Paul Townend Grand National blog: ‘I would love to win
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With no racing on Saturday and just one ride on Sunday, Ladbrokes presents the Paul Townend Grand National blog this week, with the leading jockey stating that he’d ‘love a win’ on the biggest stage.
Paul Townend Grand National blog
I would love to win a Grand National. It is missing from my CV. I am not sure what I am going to ride yet. Mark Walsh will have the pick of JP McManus’ horses, but I would be grateful if I could get on one of his. You can make a case for all three of horses. I Am Maximus won the Irish Grand National, but Jodie McGarvey won a Grade 1 and then the Bobbyjo Chase the last day on him and could ride him. The ground is looking like it will be soft-to-heavy, and the slower ground will suit him. He will stay all day. How he takes to the fences is an unknown. He has his own way of doing things, but the modified fences should suit him if he can get into a rhythm. He is carrying plenty of weight, but the race nowadays is changing and allows the classier horses to carry weight and get away with it. The trip will be no bother to him and I think he has a huge chance.
Meetingofthewaters is unexposed and was a good winner of a handicap at Leopardstown before JP bought him. He ran well at Cheltenham, although a little keen. He has a lovely racing weight, and I’d really like to be on him. He hasn’t been around the track but shouldn’t have any problems taking to it. He is a novice, he is unexposed, and could be well ahead of the handicapper.
Capodanno, who I won the Cotswolds Chase on, would probably want the ground to dry out. He carries plenty of weight but he is a classy horse. His prep for Aintree last year was all over the place, and he pulled up. However he has the experience of going around the track and he took to the fences really well.
We also have Mr Incredible who ran a huge race last year when the saddle slipped. I’d imagine Brian Hayes will keep the ride on him. You don’t know what you are going to get with him. He is a tricky individual. Brian gets on really well with him though.
Outside of Willie Mullins’ runners, last year’s winner Corach Rambler looks the main threat. His run in the Gold Cup was eye catching and he will take all the beating.
I would like to ride any of JP’s horses. I will be on weather watch and keeping an eye on what Mark Walsh rides but as I said I would be grateful to get on any of them.
