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Racing News
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Hedgehunter aimed at National again 16/11/05
Trainer Willie Mullins today reported that last year's winner Hedgehunter would again be aimed at the John Smith's Grand National and may take on some of the top staying chasers along the way in races such as Leopardstown's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup and the totesport Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
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Hedgehunter was still in contention when falling at the last in the
2004 Aintree spectacular but bounced back to take the 2005 John Smith's
Grand National by 14 lengths from Royal Auclair and realise a lifelong
ambition for owner Trevor Hemmings.
"The two times he's been round Aintree he has jumped fantastically and we're certainly aiming for the National again," said Mullins. "I was delighted with his run this year because he'd had a horrible fall on his first visit but he seemed to have wiped that from his memory and went back and relished the jumps.
"We had an unbelievable reaction from people after his John Smith's Grand National win - I'm sure it's the same with any National but we had a great response."
Hedgehunter's Aintree preparation has included runs over hurdles in
the past two seasons and that is again an option this season.
"He has put on a lot of condition and strengthened over the summer
but I haven't made any plans for him so far this season," continued
Mullins.
"But there would be a big possibility that he'd go over hurdles again. Timewise, the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February would also be perfect for him and I think he's entitled to run in any of the top staying chases, he jumps and stays well enough.
"He'd take his chance in the Hennessy and we'll see where we are after that, but he'd be entered for the Cheltenham Gold Cup as well."
PRIZE MONEY FOR JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING UP AGAIN
Aintree Racecourse announced today that the total prize fund for the
2006 John Smith's Grand National meeting (Thursday 6th - Saturday 8th
April) will be over £2.2million ( 3,255,800 (Euros)). This reflects
a 3.8% increase on the 2005 meeting. One of the main increases has seen
the John Smith's Topham Steeple Chase (run over the Grand National fences
on Friday), increased to £100,000 (an increase of £20,000
or 29,200 (Euros) from 2005). This is as a result of the race now being
firmly established as a Grand National trial. Prize money for the John
Smith's Grand National will remain at £700,000 ( 1,022,000 (Euros))
for 2006.
Charles Barnett, Aintree's Managing Director commented: "We are delighted to have increased the total prize fund for the three day meeting once again. We have identified a number of races, including the John Smith's Topham Chase and the three mile John Smith's Sefton Novices' Hurdle which would benefit from additional prize money. The three day race programme now contains seven races with a total prize fund of over £100,000 ( 146,000 (Euros)) and all handicap hurdles have a minimum prize fund of £50,000 ( 73,000 (Euros)) or over."
Jonathan Townsend, Managing Director, John Smith's North commented: "The 2005 John Smith's Grand National was a dream start for our sponsorship - a race that had all the drama and spectacle that we have come to expect from the UK's biggest sporting event. We are already well advanced in our plans to make 2006 even better - with even more pubs and stores getting involved in the run up to the big day. With even more prize money on offer, the prospect of a record attendance and Hedgehunter going all out to win again, we are all in for an amazing day in April next year."
GRAND NATIONAL TO BE RUN AT 4.15PM
The John Smith's Grand National will once again be run as the fifth
race on Saturday's card and will start at 4.15pm.
GRAND NATIONAL SALES GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
Following the record breaking 2005 John Smith's Grand National meeting,
tickets and hospitality have once again been in great demand for the
2006 event. All Grandstand badges have now sold out for both Friday (Ladies'
Day) and Saturday with a number of areas also sold out for Thursday.
Tattersalls and John Smith's No Nonsense Enclosure tickets (Saturday
only), are still available for purchase.
NEW FACILITIES ALL SET FOR 2006 NATIONAL
Aintree Racecourse reported today that its £30million redevelopment project is on schedule, with the first stage being completed in time for the 2006 John Smith's Grand National meeting. This will consist of a new parade ring, weighing room and winner's enclosure, as well as new stables and pre-parade ring. Groundworks for the two new Grandstands (due to be completed for the 2007 event) are also nearing completion. For 2006, a number of temporary facilities will be built upon these groundworks. This has resulted in a number of changes in corporate facilities for 2006.
