEY (IRE) (30)

st

lb

7 11 0

B g Jammaal - Carrig Bluebell (IRE) (Bishop of Cashel) Owner: Mr K Brookes & Mr M Payne Colours: WHITE, RED hoops, WHITE sleeves, Trainer: Alan Phillips, Callow End BLACK spots, BLACK cap.

Breeder: Ivan Hamilton Form: PP/4-U

TIMEFORM VIEW Failed to complete on 2 of his 3 starts between the flags, and didn’t get beyond the first flight on Rules debut in 21f Warwick maiden hurdles last month.

Star RatingHIIII Official BHA Rating -

2 CHAMPAGNE RHYTHM (IRE) (50)

B g Oscar (IRE) - Before (IRE) (Ore) Owner: Mrs Janet Davies Trainer: Evan Williams, Llancarfan Breeder: Miss Brigid G. Noonan Sponsor: Prysg Cyf

Kielan Woods

6 11 0

Colours: DARK GREEN, DARK GREEN and WHITE diabolo on sleeves.

Form: 2522

TIMEFORM VIEW Promise in bumpers and has found only a pair of Paul Nicholls inmates too good on both starts over hurdles, the latest over this C&D in November. Good chance of going one better this time.

Isabel Williams (5) Star RatingHHHHH Official BHA Rating 125

3 DE YOUNG WARRIOR (GB) (30)

8 11 0

B g Schiaparelli (GER) - Nobratinetta (FR) (Celtic Swing) Owner: Mrs Helen L. Stoneman Colours: ROYAL BLUE and WHITE check, Trainer: Jeremy Scott, Dulverton ORANGE sleeves.

Breeder: Reveley Farms Form: 2/-33 TIMEFORM VIEW Runner-up in a bumper on sole outing for Gillian Boanas in 2018. Off 28 months prior to encouraging efforts in this sphere at Wincanton and Warwick, and he remains open to improvement.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 120

4 DYSANIA (IRE) (23)

Tom O’Brien

6 11 0

B g Califet (FR) - She’s Supersonic (IRE) (Accordion) Owner: Ms G. E. Morgan Colours: EMERALD GREEN and WHITE Trainer: Kayley Woollacott, Crewkerne (quartered), ROYAL BLUE sleeves and cap.

Breeder: E. Campell & D. Flood Form: 000 Tote, Naf Sponsor: TIMEFORM VIEW Well held in a bumper and a couple of runs over hurdles.

Star RatingHIIII Official BHA Rating -

5 FEVERTRE (IRE) (35)

Paul O’Brien (3)

6 11 0

Ch g Sans Frontieres (IRE) - Avoca Star (IRE) (Bob Back (USA)) Owner: Bradley Partnership Colours: MAROON, BEIGE star, Trainer: Nicky Martin, Minehead diabolo on sleeves and star on cap.

Breeder: R. McCarthy Form: 2-60 Sponsor: Charles Simpson Organisation Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Runner-up sole start in points last March, but has merely hinted at ability in his 2 starts under Rules.

Star RatingHIIII Official BHA Rating -

8

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Matt Griffiths

6 FRANCO D’AUNOU (FR) (50)

6 11 0

B g Saint des Saints (FR) - Jimagine II (FR) (Video Rock (FR)) Owner: Wrap Up Warm Partnership Colours: RED, ORANGE and RED striped sleeves.

Venetia Williams, Hereford Trainer: Form: 5352-43 Breeder: Frederic Foucher Sponsor: Faucets Limited TIMEFORM VIEW French recruit who stepped up on his British debut effort when third in C&D maiden hurdle won

by Rocheston last month, finishing 10 lengths adrift of the runner-up, Champagne Rhythm. Work to do.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 120

7 GASTARA (GB) (50)

B g Kayf Tara - Gaspaisie (FR) (Beyssac (FR)) Owner: Ms Gilly Metherell Trainer: Johnny Farrelly, Midford Breeder: Cotley Hill Stud

Charlie Deutsch

6 11 0 Colours: MAROON, YELLOW star, armlets and star on cap.

Form: 2/000-06

1

TIMEFORM VIEW Shaped well when second in a bumper on debut here in April 2019. Yet to trouble the judge following 3 hurdles starts, though, and he’ll be of greater interest when going down the handicap route. STEWARDS NOTE: Following Mr David Turner (7) its run on 20/11/2020 it was reported that the horse hung left handed.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating -

8 MONTYS MEDOC (IRE) (10)

5 11 0

B g Westerner - Kilbarry Medoc (IRE) (Overbury (IRE)) Owner: Insurance Friends Colours: WHITE, RED triple diamond, Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat diamonds on sleeves and cap.

Breeder: Con O’Keeffe Form: 56 Sponsor: Morson Group

TIMEFORM VIEW Failed to measure up to market expectations on debut in a bumper here last month. Showed more on subsequent hurdles bow, but probably more one for handicaps later on. Yard also saddles Pozo Emery.

Lorcan Williams (3) Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating -

9 NO HUBS NO HOOBS (IRE) (49)

5 11 0

B g Flemensfirth (USA) - Miss Brandywell (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA)) Owner: Taylor & O’Dwyer Colours: YELLOW, DARK BLUE braces.

Trainer: Colin Tizzard, Sherborne Form: 0 Breeder: Mr H. McDaid Sponsor: Coral Racing Limited

TIMEFORM VIEW Good pedigree but made an unpromising start to his career when down the field in an Ascot bumper last month, running green. Goes hurdling now up in trip.

Star RatingHIIII Official BHA Rating -

10 POZO EMERY (FR) (90)

Brendan Powell

6 11 0

B g Le Havre (IRE) - Chic Et Zen (FR) (Chichicastenango (FR)) Owner: The Stewart Family Colours: BLACK and WHITE (halved), Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat RED sleeves and cap.

Breeder: S.A.R.L. Haras Du Bois Emery Form: 2-3 BF Sponsor: Morson Group

TIMEFORM VIEW Runner-up sole start in Irish points and shaped as if needing the run when third of 13 in a Newton Abbot bumper on Rules debut in October, tying up late on. One to keep an eye on making hurdling bow.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating -

11 RANIERI (IRE) (23)

Bryony Frost

6 11 0

B g Westerner - Carrigmoorna Storm (IRE) (Glacial Storm (USA)) Owner: The Brizzle Boys Colours: PURPLE, BEIGE diamonds on sleeves.

Trainer: Rebecca Curtis, Newport Form: PPP1-3 Breeder: Mr Michael Veale Sponsor: William Hill TIMEFORM VIEW £31,000 buy after getting off the mark at the fourth time of asking in points last February. Encouraging third on recent Rules debut in Hereford novice (25.5f) and improvement should be forthcoming. STEWARDS NOTE: Following its run on 17/12/2020 it was reported that the horse lost a shoe.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating -

12 SOPRAN THOR (FR) (43)

Adam Wedge

6 11 0

B g Authorized (IRE) - Sopran Slam (IRE) (Grand Slam (USA)) Owner: Galloping On The South Downs Colours: MAUVE and BLACK (quartered), Partnership MAUVE sleeves, WHITE cap.

Trainer: Gary Moore, Horsham Form: 63-65 Breeder: Azienda Agricola San Giacomo Sponsor: K M Elite Products Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Left previous form behind when fifth in Newbury maiden hurdle (16.3f) won by subsequent Grade 2 winner My Drogo. Going up in trip should help, but he still looks a work in progress.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating -

Jamie Moore

9

13 SPOTTY DOG (GB) (23)

6 11 0

Ch g Sixties Icon - Where’s My Slave (IRE) (Daylami (IRE)) Owner: Mr Michael Hawker Colours: YELLOW, RED diamond, Mike Hawker, Chippenham Trainer: hooped sleeves, RED cap.

Breeder: Mr Michael R. E. Hawker Form: 64

TIMEFORM VIEW Bred to be ordinary and has only shown a modicum of ability in 2 starts to date.

Star RatingHIIII Official BHA Rating -

14 THAT’S THE BADGER (IRE) (30) B g Milan - Pass The Honey (IRE) (Snurge) Owner: That’s The Badger Partnership Trainer: Henry Daly, Ludlow Breeder: Oliver Loughlin Sponsor: Humphrey Butler Ltd

1

Liam Harrison (7)

6 11 0

Colours: WHITE, BLACK hoop, hooped sleeves and cap.

Form: 0-00

TIMEFORM VIEW Well held in a bumper on sole start for Tom George and just minor promise in a couple of maiden hurdles for this yard. Another who is likely to show himself in a better light in handicaps later on.

Star RatingHIIII Official BHA Rating -

David Noonan

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 14 (EXACTA)

The Result 1st ........................................................................................

2nd

........................................................................................................

3rd ........................................................................................

4th

........................................................................................................

Distances ..................................../ ..........................................

Time ........................................................................................................

LAST YEARS WINNER HARRY SENIOR (IRE) Age: 5 Weight:

11 0 Robbie Power 4-5 (Colin Tizzard) 15 ran

PLAY SMARTER Betting Forecast: 5-2 Champagne Rhythm (IRE), 10-3 Pozo Emery (FR), 6-1 Franco d’Aunou (FR), 13-2 De Young Warrior (GB), 8-1 Ranieri (IRE), 22-1 Sopran Thor (FR), 33-1 Montys Medoc (IRE), 40-1 Gastara (GB), No Hubs No Hoobs (IRE), 66-1 That’s The Badger (IRE), 100-1 Spotty Dog (GB), 250-1 Dysania (IRE), 300-1 Bigbillrigley (IRE), Fevertre (IRE) Race Summary: A reproduction of CHAMPAGNE RHYTHM’s C&D second in November should be enough to see him go one better this time.

De Young Warrior and Ranieri are both promising, but the selection may have most to fear from the Paul Nicholls-trained Pozo Emery, who should build on his Rules debut effort in a Newton Abbot bumper now switched to hurdles.

1-2-3: 1.CHAMPAGNE RHYTHM (IRE) 2.POZO EMERY (FR) 3.DE YOUNG WARRIOR

FREE form for all British and Irish meetings is available online every day at timeform.com/free

ABBREVIATIONS BF - Beaten Favourite

B - Brought Down

C - Course Winner

D - Distance Winner

F - Fell

P - Pulled Up

S - Slipped Up

U - Unseated

d -Disqualified

R - Refused

r - Ran Out

10

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10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT

THE CORAL WELSH GRAND NATIONAL 1. The shortest-priced winner was Gangbridge, the 1/3 favourite in 1901.

2. The 1914 race, which was then run over three miles, finished in a dead heat between Succubus and Dick Dunn. The latter’s owner did not want to share the prize money, so the pair ran again later that same afternoon. That was a bad decision, for Succubus was a clear winner this time.

3. Mr James V Rank owned the winner of the race five years out of six in the 1930s.

His family’s fortune came from flour and bread. His brother J Arthur Rank was the founder of the Rank Organisation, which made all those old British films beginning with a man striking a huge gong.

4. Mr Rank’s Lacatoi is the only horse to win the race three times (in 1935, ‘37 and ‘39).

5. The smallest field was three, in 1938.

This was due to an unusually dry spring leaving the going officially “hard”.

6. The race was initially run over two and a half miles and wasn’t run over the current distance of almost three and three quarters until it was moved to Chepstow in 1949.

Martin Pipe 7. The traditional date for the race was the Tuesday after Easter Monday, and with only a few exceptions it was run then between 1905 and 1968.

8. Martin Pipe trained the winner five times in six years (Bonanza Boy twice, Carvill’s Hill. Run For Free and Riverside Boy) and they were all sent off favourite or joint-favourite.

9. A year after his 2003 win, Bindaree’s horsebox got stuck in a traffic jam near the Severn Bridge. In order to get to the course on time he was ridden the last couple of miles. He arrived in time to run, and finished fifth.

10. The oldest winners were Snipe’s Bridge in 1927 and Raz De Maree in 2017 (both aged 13). The youngest winners were Nat Gould in 1899, Razorbill in 1908 and Jacobus in 1912 (all aged 5).

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Second Race 12.17

2m 3f 98y

THE WATCH RACING FOR FREE AT CORAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (GBB RACE) (Class 2) for five yrs old and upwards

Total race value £20000

Owners Prize Money. Winner £9906; Second £3282; Third £1642; Fourth £820.

(Penalty Value £12996) For conditions of this race see page 50

No Horse

1 CEPAGE (FR) (28)

2

Age

st

lb

9 11 12

B g Saddler Maker (IRE) - Sience Fiction (FR) (Dom Alco (FR)) Owner: The Bellamy Partnership Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE hoop and sleeves.

Trainer: Venetia Williams, Hereford Form: 24610-P D Breeder: Mr Herve d’Armaille Sponsor: Faucets Limited TIMEFORM VIEW Fine servant to connections who landed a good pot at Cheltenham last term. However, given his good record when fresh, it was disconcerting to see him perform so poorly on return there last month.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 154

2 ESPRIT DU LARGE (FR) (61)

Charlie Deutsch

7 11 9

B g No Risk At All (FR) - Tuffslolyloly (FR) (Double Bed (FR)) Owner: Mr & Mrs William Rucker Colours: ROYAL BLUE, PINK hoop.

Trainer: Evan Williams, Llancarfan Form: 211F-F3 D BF Breeder: Pascal Noue Sponsor: Tote

TIMEFORM VIEW Made into smart novice last term, the highlight being his Grade 1 success at Sandown.

Bit to prove now, though, having failed to land the odds in a Carlisle graduation chase in November.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 151

3 GALA BALL (IRE) (43)

Adam Wedge

11 11 5

B g Flemensfirth (USA) - Nuit des Chartreux (FR) (Villez (USA)) Owner: Robert & Janet Gibbs Colours: EMERALD GREEN, PURPLE cross belts, Trainer: Philip Hobbs, Minehead PURPLE cap.

Breeder: Thomas James Form: 21/014-2 D Sponsor: Philip Hobbs Racing TIMEFORM VIEW Lightly raced in recent seasons, but confirmed himself as good as ever when runner-up on return at Newbury (19.8f) in November. Claims if taking his chance. 1st preference 2.35 Wincanton.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 147

4 TIDAL FLOW (GB) (59)

Micheal Nolan

8 11 2

B g Black Sam Bellamy (IRE) - Mrs Philip (Puissance) Owner: Brocade Racing Colours: RED and PURPLE (quartered), Trainer: Philip Hobbs, Minehead YELLOW sleeves, RED cap.

Breeder: Mr R. Johnson Form: 3121-3P Sponsor: Philip Hobbs Racing

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual winner as a novice last term shaped well for a long way on Newton Abbot return in October.

However, latest effort at Bangor was poor and needs to get back on track. STEWARDS NOTE: Following its run on 11/11/2020 it was reported that the horse was never travelling.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 144

Tom O’Brien

5 NOT ANOTHER MUDDLE (GB) (21) 10 10 6

B g Kayf Tara - Spatham Rose (Environment Friend) Owner: Saloop Colours: EMERALD GREEN, MAUVE disc and Trainer: Gary Moore, Horsham sleeves, ORANGE and WHITE check cap.

Breeder: Saloop Ltd Form: 3152/P-P D

TIMEFORM VIEW Pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival on sole outing last term, and the outcome was the same on his reappearance at Ascot 3 weeks ago.

Star RatingHIIII Official BHA Rating 134

14

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Jamie Moore

6 TIQUER (FR) (379)

13 10 1

B g Equerry (USA) - Tirenna (FR) (Sleeping Car (FR)) Owner: Burnham P & D Ltd Colours: DARK BLUE and RED (halved), Alan Jones, Timberscombe Trainer: DARK BLUE sleeves, WHITE cap.

Breeder: Mr Mathieu Lalanne & Mr Michel Lalanne Form: 014/4/P1- CD Sponsor: Burnham Plastering & Drylining Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Veteran who proved that he’s still capable of useful form when landing this race off 5lb lower mark last term. Absent since (undergone wind surgery in the interim), but dangerous to discount.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 129

7 MY WAY (FR) (36)

Ch g Martaline - Royale Majesty (FR) (Nikos) Owner: Chris Giles Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Breeder: E.A.R.L. Haras de L’Hotellerie Sponsor: Morson Group

Paddy Brennan

7 10 0 Colours: PINK, large PURPLE spots, hooped sleeves.

Form: 266-145 BF

TIMEFORM VIEW Belatedly off the mark in Stratford maiden hurdle in October and he’s gone with plenty of zest both starts over fences subsequently.This drop back in trip looks a good move and he needs considering. STEWARDS NOTE: Following its run on 4/12/2020 it was reported that the horse did not stay the trip.

Star RatingHHHHH Official BHA Rating 127

Bryony Frost

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 7 (EXACTA) Tongue Strap worn by No. 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 3, 4, 7.

Running for the first time since Wind Surgery No. 6.

2

The Result 1st ........................................................................................

2nd

........................................................................................................

3rd ........................................................................................

4th

........................................................................................................

Distances ..................................../ ..........................................

Time ........................................................................................................

LAST YEARS WINNER TIQUER (FR) Age: 11 Weight:

10 7 Paddy Brennan 16-1 (Alan Jones) 7 ran

PLAY SMARTER Betting Forecast: 10-3 Gala Ball (IRE), 4-1 Esprit du Large (FR), 9-2 My Way (FR), 5-1 Cepage (FR), 15-2 Tidal Flow (GB), 10-1 Tiquer (FR), 25-1 Not Another Muddle (GB) Race Summary: Though 0-11 in this sphere, MY WAY has plenty of solid form to his name, not least his fine fourth in the Badger Beers at Wincanton. He could prove hard to beat back down in trip here. Last year’s winner Tiquer isn’t getting any younger, but he is feared most given that Cepage, Esprit du Large and Tidal Flow, talented though they are, all have questions to answer at present.

1-2-3: 1.MY WAY (FR) 2.TIQUER (FR) 3.CEPAGE (FR)

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THANK YOU TO TODAY’S SPONSORS

The Chepstow Racecourse Executive would like to thank Coral for sponsoring here today and wish their Directors, Management and guests an enjoyable and prosperous afternoon.

15

WALES’ NEW RACING HERO - POTTERS CORNER The long wait for a true Welsh winner of the Coral Welsh Grand National came to an end last year, with the victory of Potters Corner.

Trained by Christian Williams in Ogmore-By-Sea, Potters Corner gained his first victory under rules at Chepstow, when trained by Paul Morgan and raced in the colours of Walters Plant Hire.

Little did anyone know back in 2014 that after winning that race over two miles he would go on to one day with a Coral Welsh Grand National.

A solid run at the Aintree Grand National meeting followed, where he came a gallant third in a Grade 2 bumper, beating subsequent Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air and finishing behind Bellshill and Barters Hill.

Potters Corner returned to Chepstow for his first run over hurdles, where he duly obliged as favourite under Tom O’Brien. Later in his first season hurdling he won again in a novice hurdle at Ffos Las. He was sent chasing in October 2016, where he again made his first run in a new discipline at Chepstow. He finished a fair third, before running well in a good race at Ascot. His final run under the care of Paul Morgan came at Newbury, where he was just beaten by a neck.

He transferred to Christian Williams and was registered under the ownership of All Stars Sports Racing & J Davies. He returned from a mammoth absence and took a few runs to get back into the swing of things, but he ended that season with a classy win in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter in March 2019. After that win, all roads led to the Coral Welsh Grand National.

A few runs over hurdles preserved his chasing mark, but he did win a handicap hurdle at Chepstow a few weeks before his famous victory.

On the 27th of December 2019, under seven pound claimer Jack Tudor, Potters Corner stormed away to win the Coral Welsh Grand National by a length and a quarter in heavy ground.

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Third Race 12.50

2m 7f 131y

THE CORAL “FAIL TO FINISH” FREE BETS HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (Class 2) for five yrs old and upwards

Total race value £16000

Owners Prize Money. Winner £7600; Second £2539; Third £1270; Fourth £635; Fifth £316; Sixth £158. (Penalty Value £10009.60) For conditions of this race see page 50

No Horse

Age

1 ASK DILLON (IRE) (27)

B g Ask - Mum’s Miracle (IRE) (Luso) Owner: 4 The Fun Partnership Trainer: Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham Breeder: Mrs Jerry Rohan Sponsor: Dunraven Group of Companies

3

st

lb

8 11 12 Colours: MAUVE and PINK (quartered), WHITE sleeves, MAUVE stars.

Form: 320-F42 D BF

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual winner over hurdles as a novice and placed in a couple of staying handicaps last season.

Showed no ill-effects from a fall on chase debut when posting good in-frame efforts back hurdling since.

Liam Harrison (7) Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 143

2 NORDANO (GER) (77)

5 11 9

Ch g Jukebox Jury (IRE) - Navajo Queen (GER) (Monsun (GER)) Owner: A Whyte, T Messom & D Nott Colours: WHITE, PURPLE spots, PURPLE sleeves, Trainer: Neil King, Burderop WHITE spots.

Breeder: Gestut Etzean Form: 34321-5 C Sponsor: Tote TIMEFORM VIEW Did well last season, culminating in 19f Ascot handicap win (heavy) in February, but he does need to bounce back from a disappointing run over 2m at Cheltenham in October. Up markedly in trip.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 140

3 CLYNE (GB) (21)

Sean Bowen

11 11 8

B g Hernando (FR) - Lauderdale (GER) (Nebos (GER)) Owner: Mr David M. Williams Colours: LIGHT BLUE, PINK star, WHITE cap.

Trainer: Evan Williams, Llancarfan Form: 350-002 Breeder: The Kathryn Stud Sponsor: Tote TIMEFORM VIEW Fourteen runs since last win in 2018 but did bounce back to form when second of 9 in handicap hurdle (5/1) at Haydock (3m, heavy) 21 days ago. Ought to be competitive.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 139

4 SYKES (IRE) (65)

Adam Wedge

12 11 6

B g Mountain High (IRE) - Our Trick (IRE) (Flemensfirth (USA)) Owner: Bradley Partnership Colours: MAROON, BEIGE star, Trainer: Nicky Martin, Minehead diabolo on sleeves and star on cap.

Breeder: Pat Browne Form: P/3P44-0 CD Sponsor: Charles Simpson Organisation Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Landed a Pertemps qualifier from 6lb higher in February 2019. Struggled to recapture that form (lightly raced) and well held on reappearance, albeit that run was very likely needed.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 137

5 STORM ARISING (IRE) (36)

Matt Griffiths

7 11 5

B g Yeats (IRE) - Ceol Rua (IRE) (Bob Back (USA)) Owner: Barry Fulton & Mrs Angela Hart Colours: PINK, PURPLE stars, diabolo on sleeves Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat and star on cap.

Breeder: Mrs Fiona McStay Form: 4430-12 Sponsor: Morson Group TIMEFORM VIEW Winning reappearance at Lingfield in November and even better form when second (Farrants Way third) over 3m at Sandown (heavy) since. Further 2lb rise unlikely to prevent another prominent showing.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 136

18

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Bryony Frost

6 FLASHJACK (IRE) (49)

11 11 4

Br g Soapy Danger - Open Miss (Dracula (AUS)) Owner: Charles Whittaker & Belinda Clarke Colours: ROYAL BLUE and YELLOW (quartered), Henry Daly, Ludlow Trainer: ORANGE sleeves and cap.

Breeder: Seamus Murphy Form: 3510-50 D Sponsor: Humphrey Butler Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Successful in mud at Haydock at this time last year. Returned with an encouraging effort at Aintree and not disgraced in a very competitive event at Haydock since.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 135

7 PERFECT MAN (IRE) (37)

Tom O’Brien

10 11 3

B g Morozov (USA) - Garrisker (IRE) (King’s Ride) Owner: Mr James Finch Colours: RED and BLACK check, PINK sleeves, Trainer: Sophie Leech, Westbury-on-Severn BLACK armlets, hooped cap.

Breeder: Andrew Pierce Form: 1516-41 CD Sponsor: W & S Recycling TIMEFORM VIEW Gained a third win in his last 5 hurdle starts when seeing off Niblawi in 20.5f Leicester seller last month. Sold out of Olly Murphy’s yard for £9,000 at the subsequent auction.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 134

8 BOYHOOD (IRE) (29)

A. P. Heskin

10 11 2

B g Oscar (IRE) - Glen Dubh (IRE) (Supreme Leader) Owner: H Stephen Smith & The Gabbertas Colours: YELLOW, BLACK sash, Family EMERALD GREEN cap.

Trainer: Tom George, Slad Form: 163P-40 D Breeder: Mrs A. Murphy Sponsor: Hba Media

TIMEFORM VIEW Starting to look well treated on his peak efforts but hasn’t been close to his best in 2 outings this term. Others more obvious.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 133

9 ILLEGAL MODEL (IRE) (36)

Tom Scudamore

7 11 0

B g Stowaway - She’s So Beautiful (IRE) (Bluebird (USA)) Owner: Mr Alan Halsall Colours: ROYAL BLUE, DARK GREEN Trainer: Charlie Longsdon, Chipping Norton sleeves and cap.

Breeder: Peter Byrne Form: 61-35 Sponsor: Lkf Bloodstock Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Well held sole point start but winning debut under Rules in 23f Lingfield novice hurdle in the mud a year ago. Solid start to life in handicaps this term and remains unexposed.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 131

10 EXPLOITEUR (FR) (35)

Gavin Sheehan

7 10 12

B or Br g Desir d’Un Soir (FR) - Sourya d’Airy (FR) (Sheyrann) Owner: Shaw Racing Partnership 2 Colours: BLACK, RED stripe, WHITE sleeves, Trainer: Graeme McPherson, Stow-On-The-Wold BLACK cap, RED diamond.

Breeder: Georges Lacombe & Sebastien Lacombe Form: 045-211 CD Sponsor: Longcroft Building Services Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Improver in handicaps this season, runner-up on return at Bangor prior to scoring at Ffos Las and over C&D. Further 6lb rise looks manageable and trip/ground fine, so he needs considering.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 129

11 FARRANTS WAY (IRE) (36)

Kielan Woods

7 10 10

B g Shantou (USA) - Shuil A Hocht (IRE) (Mohaajir (USA)) Owner: Mr Trevor Hemmings Colours: EMERALD GREEN and YELLOW Trainer: Venetia Williams, Hereford (quartered), WHITE sleeves and cap.

Breeder: Kenilworth House Stud Form: 343/1-3 BF Sponsor: Trust Inns Limited TIMEFORM VIEW Showed waywardness in bumpers but no sign of that when making winning hurdle debut at Hereford in March. Even better form when third (Storm Arising second) in Sandown handicap on return.

More to come.

Star RatingHHHHH Official BHA Rating 127

12 OSCAR ASCHE (IRE) (42)

Charlie Deutsch

7 10 0

B g Oscar (IRE) - Boro Supreme (IRE) (Supreme Leader) Owner: Spencer Gammond,Jackie Rymer&Rob Colours: RED, GOLD cross belts, Farnham OLIVE GREEN and RED quartered cap.

Trainer: Rebecca Curtis, Newport Form: 142-PUP D Breeder: Cyrus Buttimer Sponsor: William Hill TIMEFORM VIEW Winning pointer who opened hurdles account in a maiden hurdle here last January. Has failed to complete all 3 starts switched to fences this season and needs to bounce back returned to this sphere.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 115

Jack Tudor (3)

19

3

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 12 (EXACTA) Tongue Strap worn by No. 7, 9. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 1, 2, 7, 12.

The Result 1st ........................................................................................

2nd

........................................................................................................

3rd ........................................................................................

4th

........................................................................................................

Distances ..................................../ ..........................................

Time ........................................................................................................

LAST YEARS WINNER EVA’S OSKAR (IRE) Age: 5 Weight:

10 7 Alan Johns 17-2 (Tim Vaughan) 11 ran

PLAY SMARTER Betting Forecast: 4-1 Farrants Way (IRE), 9-2 Storm Arising (IRE), 6-1 Ask Dillon (IRE), Exploiteur (FR), 9-1 Clyne (GB), 12-1 Illegal Model (IRE), 16-1 Perfect Man (IRE), 25-1 Nordano (GER), 28-1 Flashjack (IRE), 50-1 Sykes (IRE), Boyhood (IRE), Oscar Asche (IRE)

3

Race Summary: FARRANTS WAY had Storm Arising ahead of him in second when third at Sandown last month but it was a very encouraging return to action from Venetia Williams’ lightly-raced 7-y-o and he’s taken to build on that and turn the tables on his old rival.

Illegal Model is another who ran well in that same Sandown contest and also makes the shortlist along with progressive C&D winner Exploiteur.

1-2-3: 1.FARRANTS WAY (IRE) 2.STORM ARISING (IRE) 3.EXPLOITEUR (FR)

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HORSE WELFARE AT CHEPSTOW Chepstow’s top priority is the safety and welfare of horse and rider. We have a dedicated team of highly-qualified vets and doctors following the action at all times.

It is our policy to erect screens around any horse requiring veterinary attention, to provide the privacy required at such times. Please do not assume the worst if screens are erected around a horse.

We are committed to minimising risks, dealing quickly and humanely with injuries and maintaining the highest possible quality of life for the animals in our care.

To find out more about our Equine Welfare policy, please visit our website: www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk

20

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FOUR DECADES OF CORAL WELSH GRAND NATIONAL LEGENDS To promote the 2019 Coral Welsh Grand National, connections of the winners from 10, 20, 30 and 40 years prior were invited for a photo-shoot at the racecourse.

Tom O’Brien, the winning jockey on Dream Alliance in 2009 was joined by former champion jockey Richard Johnson and trainer Henry Daly who teamed up to send out Edmond to win in 1999. Martin Pipe, the trainer of 1989 winner Bonanza Boy also attended along with former jockey Paul Barton who rode Pete Scot to victory in 1979. Wales rugby international George North also came along to lend his support to the day. Tom O’Brien also won the race on Elegant Escape in 2018 and today rides Prime Venture for trainer Evan Williams.

WELSH HORSE RACING AWARDS 2020 It’s been another year of great Welsh performances on the racecourse despite the challenges faced off the track by the coronavirus pandemic. This success has been recognised by the third annual ROA sponsored Welsh Horse Racing Awards arranged by Chepstow, Ffos Las and Bangor Racecourses.

The awards are being posted to the winners because this year’s presentation evening could not take place because of the current situation.

A panel of experts including owners, a trainer, a breeder and racecourse management reviewed the last twelve months and, in addition to judging the winners of each individual honour, they decided to make a number of special recognition awards.

The panel also felt that this year’s achievements justified the awards for the Jockey, Trainer and Owner of the Year being split between Flat and National Hunt. Adam Wedge was the winning most jump jockey in the last year and scored his first two Grade 1 prizes, principally one at the Cheltenham Festival on Lisnagar Oscar. He was the undisputed winner of the National Hunt award sponsored by Cotts Equine. David Probert was Flat Jockey of the Year, riding 81 winners in the truncated season, including his 1,000th British winner in June.

In view of the wide range of big-race triumphs for Welsh jockeys, four special recognition awards were made; Ben Jones, for last November’s Ladbroke Trophy victory aboard De Rasher Counter; Richard Patrick for his winning ride on Happy Diva in last season’s BetVictor Gold Cup; Jack Tudor, for Potters Corner’s epic win in the Coral Welsh Grand National; and Lorcan Williams for his success in the Midlands Grand National on Truckers Lodge.

Evan Williams and David Evans were the clear winners of the National Hunt and Flat Trainer of the Year awards sponsored by Gain Equine Nutrition, both in terms of numbers of wins on the track and prize money. Special recognition awards were made to Christian Williams for Potters Corner’s Coral Welsh Grand National victory, Rebecca Curtis for Lisnagar Oscar’s Stayers’ Hurdle win at the Cheltenham Festival, and Sheila Lewis for her amazing five consecutive winners this autumn, including a treble at Hereford, from a yard with just six horses currently in training.

The exploits of the modestly-bred Pyledriver have been highlights of the 2020 flat season winning the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Great Voltigeur at York before finishing a close third in the St Leger. Two of his three owners (La Pyle Partnership), Guy and Huw Leach, hail from Cardiff and they are deserving winners of the Flat Owner of the Year award sponsored by the ROA. Equally outstanding for the National Hunt Owners’ award are All Stars Sports Racing and Jonathan Davies, the group of Welshmen who own the Coral Welsh Grand National winner Potters Corner – the first winner of the race owned and trained in Wales since 1965 – and Limited Reserve, who took a valuable Grade 3 handicap at Sandown.

award sponsored by NAF.

For the reasons described above, the Horse of the Year awards go to Pyledriver as the leading flat horse; Lisnagar Oscar as the top hurdler; and Potters Corner as the champion steeplechaser. The flat and hurdler awards are sponsored by Peter Villars Sports Ground Maintenance, ICL and Floyds Turfcare – with the chaser

The Lifetime Achievement award, sponsored by Dragon Studios, was unanimously given to Brian Lee, the popular journalist and author who has written passionately about Welsh racing for over fifty years and is still writing for the local newspapers at the age of 84. His books The Welsh Grand National and Racing Rogues: The Scams, Scandals and Gambles of Horse Racing in Wales are musts for anyone interested in the sport.

The Breeder of the Year award goes to Usk Valley Stud, Sue Mercer and her husband Kevin owned the stud until his death in 2017. That was the year Pyledriver was foaled there, as was Baron Samedi, trained in Ireland by Joseph O’Brien. This colt won five races in a row this year, starting with a handicap mark of 65 and culminating in a Group 2 success at Longchamp. This award was sponsored by the Thoroughbred Breeders Association.

Charlie Price is the winner of the Rising Star award sponsored by Great British Racing.

The young conditional jockey is attached to Tim Vaughan’s yard. He didn’t sit on a horse until he was 15, but quickly made up for lost time by becoming the Arab racing novice champion rider before turning to riding over jumps. 13 winners have come in the last year, during which he won the BHA’s Racing Excellence Conditional Training Series award. The panel also recognised the progress made by another young rider, Isabel Williams, notably her recent four-timer aboard Memphis Bell.

The Stable Staff Recognition Award, sponsored by the Arena Racing Company, went to 18-year-old Katie Powell who works for trainer Sheila Lewis. The yard has had nine wins so far this season from six horses in training and Katie schools them all as well as breaking in the younger horses.

She also has an amateur’s licence and won on her first ever ride in a hurdle race at Exeter in October aboard Knight Commander. A few days later she rode Stupid Cupid to victory over fences at Ludlow.

IN MEMORY OF KIM GINGELL Coral and Chepstow Racecourse are honoured that the Coral Welsh Grand National will be run in memory of the late Kim Gingell with the blessing of the Tizzard family.

Kim Gingell, the daughter of Colin and Pauline Tizzard, and sister of Joe Tizzard, tragically lost a short battle with cancer in May this year, leaving a husband David, and son, Freddie.

This year’s race has been officially changed by the BHA to “The Coral Welsh Grand National (run in memory of Kim Gingell)” The Coral Welsh Grand National is a race that the Tizzard team have enjoyed great recent success in winning with Native River in 2016 and Elegant Escape in 2018.

Colin Tizzard said “It’s lovely that Coral and Chepstow are running the race in Kim’s memory. We’ve had some fantastic days at Chepstow on Welsh National day with Kim, and it is a very fitting way to remember her.”

Simon Clare, speaking on behalf of Coral, said “We were really keen to find an appropriate way to remember Kim, who we miss so terribly, and who played such a huge part in making our Coral relationship with the Tizzard team such a personal and successful partnership.”

“Kim’s incredible work ethic behind the scenes, was only matched by her love of celebrating the team’s successes, and the memory of her leading the singing at Chepstow with owner John Romans after Elegant Escape had won the 2018 Welsh Grand National will stay with us forever. We therefore couldn’t think of anything more fitting than to run this year’s Coral Welsh Grand National in memory of Kim, and are very grateful to the Tizzard family for giving us their blessing to do so.”

Phil Bell, Chepstow’s Executive Director, said: “We are honoured that this year’s Coral Welsh Grand National is being run in memory of Kim. The Tizzards are great friends of Chepstow and we know it is Colin’s favourite course. It is a really fitting tribute to have Kim’s name associated with the biggest race in our calendar

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Fourth Race 1.25

2m 11y

THE CORAL FINALE JUVENILE HURDLE RACE (Grade 1) (GBB RACE) (Class 1) for juvenile four yrs old

Total race value £50000

Owners Prize Money. Winner £21790; Second £8945; Third £4475; Fourth £2235; Fifth £1120; Sixth £560. (Penalty Value £28475) For conditions of this race see page 50

No Horse

1 ADAGIO (GER) (28)

st

lb

11 0

B g Wiener Walzer (GER) - Aspidistra (GER) (Hernando (FR)) Owner: Bryan Drew and Friends / Prof. C.Tisdall Colours: ORANGE, DARK BLUE star, Trainer: David Pipe, Wellington ORANGE sleeves, DARK BLUE stars, Breeder: Gestut Schlenderhan DARK BLUE cap.

Sponsor: W & S Recycling Form: 121 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Won juveniles at Warwick and Cheltenham since joining this yard and second in Grade 2 at Cheltenham in between. Likely to be competitive again.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 136

2 BANNISTER (FR) (84)

4

Tom Scudamore

11 0

Gr g Olympic Glory (IRE) - Amou Daria (FR) (Kendor (FR)) Owner: Crossed Fingers Partnership Colours: LIGHT BLUE, ROYAL BLUE star, Trainer: Tom George, Slad WHITE and ROYAL BLUE check sleeves and cap.

Breeder: Oceanic Bloodstock & Eric Puerari Form: 25125 D Sponsor: Hba Media TIMEFORM VIEW Off the mark over hurdles with wide-margin Southwell win in September and better form in defeat in France. Free-going front-runner so these conditions could find him out. Also engaged 12.05 Kempton.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 132

3 ELHAM VALLEY (FR) (35)

Adam Wedge

11 0

Gr g Tin Horse (IRE) - Dame du Floc (IRE) (Peintre Celebre (USA)) Owner: Caveat Emptor Partnership Colours: PINK, DARK BLUE stars, PINK cap.

Trainer: Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham Form: 1 D Breeder: Mme Sarah Lhermite Sponsor: Dunraven Group of Companies TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful on Flat (stays 1 3/4m) and made that experience count when making a successful hurdles debut at Sandown 5 weeks ago. Good platform to build on.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating -

4 HOUX GRIS (FR) (79)

Paddy Brennan

11 0

Gr g Gris de Gris (IRE) - Qarera (FR) (Network (GER)) Owner: M.Booth, R.Evans & Sullivan Bloodstock Colours: WHITE, DARK GREEN stars.

Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Form: 1231 Breeder: E.A.R.L. Trinquet, M. & O. Trinquet Sponsor: Morson Group

TIMEFORM VIEW Bumper/hurdle winner in France who was bought for €200,000 in November and has joined a top yard enjoying another excellent season. Likely a major player.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating -

5 MR SHADY (IRE) (45)

Sean Bowen

11 0

Gr g Elzaam (AUS) - Whitershadeofpale (IRE) (Definite Article) Owner: Enterprising Trio & Sara Moore Colours: PINK, ROYAL BLUE star, PINK sleeves, Trainer: J. S. Moore, Upper Lambourn ROYAL BLUE stars, ROYAL BLUE cap.

Breeder: Mr Robert Powell Form: 42

TIMEFORM VIEW Fair Flat winner. Ran to a similar level when second in 2m Wetherby juvenile last month but likely biting off more than he can chew in this company.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 117

26

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Ryan Mania

6 NASSALAM (FR) (32)

11 0

Ch g Dream Well (FR) - Ramina (GER) (Shirocco (GER)) Owner: Mr John Stone Colours: WHITE, DARK GREEN hoops, Gary Moore, Horsham Trainer: WHITE sleeves and cap.

Breeder: S.A.R.L. Genetique Obstacle Form: 211 Sponsor: K M Elite Products Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW French recruit who has looked potentially very smart when wide-margin winner of 2 juveniles in the mud at Fontwell for new yard. Can take the step up in class in his stride.

Star RatingHHHHH Official BHA Rating 140

7 PYRAMID PLACE (IRE) (59) B g Authorized (IRE) - Attima (Zafonic (USA)) Owner: M. F. Harris Trainer: Milton Harris, Warminster Breeder: Kingsley Park Ltd

Jamie Moore

11 0

Colours: ORANGE, DARK BLUE epaulets, DARK BLUE and ORANGE halved sleeves, ORANGE cap, DARK BLUE diamond.

Form: 21

TIMEFORM VIEW Fair maiden on AW for John Gosden. Close second on hurdle debut and didn’t have to reproduce that form when going one better at Bangor (heavy) in November. Lot more needed up significantly in class.

Star RatingHIIII Official BHA Rating 104

8 YGGDRASIL (FR) (35)

Mitchell Bastyan

11 0

B g Kapgarde (FR) - Margerie (FR) (Le Balafre (FR)) Owner: John White & Anne Underhill Colours: MAROON and YELLOW diamonds, Trainer: Nick Williams, South Molton halved sleeves, YELLOW cap.

Breeder: Mr Louis Fagalde Form: 3 Sponsor: Tote TIMEFORM VIEW Half-brother to connections’ smart chaser Siruh du Lac. 16/1, promising start when 6 lengths third to Elham Valley at Sandown (2m, heavy) 5 weeks ago. Likely to improve.Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating -

Gavin Sheehan

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 8 (EXACTA) Hood worn by No. 7. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 5. Running for the first time since Gelding No. 4.

The Result 1st ........................................................................................

2nd

........................................................................................................

3rd ........................................................................................

4th

........................................................................................................

Distances ..................................../ ..........................................

Time ........................................................................................................

LAST YEARS WINNER ALLMANKIND Age: 3 Weight:

4

11 0 Harry Skelton 6-5 (Dan Skelton) 8 ran

PLAY SMARTER Betting Forecast: 11-10 Nassalam (FR), 11-4 Houx Gris (FR), 13-2 Adagio (GER), 12-1 Elham Valley (FR), 25-1 Yggdrasil (FR), 33-1 Bannister (FR), 100-1 Mr Shady (IRE), Pyramid Place (IRE) Race Summary: Gary Moore could have found another smart juvenile in NASSALAM and he’s selected to make it 3-3 in Britain. Paul Nicholls has won this twice in recent years and his French recruit Houx Gris looks the chief threat ahead of David Pipe’s Adagio.

1-2-3: 1.NASSALAM (FR) 2.HOUX GRIS (FR) 3.ADAGIO (GER)

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27

MARTIN PIPE

Legendary trainer Martin Pipe dominated the Coral Welsh Grand National in the late 1980s and early 1990s when he won it ďŹ ve times!

Bonanza Boy won in 1988 and 1989 under Peter Scudamore who also rode the impressive Carvill’s Hill in 1991. Mark Perrett was the successful rider aboard Run For Free in 1992 and Riverside Boy took the 1993 renewal for jockey Richard Dunwoody.

THECORALWELSHNATIONAL

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Fifth Race 1.58

2m 7f 131y

THE CORAL SUPPORTING PROSTATE CANCER NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (GBB RACE) (Class 3) for novice five yrs old and upwards

Total race value £12200

Owners Prize Money. Winner £5349; Second £1772; Third £886; Fourth £442; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280. (Penalty Value £7017.84) For conditions of this race see page 50

No Horse

Age

1 THE WOLF (FR) (48)

st

lb

7 11 8

Ch g Kapgarde (FR) - Ges (FR) (Hours After (USA)) Owner: McNeill Family and Prodec Networks Ltd Colours: LIGHT BLUE, Trainer: Olly Murphy, Wilmcote PURPLE star and star on cap.

Breeder: Mme Olivia Goupil Form: 210-215 CD Sponsor: Ultima Business Solutions

TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful hurdler who jumped soundly when making a winning start over fences over C&D in October. Didn’t jump so well when only fifth of 7 in 3m Exeter novice 48 days ago. Needs to bounce back. STEWARDS NOTE: Following its run on 22/11/2020 it was reported that the horse sustained a wounded right hind.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 144

2 HIGHLAND HUNTER (IRE) (49)

A. P. Heskin

8 10 13

Gr g Subtle Power (IRE) - Loughine Sparkle (IRE) (Beneficial) Owner: Mr T. Barr Colours: LIGHT BLUE, ROYAL BLUE hoop, Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat armlets and cap.

Breeder: Mr A. O’Driscoll Form: 35/01-23 D Sponsor: Morson Group TIMEFORM VIEW Has registered a couple of good placed efforts in 3m handicap hurdles on heavy ground this term. This point winner appeals as the type to do at least as well over fences.

Lorcan Williams (3) Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 135

3 ASK ME EARLY (IRE) (35)

Gr g Ask - Cotton Ali (IRE) (Ala Hounak) Owner: The Dare Family Trainer: Harry Fry, Seaborough Breeder: Barry Lynch Sponsor: Citipost, Citipost

5

7 10 6 Colours: MAROON, WHITE hollow box, halved sleeves, quartered cap.

Form: 313-31 CD

TIMEFORM VIEW Winning pointer who duly stepped up on the form of his 2 runs over hurdles when making successful start to his chase career over C&D 35 days ago. Surely has more to offer for very much in-form yard.

Star RatingHHHHH Official BHA Rating 128

4 GOOD AND HARDY (IRE) (35)

Sean Bowen

8 10 5

B g Westerner - Kilganey Maid (IRE) (Rudimentary (USA)) Owner: The Groovy Gang Colours: WHITE and BLACK stripes, Trainer: Fergal O’Brien, Cheltenham BLACK sleeves, ORANGE stars, Breeder: Seamus Cooney ORANGE cap, BLACK star.

Dunraven Group of Companies Sponsor: Form: 1124P-4 CD

TIMEFORM VIEW Dual winning 3m hurdler last season and showed an aptitude for chasing when 8 1/4 lengths fourth to Ask Me Early on C&D reappearance. Open to progress.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 127

5 GOLDEN SOVEREIGN (IRE) (76)

Paddy Brennan

7 10 3

B g Gold Well - Fugal Maid (IRE) (Winged Love (IRE)) Owner: Mr Liam Quinn Colours: BLUE, YELLOW sleeves, Trainer: Philip Hobbs, Minehead RED, BLUE and YELLOW quartered cap.

Breeder: R. McCarthy Form: 4/2011-P Sponsor: Philip Hobbs Racing TIMEFORM VIEW Ended last season with wins over hurdles at Uttoxeter (maiden) and Warwick (handicap).

Pulled up on Aintree chase debut/reappearance in October but surely better than that.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 125

30

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Tom O’Brien

6 HOLD THAT TAUGHT (GB) (49)

6 10 3

B g Kayf Tara - Belle Magello (FR) (Exit To Nowhere (USA)) Owner: Mr P. Davies Colours: DARK BLUE, BROWN chevrons, Venetia Williams, Hereford Trainer: DARK BLUE sleeves and cap.

Breeder: R. D. Chugg & Rahinston Farm Form: 1/155-23 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Novice hurdle winner in the mud last term who has posted 2 good efforts in novice handicap chases this time round. Likely to be in the shake-up.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 123

7 CORINTO (IRE) (39)

Charlie Deutsch

8 10 3

Br g Flemensfirth (USA) - Fashion Target (IRE) (Broken Hearted) Owner: Mrs Diana L. Whateley Colours: DARK BLUE, LIGHT BLUE hoop, Trainer: Olly Murphy, Wilmcote checked sleeves and cap.

Breeder: Mrs Deborah Hobson Form: 53413/-1 Sponsor: Cedar Invest Limited

ER NN U -R ON N TIMEFORM VIEW Returned from a long absence to win 19.5f Lingfield handicap hurdle last month. Proven around

3m and certainly bred to make a chaser.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 122

8 NIKAP (FR) (29)

7 10 3

B m Kapgarde (FR) - Nika Glitters (FR) (Nikos) Owner: Kapinhand Colours: ROYAL BLUE, YELLOW chevron, Trainer: Nigel Hawke, Tiverton diabolo on sleeves and star on cap.

Breeder: Haras de La Rousseliere & Mr D. McMillan Form: 503-323 Junction 24 Ltd Sponsor: TIMEFORM VIEW Fair 2m hurdle winner who has quickly bettered that form over fences, including creditable third in 20.5f Cheltenham mares’ handicap last month. Up in trip.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 120

David Noonan

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 8 (EXACTA) Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 4.

The Result 1st ........................................................................................

2nd

........................................................................................................

3rd ........................................................................................

4th

........................................................................................................

Distances ..................................../ ..........................................

Time ........................................................................................................

LAST YEARS WINNER DOMINATEUR (FR) Age: 6 Weight:

11 8 Richie McLernon 11-4 (Oliver Sherwood) 6 ran

5 PLAY SMARTER Betting Forecast: 11-4 Ask Me Early (IRE), 9-2 Highland Hunter (IRE), 13-2 Hold That Taught (GB), 8-1 The Wolf (FR), Good And Hardy (IRE), 14-1 Golden Sovereign (IRE), Nikap (FR) Race Summary: A good novice handicap which can go the way of ASK ME EARLY who had the reopposing Good And Hardy behind in fourth when making a successful start to his chase career over C&D 5 weeks ago and can make light of a 6lb rise with further progress very much on the cards. Hold That Taught could be the one to give him most to do. Highland Hunter is also an interesting recruit to the chasing ranks.

1-2-3: 1.ASK ME EARLY (IRE) 2.HOLD THAT TAUGHT 3.HIGHLAND HUNTER (IRE)

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31

BONANZA BOY One of the most famous horses associated with the Coral Welsh Grand National is Bonanza Boy, winner of the race in 1988 and 1989.

Trained by Martin Pipe – who we were thrilled to welcome back to Chepstow Racecourse for our Coral Welsh Grand National launch event earlier this month (read more on pages 48 and 49) – Bonanza Boy ran the big race five times in total.

It takes a very special horse to win this prestigious Welsh race two years in a row.

In 1988, a 7-year-old Bonanza Boy carried 11st 10lb in the Welsh National and saw off Run And Skip by 12 lengths, with 1987 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero The Thinker another 25 lengths back in third. A year later he defied 11st 11lb to come home 15 lengths clear of subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Cool Ground. He ran in the Welsh National 5 times in total, pulled up once and finishing 4th twice.

A successful career also saw Bonanza Boy take the 1989 Racing Post Chase at Kempton Park and the 1991 Midlands National at Uttoxeter. He was also fourth to Desert Orchid in the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and enjoyed a long and a happy retirement, passing away at the age of 30 in 2011.

Bonanza Boy’s first Welsh National victory was the beginning of a Welsh National domination by Martin Pipe.

Pipe took the race 5 times in 6 years, also scoring with Carvill’s Hill in 1991, Run For Free in 1992 and Riverside Boy in 1993. In 1992 he trained the first four, Run For Free was followed home by Riverside Boy, subsequent Aintree Grand National winner Miinnehoma and good old Bonanza Boy. It was a rare feat for Bonanza Boy to win two Welsh Nationals. Others to match his achievement were Limonali who was triumphant in both 1959 and 1961 and more recently Mountainous who took the Welsh feature in 2013 for Richard Lee and in 2015 for Richard’s daughter Kerry Lee. Bonanza Boy is remembered by his owners George and Angie Malde in an unusual way - they have set up the Cornish Rock Gin distillery, and as per the Gin Act, where a still must be named, have named theirs after their favourite horse Bonanza Boy!

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Sixth Race 2.30

2m 11y

THE CORAL “FAIL TO FINISH” FREE BETS NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (GBB RACE) (Class 4) for novice five yrs old and upwards

Total race value £5800

Owners Prize Money. Winner £2872; Second £951; Third £476; Fourth £237.

(Penalty Value £3768.84) For conditions of this race see page 50

No Horse

1 WITNESS PROTECTION (IRE) (35)

Age

st

lb

8 11 5

B g Witness Box (USA) - Queen’s Exit (Exit To Nowhere (USA)) Owner: FOXTROT RACING WITNESS Colours: LIGHT BLUE, WHITE epaulets, PROTECTION halved sleeves, RED cap.

Trainer: Martin Keighley, Cheltenham Form: 1/342-12 BF Breeder: Mr & Mrs James Hannon Sponsor: Foxtrot Racing Syndicates TIMEFORM VIEW Promise in bumpers and improved plenty from hurdling debut 13 months on when off the mark in style at Stratford. Good second under a penalty at Wetherby and boasts leading claims in this.

Star RatingHHHHH Official BHA Rating 129

2 BRAVE GOZZY (BEL) (27)

James Best

5 10 12

B g Brave Mansonnien (FR) - God’s Rescape (FR) (American Post) Owner: Kate & Andrew Brooks Colours: LIGHT BLUE, RED braces, Trainer: Olly Murphy, Wilmcote WHITE sleeves, RED armlets, WHITE cap.

Breeder: Mr Stoffel Bernard Form: 0F Sponsor: Mccoy Contractors TIMEFORM VIEW Brave Mansonnien gelding who looks more one for the longer term based on his first two goes over hurdles.

Star RatingHIIII Official BHA Rating -

3 CAN YOU CALL (GB) (35)

A. P. Heskin

6 10 12

B g Passing Glance - Call Me A Legend (Midnight Legend) Owner: Mr & Mrs William Rucker Colours: ROYAL BLUE, PINK hoop.

Trainer: Evan Williams, Llancarfan Form: 40-14 D Breeder: Pitchall Stud

TIMEFORM VIEW Fair form in bumpers for Andrew Martin, improving to win at Uttoxeter on return. Showed aptitude for hurdling on debut for new stable when fourth in novice at this course 35 days ago. Should improve.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating -

4 EASY AS THAT (IRE) (59)

6

Adam Wedge

6 10 12

B g Sans Frontieres (IRE) - Bell Storm (IRE) (Glacial Storm (USA)) Owner: Kate & Andrew Brooks Colours: LIGHT BLUE, RED braces, Trainer: Venetia Williams, Hereford WHITE sleeves, RED armlets, Breeder: The Beeches & Grange Stud LIGHT BLUE and RED quartered cap.

Sponsor: Form: 11-2 D BF Faucets Limited

TIMEFORM VIEW Bred to be smart and very was impressive when landing a couple of bumpers last season.

Only second of 4 in novice at Bangor on hurdling debut but entitled to do better 2 months on.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating -

5 GASTARA (GB) (50)

Gavin Sheehan

6 10 12 R Colours:E MAROON, YELLOW star, armlets and star on cap.

NN2/000-06 Form: U R NNO

B g Kayf Tara - Gaspaisie (FR) (Beyssac (FR)) Owner: Ms Gilly Metherell Trainer: Johnny Farrelly, Midford Breeder: Cotley Hill Stud

TIMEFORM VIEW NON RUNNER. STEWARDS NOTE: Following its run on 20/11/2020 it was reported that the horse hung left handed.

Star RatingIIIII Official BHA Rating -

34

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Non Runner

6 IMPERIAL ESPRIT (IRE) (390)

7 10 12

B g Scorpion (IRE) - Shesourpresent (IRE) (Presenting) Owner: Imperial Racing Partnership 2016 Colours: BLACK, WHITE stars, striped sleeves, Harry Fry, Seaborough Trainer: BLACK cap.

Breeder: P. Molloy Form: 25/PSponsor: Citipost TIMEFORM VIEW Broke blood vessel when pulled up in novice hurdle (6/4) at Plumpton (20.5f, soft) on hurdles bow, dropping away quickly. In excellent hands but returns after 13 months off with bit to prove now. STEWARDS NOTE: Following its run on 16/12/2019 it was reported that the horse was found to have bled.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating -

7 NEON MOON (IRE) (46)

Paddy Brennan

5 10 12

B g No Risk At All (FR) - Hidden Horizons (IRE) (Winged Love (IRE)) Owner: Brocade Racing Colours: RED and PURPLE (quartered), Trainer: David Pipe, Wellington YELLOW sleeves, RED cap.

Breeder: Mr C. McDonnell Form: P-14 Sponsor: W & S Recycling

TIMEFORM VIEW Point winner who offered something to work on when fourth in a bumper at Southwell and should benefit from a switch to jumping at a stiff track.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating -

8 PADDY’S RETURN (IRE) (-)

Tom Scudamore

5 10 12

B g Ocovango - Witneses Daughter (IRE) (Witness Box (USA)) Owner: Miss Jayne Brace & Mr Gwyn Brace Colours: RED, YELLOW diamond, RED sleeves, Trainer: Peter Bowen, Haverfordwest YELLOW spots, RED cap, YELLOW diamond.

Breeder: J. Lavan & G. Phelan Form: Sponsor: Peter and Karen Bowen Racing TIMEFORM VIEW Ocovango gelding. Half-brother to fair hurdler Detatched, stays 21f. Wears hood. Liable to need more time.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating -

9 REVELS HILL (IRE) (41)

Tom O’Brien

6 10 12

B g Mahler - Chlolo Supreme (IRE) (Supreme Leader) Owner: Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates-Revels Hil Colours: RED, WHITE chevron, Trainer: Harry Fry, Seaborough ROYAL BLUE sleeves, YELLOW stars, Breeder: Mrs Kay Cottrell WHITE cap.

Sponsor: Citipost Form: U1-6

TIMEFORM VIEW Point winner who made promising hurdling bow when sixth of 12 in novice at Leicester (20.5f, soft) 33 days ago. Open to improvement, so he’s one to consider.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating -

10 SHELDON (IRE) (33)

Sean Bowen

5 10 12

Ch g Shantou (USA) - Feabhra (IRE) (Beneficial) Owner: Andrew Cocks And Tara Johnson Colours: MAUVE, DARK BLUE epaulets, Trainer: Seamus Mullins, Amesbury hooped sleeves.

Breeder: E. Phelan Form: 34-4 Sponsor: We Do Vans TIMEFORM VIEW Fair form when in the frame all 3 starts and did shape better than previously after 10 months off at Plumpton last month. Makes hurdles debut and one to note if the market speaks in his favour.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating -

Kevin Jones (3)

11 THUNDERSOCKSSUNDAE (IRE) (24)6 10 12 B g Yeats (IRE) - Roseabel (IRE) (Roselier (FR)) Owner: 4 Left Footers & A Blewnose Trainer: Graeme McPherson, Stow-On-The-Wold Breeder: Ian Williams Sponsor: Longcroft Building Services Ltd

6

Colours: EMERALD GREEN, WHITE hoops, EMERALD GREEN sleeves, WHITE stars, EMERALD GREEN cap.

Form: 200

TIMEFORM VIEW Produced a promising first effort when second in a Ffos Las bumper in October. Yet to show much over hurdles, though.

Star RatingHIIII Official BHA Rating -

12 VALENTINE’S TURF (FR) (47)

Kielan Woods

6 10 12

B g Konig Turf (GER) - Polish Nana (FR) (Polish Summer) Owner: Mr D. A. Smerdon Colours: MAROON, BLACK chevron and armlets.

Trainer: Bernard Llewellyn, Bargoed Form: P-0 Breeder: Mr Alain Trepeu & Mlle Laly Trepeu

TIMEFORM VIEW Pulled up in Hereford novice hurdle for Christian Williams last November and didn’t fare much better on return/debut for new yard at Ludlow 47 days ago.

Star RatingHIIII Official BHA Rating - Robert Williams (3)

35

13 WHATYA ON ABOUT (GB) (-)

6 10 12

B g Schiaparelli (GER) - Grace Dieu (Commanche Run) Owner: Ready Steady Go Colours: MAROON, MAROON and LIGHT BLUE Trainer: Olly Murphy, Wilmcote check sleeves and cap.

Andrew and Mrs S. R. B. Davis Breeder: Form: Sponsor: Mccoy Contractors TIMEFORM VIEW €25,000 3-y-o, Schiaparelli gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler Cannon Fodder.

Dam temperamental maiden in bumpers/over hurdles.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating -

David England

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 13 (EXACTA) Hood worn first time by No. 8. Running for the first time since Gelding No. 8, 13.

The Result 1st ........................................................................................

2nd

........................................................................................................

3rd ........................................................................................

4th

........................................................................................................

Distances ..................................../ ..........................................

Time ........................................................................................................

NO CORRESPONDING RACE LAST YEAR

PLAY SMARTER Betting Forecast: 5-2 Witness Protection (IRE), 11-2 Easy As That (IRE), 6-1 Can You Call (GB), 13-2 Revels Hill (IRE), 12-1 Neon Moon (IRE), 14-1 Sheldon (IRE), 16-1 Whatya On About (GB), 18-1 Imperial Esprit (IRE), 40-1 Paddy’s Return (IRE), 50-1 Thundersockssundae (IRE), 100-1 Brave Gozzy (BEL), 300-1 Valentine’s Turf (FR) Race Summary: After a ready success at Stratford, WITNESS PROTECTION went down narrowly to a gutsy sort at Wetherby last time and, with the drop in trip unlikely to pose too many problems, he’s fancied to get back to winning ways. Point winner Revels Hill should strip fitter for his hurdling debut, so he’s regarded as a danger along with Can You Call.

1-2-3: 1.WITNESS PROTECTION (IRE) 2.REVELS HILL (IRE) 3.CAN YOU CALL

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THE HISTORY OF THE CORAL WELSH GRAND NATIONAL

Burrough Hill Lad

Bindaree The Coral Welsh Grand National is firmly established as one of the top staying chases of the whole jumps season. It is one of the longest races in the calendar, run last year for the first time over three miles and six and a half furlongs.

This is one furlong further than previous years in order for one fence to be jumped before the field heads to the stable yard bend for the first time. The amendment has been made in the interest of safety. There are 22 fences to be jumped.

The race is usually run on soft or heavy going, so stamina

Corbiere

Silver Birch and bravery is essential. Apart from the spectacle of the race itself, which can have up to twenty runners, its record shows its value as a stepping-stone to future Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup success.

Corbiere (1982), Earth Summit (1997) Bindaree (2003) and Silver Birch (2004) won the Coral Welsh Grand National before achieving victory at Aintree. Burrough Hill Lad (1983), Synchronised (2010) and Native River (2016) won it before going on to triumph at Cheltenham.

By winning the Welsh National A P McCoy, the most successful jump jockey in history, and winner of the

2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, completed a full set of Nationals (English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh).

Some trainers do particularly well – the now-retired Martin Pipe won the race five times, and Jenny Pitman three. In more recent times Richard Lee, Venetia Williams, Nigel Twiston-Davies, Jonjo O’Neill, Paul Nicholls and Colin Tizzard have won it twice.

The race also creates plenty of emotive stories – none more so that the victory of Dream Alliance ten years ago for trainer Philip Hobbs and jockey Tom O’Brien.

The gelding’s owners The Alliance Partnership had reared the horse on an allotment near Blackwood in the Welsh Valleys. This rags to riches story has now been turned into a Warner Bros film starring Damian Lewis due to be released next year.

In 2017, Welsh jockey James Bowen, then just 16, won the race on the Irish trained Raz de Maree who was only three years younger than him! In 2018, jockey Tom

O’Brien registered his second victory in the race when Elegant Escape won for trainer Colin Tizzard and the 2019 renewal went to Potters Corner (see page 16).

The Welsh National was first run in 1895 at Ely, on the outskirts of Cardiff. That was the venue until 1939, when World War II intervened. Racing never resumed at Ely and after the Welsh National was revived at Caerleon in 1948, that course closed down too. Chepstow took over the race in 1949. The first ever Welsh National here was won by Welshman Dick Francis on Fighting Line. He won again on Crudwell in 1956, the year of Devon Loch’s National, when that horse mysteriously fell fifty yards before the winning post with the race at his mercy. Francis later achieved even greater fame for his best-selling novels set in the world of racing.

The Welsh National has a long and successful association with Coral Bookmakers (now Ladbrokes Coral). Its name was added to the race in 1972 and it is now the second longest running sponsorship in the history of British jump racing.

Synchronised

Elegant Escape

James Bowen

Martin Pipe

LAST 20 YEARS CORAL WELSH GRAND NATIONAL WINNERS YEAR

WINNER

OWNER

TRAINER

JOCKEY

2019

Potters Corner

All Stars Sports Racing & J Davies

Christian Williams

2018

Elegant Escape

Mr J. P. Romans

Colin Tizzard

2017

Raz De Maree

James J Swan

Gavin Cromwell

2016

Native River

Brocade Racing

Colin Tizzard

2015

Mountainous

Hartley Phillips Roseff Shields

Kerry Lee

2014

Emperor’s Choice

The Bellamy Partnership Venetia Williams

2013

Mountainous

Walters Plant Hire & James & Jean Potter

Richard Lee

Paul Moloney

2012

Monbeg Dude

Oydunow

Michael Scudamore

Paul Carberry

2011

Le Beau Bai

Glass Half Full

Richard Lee

Charlie Poste

2010

Synchronised

Mr J. P. McManus

Jonjo O’Neill

2009

Dream Alliance

The Alliance Partnership P. J. Hobbs

2008

Notre Pere

Mrs P. J. Conway

J. T. R. Dreaper

2007

Miko de Beauchene

Andrew Wiles

R. H. Alner

2006

Halcon Genelardais

Ian Payne & Kim Franklin

A. King

2005

L’Aventure

C. J. Harriman

P. F. Nicholls

Leighton Aspell

2004

Silver Birch

D. J. Nichols

P. F. Nicholls

R. Walsh

2003

Bindaree

H. R. Mould

N. Twiston-Davies

2002

Mini Sensation

Mr J. P. McManus

Jonjo O’Neill

2001

Supreme Glory

C. J. L. Moorsom

P. Murphy

2000

Jocks Cross

Mrs G. Harrison

Venetia Williams

1999

Edmond

Lady Knutsford

H. Daly

Jack Tudor Tom O’Brien James Bowen Richard Johnson Jamie Moore Aidan Coleman

A. P. McCoy Tom O’Brien A. E. Lynch Andrew Thornton Wayne Hutchinson

C. Llewellyn A. Dobbin L. Aspell B. J. Crowley R. Johnson

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Seventh Race 3.10

3m 6f 130y

THE CORAL WELSH GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (Grade 3) (Run in memory of Kim Gingell) (GBB RACE) (Class 1) for five yrs old and upwards

Total race value £150000

Owners Prize Money. Winner £65370; Second £26835; Third £13425; Fourth £6705; Fifth £3360; Sixth £1680. (Penalty Value £85425) For conditions of this race see page 50

No Horse

Age

1 YALA ENKI (FR) (35)

st

lb

11 11 12

B or Br g Nickname (FR) - Cadiane (FR) (Cadoudal (FR)) Owner: Hills of Ledbury Ltd Colours: YELLOW, ROYAL BLUE spots.

Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Form: 0313-2F Breeder: Esteve Rouchvarger et al Sponsor: Morson Group

TIMEFORM VIEW Placed in the last 2 runnings of this. Good second on reappearance at Cheltenham and ought to be in the mix if none the worse for an early fall in the Becher at Aintree.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 159

2 TRUCKERS LODGE (IRE) (77) B g Westerner - Galeacord (IRE) (Accordion) Owner: Gordon & Su Hall Trainer: Paul Nicholls, Ditcheat Breeder: Mrs Ann Hogan Sponsor: Morson Group

Bryony Frost

9 11 8

Colours: EMERALD GREEN, ROYAL BLUE spots, halved sleeves, EMERALD GREEN cap.

Form: 24121-U C

TIMEFORM VIEW Runner-up in this last year before going one better in Midlands National in March. Went up 14lb for that but didn’t get the chance to show what he could do from new mark on reappearance (unseated).

Lorcan Williams (3) Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 155

3 RAMSES DE TEILLEE (FR) (35)

9 11 6

Gr g Martaline - Princesse d’Orton (FR) (Saint Cyrien (FR)) Owner: John White & Anne Underhill Colours: MAROON and YELLOW diamonds, Trainer: David Pipe, Wellington halved sleeves, YELLOW cap.

Breeder: S.A.S. Brosseau et Fils & C. Brosseau Form: 110-510 C Sponsor: W & S Recycling TIMEFORMVIEW Enhanced good strike rate and better than ever in process when narrowly seeing off Yala Enki at Cheltenham in November. Probably worth forgiving a lesser run over National fences since. STEWARDS NOTE: Following its run on 5/12/2020 it was reported that the trainer could not explain the poor run.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 153

4 LORD DU MESNIL (FR) (35)

Tom Scudamore

8 11 5

B g Saint des Saints (FR) - Ladies Choice (FR) (Turgeon (USA)) Owner: Mr Paul Porter & Mike & Mandy Smith Colours: PURPLE, YELLOW triple diamond, Trainer: Richard Hobson, Little Rissington diamonds on sleeves, PURPLE cap, Breeder: Mme Henri Devin YELLOW diamond.

Sponsor: R H Bloodstock Form: 1122-40

7

TIMEFORM VIEW Progressive stayer last term. Beaten favourite in Kelso hurdle on return and midfield over 21f at Aintree (National fences) since. This trip more suitable but hard to be sure what form he’s in.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 152 (-2)

5 CLOUDY GLEN (IRE) (35)

Paul O’Brien (3)

8 10 12

B g Cloudings (IRE) - Ribble (IRE) (Supreme Leader) Owner: Mr Trevor Hemmings Colours: EMERALD GREEN and YELLOW Trainer: Venetia Williams, Hereford (quartered), WHITE sleeves and cap.

Breeder: Gleadhill House Stud Ltd Form: r2F6-15 C Sponsor: Trust Inns Limited TIMEFORM VIEW Improved when beating Christmas In April in Southern National on Fontwell reappearance but he struggles to string good efforts together and was only fifth at Sandown since.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 145

42

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Charlie Deutsch

6 THE HOLLOW GINGE (IRE) (42)

8 10 11

B g Oscar (IRE) - Some Gem (IRE) (Flemensfirth (USA)) Owner: The Ginge Army Colours: ROYAL BLUE, RED star, Nigel Twiston-Davies, Cheltenham Trainer: diabolo on sleeves and star on cap.

Breeder: Mrs O. O’Leary Lucey Form: 301P-U4 Sponsor: Agetur (UK) Ltd

TIMEFORM VIEW Very useful staying chaser on his day who reacted positively to a first-time visor (retained) when fourth of 18 at Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury 6 weeks ago, staying on to be nearest finish.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 144 (-1)

7 VIEUX LION ROUGE (FR) (35)

Jamie Bargary

12 10 11

Ch g Sabiango (GER) - Indecise (FR) (Cyborg (FR)) (in 4lb ex) Owner: Prof Caroline Tisdall & Mr John Gent Colours: DARK GREEN, RED cross belts, Trainer: David Pipe, Wellington DARK GREEN and BEIGE striped sleeves, Breeder: F. M. Cottin DARK GREEN cap, RED star.

Sponsor: W & S Recycling Form: 1000-51 C TIMEFORM VIEW Added to excellent record over Aintree’s National fences when notching second win in Becher.

Course veterans’ success last winter shows he’s still very capable over regulation fences. 4lb penalty.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 140 (+12)

8 SPRINGFIELD FOX (GB) (35)

8 10 9

Gr g Sagamix (FR) - Marlbrook Fox (Bob Back (USA)) Owner: O’Donohoe, Cavanagh, Robinson, Colours: BROWN, LIGHT BLUE spots, striped Nelson sleeves, LIGHT BLUE cap, BROWN spots.

Trainer: Tom George, Slad Form: 2211U-2 C Breeder: Miss J. C. L. Needham Sponsor: Hba Media TIMEFORM VIEW Unbeaten in points and ready winner of first 2 chases last winter. Unseated in National Hunt Chase final start. Promising second in 3m course hurdle on return. Remains very much unexposed over fences.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 142 (-2)

9 THE TWO AMIGOS (GB) (35) B g Midnight Legend - As Was (Epalo (GER)) Owner: Bradley Partnership Trainer: Nicky Martin, Minehead Breeder: Upton Viva Stud Sponsor: Charles Simpson Organisation Ltd

Sean Bowen

9 10 9

Colours: MAROON, BEIGE star, diabolo on sleeves and star on cap.

Form: 3542-32 D

TIMEFORM VIEW Likeable stayer who built on a good reappearance third when 12 lengths second to Secret Reprieve over 3m here 35 days ago. Goes off the same mark and should give another good account.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 142

10 BIG RIVER (IRE) (55)

B g Milan - Call Kate (IRE) (Lord Americo) Owner: Two Black Labs Trainer: Lucinda Russell, Kinross Breeder: J. R. Curran Sponsor: Ian Macleod & Co Ltd

Conor O’Farrell

Matt Griffiths

11 10 8 Colours: WHITE, BLACK Labrador with RED collar, WHITE sleeves and cap with BLACK paw prints.

Form: 5/PB15-3

TIMEFORM VIEW Wins over fences have come in small fields, latterly at Kelso (3m) in January, but he does have some good efforts to his name in big-field handicaps. Ought to be sharper with reappearance behind him.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 141

11 DOMINATEUR (FR) (62)

Derek Fox

8 10 8

B g Desir d’Un Soir (FR) - Sourya d’Airy (FR) (Sheyrann) Owner: Kate & Andrew Brooks Colours: LIGHT BLUE, RED braces, Trainer: Oliver Sherwood, Upper Lambourn WHITE sleeves, RED armlets, Breeder: Mr Georges Lacombe LIGHT BLUE and RED quartered cap.

Sponsor: Rewards 4 Racing Ltd Form: F1130-3 C

TIMEFORM VIEW Won 2 3m novice handicap chases here last winter. Never a threat in Midlands National final start last term but that’s not to say he can’t make an impact in these races. Reappearance run creditable.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 141

12 CAPTAIN DRAKE (IRE) (35)

B g Getaway (GER) - Julika (GER) (Nebos (GER)) Owner: Gary Stevens and Brian and Sandy Lambert Harry Fry, Seaborough Trainer: Breeder: Gary Hadden Sponsor: Citipost, Citipost

Gavin Sheehan

8 10 7

Colours: ROYAL BLUE, WHITE epaulets, WHITE and ROYAL BLUE halved sleeves, ROYAL BLUE cap, WHITE star.

Form: 1U2-1P5

TIMEFORM VIEW Second in Midlands National in March and won over hurdles on return. Below par back chasing since (well behind some of these here latterly) but yard in very good form at present. Tongue tie added.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 140 (-2)

Bryan Carver (3)

43

7

13 PRIME VENTURE (IRE) (58)

10 10 6

Br g Primary (USA) - Next Venture (IRE) (Zaffaran (USA)) Owner: Mrs Janet Davies Colours: DARK GREEN, Evan Williams, Llancarfan Trainer: DARK GREEN and WHITE diabolo on sleeves.

Breeder: Mrs Mary Doyle Form: 44F2P-1 Sponsor: Prysg Cyf TIMEFORM VIEW Good fourth in this last year off 4lb lower and finally got off the mark over fences in 3-runner Sedgefield novice handicap on reappearance. One of 2 solid contenders for his yard.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 139

14 JOE FARRELL (IRE) (35)

Tom O’Brien

12 10 4

B g Presenting - Luck of The Deise (IRE) (Old Vic) Owner: M Sherwood, N Morris & J Turner Colours: MAROON and WHITE diabolo, Trainer: Rebecca Curtis, Newport WHITE sleeves, quartered cap.

Breeder: Mrs E. A. Pendarves Form: 303-6P6 Sponsor: William Hill TIMEFORM VIEW Won 2018 Scottish National and third to Truckers Lodge in Midlands National in March. Not at this best in 3 outings this term but is well handicapped if staging a revival.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 137 (-2)

15 CHRISTMAS IN APRIL (FR) (55)

James Best

9 10 3

B g Crillon (FR) - Similaresisoldofa (FR) (Kapgarde (FR)) Owner: Swallowfield Racing Colours: YELLOW, RED stripe and sleeves.

Trainer: Colin Tizzard, Sherborne Form: 1131P-2 D BF Breeder: B. Grosfils, A. Ouvry & A. J. Belloir Sponsor: Coral Racing Limited TIMEFORM VIEW Thorough stayer who scored 3 times last season. As good as ever when 13 lengths second to Cloudy Glen in Southern National on return and should relish these conditions. Yard won this twice since 2016.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 136

16 BOBO MAC (IRE) (35)

Brendan Powell

10 10 2

Gr g Whitmore’s Conn (USA) - Blazing Love (IRE) (Fruits of Love (USA)) Owner: C & M Baker, K Ibberson, H Pearman Colours: EMERALD GREEN, BLACK seams, Trainer: Tom Symonds, Hentland hooped sleeves, striped cap.

Breeder: Michael G. Daly Form: 12022-3 Sponsor: Gun Dog Gin Ltd TIMEFORM VIEW Useful chaser who shaped well when third to Secret Reprieve (The Two Amigos second) in 3m course handicap on reappearance 5 weeks ago. Respected with his yard continuing in good form.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 135 (-1)

17 SECRET REPRIEVE (IRE) (35)

A. P. Heskin

7 10 1

B g Flemensfirth (USA) - Oscar’s Reprieve (IRE) (Oscar (IRE)) (in 4lb ex) Owner: Mr & Mrs William Rucker Colours: ROYAL BLUE, PINK hoop.

Trainer: Evan Williams, Llancarfan Form: 5/522-F1 C Breeder: R. McCarthy Sponsor: Tote

TIMEFORM VIEW Low-mileage sort who posted a smart effort when seeing off The Two Amigos by 12 lengths in 3m handicap here (soft) 5 weeks ago. Well treated under 4lb penalty with more to come.

Star RatingHHHHH Official BHA Rating 130 (+12)

18 CALIPSO COLLONGES (FR) (35)

Adam Wedge

9 10 0

B g Crossharbour - Ivresse Collonges (FR) (Video Rock (FR)) Owner: The Black Horse Hotel Bridgnorth Colours: WHITE, BLACK epaulets, Trainer: Olly Murphy, Wilmcote MAROON sleeves.

Breeder: G.A.E.C. Delorme Freres Form: 26/462-4 Sponsor: The Black Horse Hotel Bridgnorth

7

TIMEFORM VIEW Just the one win to his name over the larger obstacles but he did shape as if retaining ability when remote fourth to Vieux Lion Rouge in Becher on return from 12 months off in December.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 130

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 18 (EXACTA) Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 12. Visor worn by No. 6. Tongue Strap worn by No. 3, 4, 7, 10, 18.

Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 2, 4, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16.

44

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Jack Tudor (3)

The Result 1st ........................................................................................

2nd

........................................................................................................

3rd ........................................................................................

4th

........................................................................................................

Distances ..................................../ ..........................................

Time ........................................................................................................

LAST YEARS WINNER POTTERS CORNER (IRE) Age: 9 Weight:

10 4 Jack Tudor 8-1 (Christian Williams) 17 ran

PLAY SMARTER Betting Forecast: 4-1 Secret Reprieve (IRE), 7-1 Springfield Fox (GB), 12-1 The Two Amigos (GB), Christmas In April (FR), 14-1 Yala Enki (FR), 16-1 Truckers Lodge (IRE), Dominateur (FR), 20-1 Ramses de Teillee (FR), Vieux Lion Rouge (FR), Prime Venture (IRE), Bobo Mac (IRE), 22-1 Lord du Mesnil (FR), 28-1 Cloudy Glen (IRE), The Hollow Ginge (IRE), 33-1 Captain Drake (IRE), 40-1 Big River (IRE), 66-1 Joe Farrell (IRE), Calipso Collonges (FR) Race Summary: SECRET REPRIEVE had plenty in hand when seeing off a couple of these rivals over 3m here last month and looks well-in under just a 4lb penalty (new mark 8lb higher). Springfield Fox has a similarly unexposed profile to the selection and looks next best ahead of Yala Enki, who has been placed in the last 2 runnings, and Colin Tizzard’s Christmas In April.

1-2-3: 1.SECRET REPRIEVE (IRE) 2.SPRINGFIELD FOX 3.YALA ENKI (FR)

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Eighth Race 3.50

2m 11y

THE CORAL BEST ODDS GUARANTEED ON RACING MARES’ HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (Class 4) for four yrs old and upwards fillies and mares

Total race value £7273

Owners Prize Money. Winner £2872; Second £951; Third £476; Fourth £296; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280. (Penalty Value £3768.84) For conditions of this race see page 50

No Horse

Age

1 DAME DU SOIR (FR) (27)

st

lb

8 11 12

Br m Axxos (GER) - Kassing (FR) (Passing Sale (FR)) Owner: CWB Plus 1 Partnership Colours: DARK GREEN, LIGHT GREEN cross belts, Trainer: David Bridgwater, Stow-on-the-Wold WHITE sleeves, LIGHT GREEN armlets, Breeder: Jaques Provost LIGHT GREEN and DARK GREEN check cap.

Sponsor: Cwb Form: 13F-UP2 D TIMEFORM VIEW Bumper/hurdles winner who scored over fences a year ago. Low-key start to the campaign, a runner-up effort last month hardly signifying a return to form.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 120

2 WHITEOAK FLEUR (GB) (11)

Brendan Powell

8 11 9

B m Black Sam Bellamy (IRE) - Harringay (Sir Harry Lewis (USA)) Owner: Mr Brendan Richardson Colours: BLACK and WHITE stripes, Trainer: Donald McCain, Cholmondeley YELLOW sleeves, BLACK and Breeder: Mrs R. I. Vaughan YELLOW striped cap.

Sponsor: Proactive Personnel Limited Form: 524-512 BF

TIMEFORM VIEW Finally off the mark in 19.8f Sedgefield handicap hurdle last month, making all. Would have followed up but for several sketchy jumps late on at Kelso and a 4lb rise looks lenient.

Star RatingHHHHH Official BHA Rating 117

3 DOYANNIE (IRE) (30)

Ch m Doyen (IRE) - Annie May (IRE) (Anshan) Owner: Barber, Donlan-Abrahams & Shortland Trainer: Jack R. Barber, Crewkerne Breeder: G. Rossiter & D. Hickey Sponsor: Redlynch Agricultural Engineering Ltd

7 11 1 Colours: YELLOW, BLACK stars on sleeves, YELLOW cap, BLACK star.

Form: 330-405

TIMEFORM VIEW Fair form on second of 3 outings in bumpers last season but strictly below that level over hurdles so far. Unlikely to have shown full hand yet but opening mark is harsh.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 109

4 PONIENTE (GB) (24)

Kielan Woods

James Best

7 10 12

Br m Shirocco (GER) - Tazzarine (FR) (Astarabad (USA)) Owner: Bailey-Carvill Equine Colours: BLACK, WHITE hoops, Trainer: Venetia Williams, Hereford EMERALD GREEN sleeves and cap.

Breeder: R. F. Bailey Form: 2/062-63 Sponsor: Faucets Limited

TIMEFORM VIEW Surpassed bumper form when second of 8 on hurdles bow at Plumpton a year ago. Raced just twice since, settling better in a hood when third at Ludlow last month. Handicap debut.

Star RatingHHHHI Official BHA Rating 106

5 ZERO TO HERO (IRE) (41)

Charlie Deutsch

6 10 8

Ch m Arakan (USA) - Blue Daze (Danzero (AUS)) Owner: FINCH MORAN LAMB SMITH BOYD-BOWMAN Colours: RED and BLACK check, PINK sleeves, Sophie Leech, Westbury-on-Severn BLACK armlets, hooped cap.

Trainer: Breeder: J. Cullinan Form: F-P4030 Sponsor: W & S Recycling

8

TIMEFORM VIEW Still without a win and while she performed with credit when third over 21.6f here on penultimate start, she failed to build on that effort at Leicester last time.

Star RatingHHHII Official BHA Rating 102

48

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A. P. Heskin

6 EQUILIBRIUM (FR) (24)

7 10 7

B m Balko (FR) - Tacoma Gaugain (FR) (Saddler Maker (IRE)) Owner: Mr C. R. Leech Colours: DARK GREEN and WHITE (quartered), Sophie Leech, Westbury-on-Severn Trainer: chevrons on sleeves, WHITE cap.

Breeder: E.A.R.L. Elevage Des Loges Form: 0/306-6U Sponsor: W & S Recycling TIMEFORM VIEW Just modest form over hurdles for W. P. Mullins in Ireland and had to be positive about what she achieved both starts to end 2020 for new yard fitted with a hood. Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 101

7 FLEURSALS (GB) (54)

Adam Wedge

5 10 4

B m Poet’s Voice - Entitlement (Authorized (IRE)) Owner: Simon Davies and Tom Symonds Colours: DARK BLUE, BEIGE star, GREY sleeves, Trainer: Tom Symonds, Hentland BEIGE stars, DARK BLUE cap, BEIGE star.

Breeder: St Clare Hall Stud Form: 3F40-50 Sponsor: Simply Stunning Interiors TIMEFORM VIEW Fair maiden on the Flat who showed ability in 4 juvenile hurdles for new yard last winter.

Not in top form in either code this season.

Star RatingHHIII Official BHA Rating 98

David Noonan

8 KENTFORD MALLARD (GB) (37) 8 10 2 B m Sulamani (IRE) - Kentford Grebe (Teenoso (USA)) R WHITE hoop, hooped sleeves, Owner: Mr D. I. Bare Colours:E BROWN, N cap.

Trainer: Seamus Mullins, Amesbury ORANGE Breeder: D. I. Bare Form: UN 65-F2D0 R Sponsor: We Do Vans N NO TIMEFORM VIEW NON RUNNER.

Star RatingIIIII Official BHA Rating 96

Non Runner

NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 8 (EXACTA) Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 6, 7. Hood worn by No. 3, 4.

The Result 1st ........................................................................................

2nd

........................................................................................................

3rd ........................................................................................

4th

........................................................................................................

Distances ..................................../ ..........................................

Time ........................................................................................................

LAST YEARS WINNER DARLYN Age: 7 Weight:

11 3 James Davies 3-1 (Henry Oliver) 7 ran

PLAY SMARTER Betting Forecast: 6-5 Whiteoak Fleur (GB), 7-2 Poniente (GB), 6-1 Dame du Soir (FR), 11-1 Doyannie (IRE), 14-1 Zero To Hero (IRE), 22-1 Fleursals (GB), 33-1 Equilibrium (FR) Race Summary: WHITEOAK FLEUR is a handicapper on the up, and while she cannot afford to jump markedly right on this left-handed track, her claims remain pretty obvious. Poniente is feared most.

1-2-3: 1.WHITEOAK FLEUR 2.PONIENTE 3.DAME DU SOIR (FR)

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8

49

TODAY’S RACE CONDITIONS First Race 11.45 - THE PLAY CORAL ‘RACING SUPER SERIES’ FOR FREE MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £3768 to the winning horse The second to receive £1106, the third £553 and the fourth £276. for maiden five yrs old and upwards.

Enter by noon, January 4th and pay £29 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. January 7th. Weights: 11st each Mares allowed 7lb. Coral have kindly sponsored this race.

They will present the person who is responsible for the best turned out horse in this race a cash prize. 29 entries at £29. - Closed January 4th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £2873; Second £952; Third £476; Fourth £238. (Penalty Value £3768.84) SEE PAGE 8 FOR THIS RACE. Second Race 12.17 - THE WATCH RACING FOR FREE AT CORAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £12996 to the winning horse The second to receive £3816, the third £1908 and the fourth £954. for five yrs old and upwards. £100 stake if the horse is rated 130 or higher, or £20 stake if the horse is rated 129 or lower with £80 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. January 7th. Penalties, after January 2nd, 2021, for each steeple chase won 7lb. Coral have kindly sponsored this race. They will present the person who is responsible for the best turned out horse in this race a cash prize. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of CORAL. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. PLEASE NOTE: A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if, up to and including the Saturday prior to closing, it has run a minimum of three times in Steeple Chases in Great Britain, Ireland or France or, having run in two such races, has been placed in the first four on each occasion, in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Weights and Handicapping Code 14 entries, 3 at £20 and 11 at £100. - Closed January 4th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £9906; Second £3282; Third £1642; Fourth £820. (Penalty Value £12996) Weights raised 1lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

SEE PAGE 14 FOR THIS RACE. Third Race 12.50 - THE CORAL “FAIL TO FINISH” FREE BETS HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 2) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £10009 to the winning horse The second to receive £2956, the third £1478, the fourth £739, the fifth £369 and the sixth £185. for five yrs old and upwards, Rated 0-145 (also open to such horses rated 146 and 147 - see Standard Conditions). £80 stake if the horse is rated 119 or higher, or £16 stake if the horse is rated 118 or lower with £64 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. January 7th. Penalties, after January 2nd, 2021, for each hurdle race won 7lb. Coral have kindly sponsored this race. They will present the person who is responsible for the best turned out horse in this race a cash prize. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of CORAL. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. PLEASE NOTE: A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if it has run a minimum of three times in Hurdle Races in Great Britain, Ireland or France in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Weights and Handicapping Code 16 entries, 1 at £16 and 15 at £80. - Closed January 4th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £7600; Second £2539; Third £1270; Fourth £635; Fifth £317; Sixth £158. (Penalty Value £10009.60) SEE PAGE 18 FOR THIS RACE. Fourth Race 1.25 - THE CORAL FINALE JUVENILE HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 1) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £28475 to the winning horse The second to receive £10685, the third £5350, the fourth £2665, the fifth £1340 and the sixth £670. for juvenile four yrs old.

Enter by noon, January 4th and pay £250 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. January 7th. Weights: 11st each Fillies allowed 7lb. Coral have kindly sponsored this race.

They will present the person who is responsible for the best turned out horse in this race a cash prize. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of CORAL. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. 11 entries at £250. - Closed January 4th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £21790; Second £8945; Third £4475; Fourth £2235; Fifth £1120; Sixth £560. (Penalty Value £28475) A SEE PAGE 26 FOR THIS RACE. Fifth Race 1.58 - THE CORAL SUPPORTING PROSTATE CANCER NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £7017 to the winning horse The second to receive £2060, the third £1030, the fourth £515, the fifth £350, the sixth £350, the seventh £350 and the eighth £350. for novice five yrs old and upwards. £54 stake if the horse is rated 120 or higher, or £10 stake if the horse is rated 119 or lower with £44 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. January 7th. Lowest weight 10st 3lb; Highest weight 11st 8lb Penalties, after January 2nd, 2021, for each steeple chase won 7lb. Coral have kindly sponsored this race. They will present the person who is responsible for the best turned out horse in this race a cash prize. Please Note: As a Class 3 novices’ handicap steeple chase, horses which have not previously run in a steeple chase are permitted to run in this race. 13 entries, 3 at £10 and 10 at £54. - Closed January 4th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £5349; Second £1772; Third £887; Fourth £443; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280. (Penalty Value £7017.84) SEE PAGE 30 FOR THIS RACE. Sixth Race 2.30 - THE CORAL “FAIL TO FINISH” FREE BETS NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £3768 to the winning horse The second to receive £1106, the third £553 and the fourth £276. for novice five yrs old and upwards, which have not won more than three hurdle races. Enter by noon, January 4th and pay £29 stake, Declare by 10.00 a.m. January 7th. Weights: 10st 12lb each Mares allowed 7lb Penalties, for each hurdle race won 7lb. Coral have kindly sponsored this race. They will present the person who is responsible for the best turned out horse in this race a cash prize. 29 entries at £29. - Closed January 4th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £2873; Second £952; Third £476; Fourth £238. (Penalty Value £3768.84) SEE PAGE 34 FOR THIS RACE. Seventh Race 3.10 - THE CORAL WELSH GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 3) (Run in memory of Kim Gingell) (GBB RACE) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £85425 to the winning horse The second to receive £32055, the third £16050, the fourth £7995, the fifth £4020 and the sixth £2010. for five yrs old and upwards. Enter by noon, November 17th, 2020 and pay £150 stake, Confirm by noon, January 4th and pay £600, Declare by 10.00 a.m. January 7th. Penalties, after November 22nd, 2020, a winner of a steeple chase 4lb Of 2 steeple chases 7lb (No penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb). CORAL has very kindly sponsored this race and will present the Welsh Grand National Perpetual Challenge Trophy to be held by the winning owner until 1st December, 2021. They will also present the person who is responsible for the best turned out horse in this race a cash prize. All number cloths to be carried in this race have been sponsored and will carry the name/logo of CORAL. The sponsorship payment of £500 will be distributed equally amongst all horses starting in this race in accordance with paragraphs 24 to 27 of the Stakes and Prize Money Code. The British Horseracing Authority has modified paragraph 6 of the Weights and Handicapping Code for the purposes of this race, such that racecourse performances up to and including Sunday, November 22nd may be taken into account. THERE WILL BE A PARADE FOR THIS RACE. Horses will be led past the stands before cantering to the start. PLEASE NOTE: A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if it has run a minimum of three times in Steeple Chases in Great Britain, Ireland or France in accordance with paragraph 15 of the Weights and Handicapping Code 51 entries, 32 at £150, 19 at £750. - Closed November 17th, 2020. Owners Prize Money.

Winner £65370; Second £26835; Third £13425; Fourth £6705; Fifth £3360; Sixth £1680. (Penalty Value £85425) Weights raised 9lb and paragraph 34 of the Weights and Handicapping Code complied with where applicable.

SEE PAGE 42 FOR THIS RACE. Eighth Race 3.50 - THE CORAL BEST ODDS GUARANTEED ON RACING MARES’ HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Distributed in accordance with the Stakes and Prize Money Code. £3768 to the winning horse The second to receive £1106, the third £553, the fourth £350, the fifth £350, the sixth £350, the seventh £350 and the eighth £350. for four yrs old and upwards fillies and mares only, Rated 0-120 (also open to such horses rated 121 and 122 - see Standard Conditions). £29 stake if the horse is rated 94 or higher, or £5 stake if the horse is rated 93 or lower with £24 extra if the horse is declared to run Declare by 10.00 a.m. January 7th. Penalties, after January 2nd, 2021, for each hurdle race won 7lb. 14 entries at £29. - Closed January 4th, 2021. Owners Prize Money. Winner £2873; Second £952; Third £476; Fourth £296; Fifth £280; Sixth £280; Seventh £280; Eighth £280. (Penalty Value £3768.84) SEE PAGE 48 FOR THIS RACE.

THE CORAL WELSH NATIONAL MEETING

SATURDAY 9TH JANUARY (UNDER THE RULES OF RACING)

STEWARDS OF THE MEETING GREG PEARSON (CHIEF STEWARD) CHARLIE LANE (STEWARDS’ PANEL CHAIR) STEPHANIE FARMER LOUISE MOORE GUY UPTON

OFFICIALS STARTERS WILLIAM JORDAN SOPHIA UPTON JUDGE GUY LEWIS CLERK OF THE SCALES OLLIE MANN VETERINARY OFFICER BETHAN COOK, M.A., Vet.M.B., M.R.C.V.S. VETERINARY SURGEONS DAVID THOMPSON DAVID HOLMAN CARYS REYNOLDS ANDY HAMILTON

COMMENTATOR MARTIN HARRIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PHIL BELL CLERK OF THE COURSE LIBBY O’FLAHERTY HEAD GROUNDSMAN NATHAN WILLIAMS EQUINE WELFARE AND INTEGRITY OFFICERS CHRISTOPHER MAIDEN MEL BAKER MARTIN KNIGHT JEREMY WILLIS

MEDICAL OFFICERS Dr ANDREW BALHAM Dr CHRIS REESE Dr NAOMI CUMMINGS

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