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| Aintree Review - 1st - 3rd April 2004 |
National glory for Amberleigh
Amberleigh House recorded a famous victory in the £600,000 Martell
Cognac Grand National at Aintree. Trained by Ginger McCain, the man responsible
for Red Rum in the 1970s, Amberleigh House grimly stayed on up the run-in
to catch Clan Royal. Lord Atterbury was third, with last year's hero Monty's
Pass in fourth. Third last year, Amberleigh House (16-1) was given a perfect
ride by Graham Lee as he come home in one of the most exciting finishes imaginable.
Lee: Plan worked like a dream
Victorious jockey Graham Lee revealed that he had been determined to conserve
Amberleigh House's Grand National challenge until as late as possible. The
plan worked like a charm as Amberleigh House edged past a fast-fading Clan
Royal down the final straight to win by three lengths.
McCain rolls back the years
Trainer Ginger McCain admitted a fourth Grand National success has been a long
time coming after Amberleigh House claimed the Aintree honours 27 years after
Red Rum's famous win.
So near for McManus' clan
Clan Royal's owner JP McManus admitted he thought his charge had done enough
to win the Grand National.
Cowboy sinks Rooster
Rhinestone Cowboy got up in the shadow of the post to
land the Martell Cognac Aintree Hurdle. Trained by Jonjo O'Neill and
given a fine ride by amateur JP Magnier, the 19-year-old son of owner
Sue Magnier, Rhinestone Cowboy wore down Rooster Booster after the last
flight for a thrilling success by three-quarters of a length.
Well the Chief once again
Arkle Chase winner Well Chief confirmed himself a class two-miler
with an impressive success in the Martell Cognac Maghull Novices' Chase.
Martin Pipe's five-year-old (15-8) was given a confident ride towards the
rear by Tony McCoy and the pair made smooth progress to take it up at the
last.
Moscow flies home in the Melling
Moscow Flyer got his season back on an even keel with
victory in the Martell Cognac Melling Chase at Aintree today.
Tiutchev tames Cup rivals
Tiutchev foiled First Gold's attempt to win a third Martell Cognac
Cup with victory in the hands of Tony McCoy at Aintree.
