Grand National entries have just been released. Press release below and entries to follow in next post. ENTRIES ANNOUNCED FOR NATIONAL FULL OF QUALITY BECAUSEICOULDNTESEE ON COURSE FOR RACE Many of the best chasers in training are among the entries announced today for the 2012 running of the worldâs most famous Jump race, the John Smithâs Grand National. This yearâs contest, taking place at Aintree on Saturday, April 14, has record prize money of £975,000 and among those engaged are Synchronised (16/1 co-favourite with Betfred), a runaway winner of the Grade One Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28, Weird Al, who captured the Grade Two Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby in October, and Midnight Chase, successful in the Grade Two Argento Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday. Past Aintree form is understandably well represented and the 2011 winner, Weird Alâs stablemate Ballabriggs (16/1 co-favourite with Betfred), is one of two previous John Smithâs Grand National heroes in the field along with Mon Mome, who sprang a 100/1 surprise in 2009. No less than 31 of the 82 entries are trained in Ireland and the countryâs champion trainer Willie Mullins, successful in the 2005 John Smithâs Grand National with Hedgehunter, accounts for 12 of those including Apt Approach, winner of the Grade Two Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles on January 19. On His Own, a facile winner of the Goffs Thyestes Chase on January 26, Quel Esprit, who captured the Grade Three Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase at Thurles on January 7, and The Midnight Club, who finished sixth when sent off favourite for last yearâs John Smithâs Grand National, are also among the Mullins dozen. County Clare handler Noel Glynn is hoping that Becauseicouldntsee, (33/1 with Betfred) who fell at the second fence in last yearâs John Smithâs Grand National, can fare considerably better in the 2012 race over four and a half miles and 30 fences. The nine-year-old is set to run in the National Trial at Punchestown on Sunday as a stepping stone to Aintree. Glynn reported: âThe John Smithâs Grand National is the plan again for Becauseicouldntsee and I hope that we get a bit further than last year! Hopefully, he will run in the National Trial at Punchestown on Sunday and we will take it from there. âFor such a good jumper, he had two nasty falls last year including at Leopardstown over Christmas, when he would have been there or thereabouts. He hurt his hip during that race but itâs all sorted now and he is moving good. âI am just a little afraid that those falls might have affected him mentally, so I am just hoping that he can post a clear round on Sunday to get his confidence back. âHe had no sort of preparation for Aintree last season after suffering a cut leg and we would love to get him back there.â Other Irish-trained entries include the Shark Hanlon-trained Alfa Beat, who was bought for £75,000 in May by Americaâs champion Jump owner Irv Naylor as a John Smithâs Grand National prospect. The eight-year-old won the Kerry National at Listowel in September. The Arthur Moore-trained Organisedconfusion won the 2011 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse, while the rapidly-improving Seabass, winner of the Grade A Leopardstown Handicap Chase on Saturday, has been entered by trainer Ted Walsh, who landed the 2000 John Smithâs Grand National with Papillon. Somerset-based handler David Pipe won the 2008 John Smithâs Grand National with Comply Or Die and he is responsible for Junior (16/1 co-favourite with Betfred), who missed the cut for last yearâs contest. The Henrietta Knight-trained Calgary Bay and Shakalakaboomboom from Nicky Hendersonâs stable are a progressive duo who filled the first two places in Saturdayâs Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster. Hold On Julio, a late withdrawal from the Sky Bet Chase, has easily won both his starts for trainer Alan King, who has also engaged West End Rocker, winner of the Betfred Becher Chase over the National fences at Aintree on December 3. Others with winning form over the National fences include Always Waining, winner of the John Smithâs Topham Chase in 2010 and 2011, and Stewarts House, winner of the Betfred Grand Sefton Handicap Chase in December. Le Beau Bai, winner of the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on December 27, has been engaged along with Giles Cross and the Evan Williams-trained Cappa Bleu, who respectively finished second and third in the race. Cappa Bleuâs stablemate State Of Play, who has respectively finished fourth, third and fourth in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 John Smithâs Grand Nationals, is on course to appear again at Aintree this year. Meanwhile, high-class hunter-chaser Roulez Cool, owned, trained and bred by Robert Waley-Cohen and ridden by his son Sam, could carry the colours of last yearâs runner-up Oscar Time. The 2012 John Smithâs Grand National will be the first renewal since entry requirements were tightened. Only horses aged seven or above can now compete and every runner must have been placed in the first four of a chase of three miles or more by March 20 and be rated 120 or above. A maximum field of 40 again looks assured for this yearâs race with all of the runners likely to be in the handicap. Julian Thick, Managing Director at Aintree Racecourse, commented: âThe build-up really gets underway for the 2012 John Smithâs Grand National with todayâs publication of entries. âWe are delighted to see so many proven top-class chasers and winners of high-profile races engaged alongside a whole host of progressive younger horses in an entry that boasts great strength in depth. âThe number of entries is down on last year, but we believe that this is a testament to the status of the race these days. Owners and trainers are now taking a more selective approach to the horses they enter, as the increasing quality of the runners we attract to the John Smithâs Grand National means that lower rated horses no longer have any prospect of a run. The list of horses entered this year reinforces that fact and suggests we can look forward to a stunning renewal on April 14.â The weights for the 2012 John Smithâs Grand National, compiled especially for the race by British Horseracing Authority Head of Handicapping Phil Smith, are announced at the Grand National Launch in London on Tuesday, February 14. The two scratchings deadlines are on February 28 and March 20 with a five-day confirmation stage on April 9. The final declaration stage is at 10am on April 12 with a provision for four reserves.
THE 2012 JOHN SMITHâS GRAND NATIONAL Class 1, Grade 3, £975,000 total prize fund. 4.15pm, Aintree, Saturday, April 14, 2012, four miles and four furlongs. For seven-year-olds and upwards who, up to and including March 20, 2012, have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a chase of three miles or more and which are allotted a rating of 120 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 12, 2012. Horses who are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at closing may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible for a weight providing the handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances up to and including February 12 would merit a minimum rating of 120. To qualify, horses must have run at least three times in chases run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Racing Authority up to and including February 12, 2012. At the handicapper's discretion, such horses may be allocated a rating. The decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final. The British Horseracing Authority has modified Rule (F)42.2.1 for the purposes of this race, such that racecourse performances up to and including Sunday, February 12, may be taken into account. A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if it has run a minimum of three times in chases in Great Britain, Ireland or France in accordance with Rule (F)42.5. Highest weight 11st 10lb - no penalties after publication of the weights. Entries closed January 31, entries revealed February 1 (82 entries), weights revealed February 14, first scratchings deadline February 28, second scratchings deadline March 20. Five-day confirmation stage April 9, final declaration stage 10.00am, April 12. Maximum field size of 40, plus four reserves. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, January 30. Form Horse Age Owner Trainer 2/31P/-FP ABBEYBRANEY (IRE) 11 Sue Johnson George Bewley 22-3011 ACCORDING TO PETE 11 Peter Nelson Malcolm Jefferson F-6041U ALFA BEAT (IRE) 8 Irvin Naylor John Hanlon IRE 2113-1P ALWAYS RIGHT (IRE) 10 John Wade John Wade 041-044 ALWAYS WAINING (IRE) 11 Mr & Mrs Peter James Douglas Peter Bowen 6-12026 ANOTHER PALM (IRE) 7 M J M Racing Syndicate Noel Meade IRE 32-3P40 ANY CURRENCY (IRE) 9 Cash Is King Martin Keighley 2-FU111 APT APPROACH (IRE) 9 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 0P2F-60 ARBOR SUPREME (IRE) 10 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill P/5000-P BACKSTAGE (FR) 10 MPR & Capranny Syndicate Gordon Elliott IRE 11/1121- BALLABRIGGS (IRE) 11 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain 12-20P3 BALLYVESEY (IRE) 7 Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar Peter Bowen 42F-63F BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE (IRE) 9 Noel Glynn Noel Glynn IRE 51U/022/- BLACK APALACHI (IRE) 13 Gerard Burke Dessie Hughes IRE 143111 BLAZING TEMPO (IRE) 8 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE 11121/2- BURTON PORT (IRE) 8 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson 2F-0511 CALGARY BAY (IRE) 9 Camilla Radford Henrietta Knight 3F2P/-13 CAPPA BLEU (IRE) 10 William & Angela Rucker Evan Williams 10-U303 CHICAGO GREY (IRE) 9 John Earls Gordon Elliott IRE 3/5P-230 COOLDINE (IRE) 10 Jackie Mullins Willie Mullins IRE 5U-P20P CRESCENT ISLAND (IRE) 9 Sarah Bays Jill Scott Sarah MacEchern Nigel Twiston-Davies 6/3U34-1 DEEP PURPLE 11 Paul Green Evan Williams 4-U2634 FAIR ALONG (GER) 10 Alan Peterson Philip Hobbs 3/P22-12 GILES CROSS (IRE) 10 KCMS Partnership Victor Dartnall 1P-1323 HECTOR'S CHOICE (FR) 8 James and Jean Potter Richard Lee PP-5U65 HELLO BUD (IRE) 14 Seamus Murphy Nigel Twiston-Davies PP//1-11 HOLD ON JULIO (IRE) 9 Mr & Mrs F Bell, N Farrell, A Marsh Alan King 431U0-P IN COMPLIANCE (IRE) 12 Dessie Hughes Dessie Hughes IRE 131/321- JUNIOR 9 Middleham Park Racing LI David Pipe F-03034 KILLYGLEN (IRE) 10 David McCammon Stuart Crawford IRE 50-PP0F KING FONTAINE (IRE) 9 Trevor Hemmings Malcolm Jefferson P-0P011 LE BEAU BAI (FR) 9 Glass Half Full Richard Lee 6/1155-6 LITTLE JOSH (IRE) 10 Tony Bloom Nigel Twiston-Davies 235/3/1-P MASSINI'S MAGUIRE (IRE) 11 Alan Peterson David Pipe 115-F31 MIDNIGHT CHASE 10 Lady Clarke Neil Mulholland 21/10P-1 MIDNIGHT HAZE 10 Kim Bailey Racing Partnership Kim Bailey 0P3-5U2 MINELLA THEATRE (IRE) 9 Middleham Park Racing XXIV & Dan Gilbert Lawney Hill 63F/-52P MON MOME (FR) 12 Vida Bingham Venetia Williams 106-P42 NEPTUNE COLLONGES (FR) 11 John Hales Paul Nicholls 30-3150 NEPTUNE EQUESTER 9 Koo's Racing Club Brian Ellison F505-02 NICHE MARKET (IRE) 11 Graham Regan Paul Nicholls 500423- NORTHERN ALLIANCE (IRE) 11 Irish Rover Syndicate Tony Martin IRE 14P1-B1 ON HIS OWN (IRE) 8 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins IRE 12-133F ORGANISEDCONFUSION (IRE) 7 Grace Dunlop Arthur Moore IRE 0-42026 OUR ISLAND (IRE) 7 David Fox Tim Vaughan 2130-F2 PEARLYSTEPS 9 The Glazeley Partnership Henry Daly F01/35-2 PLANET OF SOUND 10 Charles Lloyd-Baker Philip Hobbs FP-2661 POSTMASTER 10 The Bill & Ben Partnership Tim Vaughan U5351-5 PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE (FR) 9 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins IRE 0F2224 PSYCHO (IRE) 11 Exors of The Late C McClure Tony Martin IRE R-120U3 QHILIMAR (FR) 8 Whites of Coventry & Stephen Dunn Charlie Longsdon 112-021 QUANTITATIVEEASING (IRE) 7 J P McManus Nicky Henderson 1FF-F11 QUEL ESPRIT (FR) 8 Red Barn Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 2F-4010 QUISCOVER FONTAINE (FR) 8 J P McManus Willie Mullins IRE PU-3450 RARE BOB (IRE) 10 D A Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE 1U3043 ROBERTO GOLDBACK (IRE) 10 Seamus Dunne Dessie Hughes IRE //U1/2B/1- ROULEZ COOL 9 Robert Waley-Cohen Robert Waley-Cohen 0/660-P4 SADDLERS STORM (IRE) 10 Billy Moffett, R T & J McLoughlin Tony Martin IRE 11PPP0 SCHINDLER'S GOLD (IRE) 10 Dr Richard & Laura Newland Dr Richard Newland 363144 SCOTSIRISH (IRE) 11 Double R Stables Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE F11/-111 SEABASS (IRE) 9 Gunners Syndicate Ted Walsh IRE 000-112 SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM (IRE) 8 Liam Breslin Nicky Henderson 30/-003P SHAKERVILZ (FR) 9 Jackie Mullins Willie Mullins IRE 05-3410 SMOKING ACES (IRE) 8 J P McManus Tom Taaffe IRE PP24U6 SOME TARGET (IRE) 8 Captain Conflict Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 144/P3/4- STATE OF PLAY 12 William & Angela Rucker Evan Williams P0-5121 STEWARTS HOUSE (IRE) 10 Double Trouble Partnership Tim Vaughan 03F-30P SUNNYHILLBOY (IRE) 9 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill 2313P2 SWING BILL (FR) 11 David Johnson David Pipe 13-P031 SYNCHRONISED (IRE) 9 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill 04-5060 TARTAK (FR) 9 David Fox Tim Vaughan 3100-01 TATENEN (FR) 8 The Stewart Family Richard Rowe 4-P1300 THARAWAAT (IRE) 7 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE 3/216-B4 THE MIDNIGHT CLUB (IRE) 11 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE 312U5/5- THE PACKAGE 9 David Johnson David Pipe P/P-5142 TREACLE (IRE) 11 Bjorn Nielsen Tom Taaffe IRE 140310 UNCLE JUNIOR (IRE) 11 Mrs M McMahon Willie Mullins IRE 0044B-2 VIC VENTURI (IRE) 12 J P Dunne Dessie Hughes IRE 00-143P VIKING BLOND (FR) 7 Caroline Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies 1/10P-13 WEIRD AL (IRE) 9 Brannon, Dennis, Dick, Holden Donald McCain 11PB-P1 WEST END ROCKER (IRE) 10 Barry Winfield & Tim Leadbeater Alan King 1P-6P60 WYMOTT (IRE) 8 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain 82 entries
Betting: Betfred betting: 16/1 Ballabriggs, Junior, Synchronised; 20/1 Calgary Bay, Midnight Chase, on His Own, Quel Esprit, West End Rocker; 25/1 According to Pete, Always Right, Apt Approach, Burton Port, Cappa Bleu, Chicago Grey, Deep Purple, Hold on Julio, Little Josh, Planet of Sound, Prince De Beauchene, Roulez Cool, Seabass, Shakalakaboomboom, the Midnight Club; 33/1 Alfa Beat, Always Waining, Backstage, Becauseicouldntsee, Cooldine, Giles Cross, Hector's Choice, Killyglen, Le Beau Bai, Neptune Collonges, Niche Market, Organisedconfusion, Pearlysteps, Quantitativeeasing, Quiscover Fontaine, Roberto Goldback, State of Play, Stewarts House, Sunnyhillboy, Treacle, Viking Blond, Weird Al; 40/1 Arbor Supreme, Ballyvesey, Blazing Tempo, Fair Along, Massini's Maguire, Mon Mome, Neptune Equester, Our Island, Postmaster, Rare Bob, Some Target, Tatenen, the Package, Uncle Junior, Vic Venturi; 50/1 Abbeybraney, Another Palm, Any Currency, Black Apalachi, Hello Bud, in Compliance, King Fontaine, Midnight Haze, Northern Alliance, Qhilimar, Saddlers Storm, Shakervilz, Swing Bill, Tartak, Tharawaat, Wymott; 66/1 Crescent Island, Minella Theatre, Psycho, Schindler's Gold, Scotsirish, Smoking Aces EACH WAY 1/4 ODDS A PLACE 1-2-3-4. ALL QUOTED
Thansk PN. Can't wait to see how the 'capper views Cappa Blue, I can't bet ante post in a handicap before the weights are out but a decent weight and I'll be all over him. 147 before the Welsh National would give him around 10st 12lb, no doubt he'll go up a couple of pound for that third but 11st would be ideal....
My initial thought re the old GN is that Aintree have dropped a real marketing clanger. The prize fund is £975k. Why didn’t the just add a further £25k to the pot and make it a £1 million race and therefore have at there mercy all the positive media from such a scenario. Seems somewhat strange to me. I guess re the GN another important point, in light of how they ‘went for’ the race after the 2011 version, is will the popularist media opt to attack the contest PRIOR to it being run this time around??? If they have an ‘agenda’ how will the sport react??? No real firm opinions at this stage but its great to see Mr Henderson make 3 entries. The race was something of a ‘damp squib’ without him being represented last term (akin to the ‘Boat Race’ without Oxford) and hopeful at least one will make the old line-up in 2012. Meanwhile, Black Apalachi has to be the highest rated and classiest 13YO ever entered! Would be marvellous if the old boy could roll back the years. One more thing – the lowest number of entries I note since 1996. Will they get a full field of 40???
Cappa Bleu Wooly, this horse is all class and now recovered from injury. His Haydock win last year is good form and his 3rd in the Welsh National on ground he hated was a great effort, he goes for the trial at Haydock and carries 11st, my only fear is his lack of a look at the National fences, some horses take to them some haven't got a clue, but if Cappa Bleu gets on with them he'll go very close IMO
i have a question: at the moment there are 80ish entries in the national - when they reduce the number of runners, i can't remember if the weights adjust again because of that? or, assuming a horse is in the final 40, will its weight declared stay the same from now to the start of the race?
Weights only adjust if the top rated horse is withdrawn, so Synchronised would have to be a NR for any horse to go up in the weights (and then it would just be 1lb) and so on.
ah ok, thanks. that's good, i wouldn't want to be reworking it all out again because the weights change!
After PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE s win today, anyone think he is good enough to win the national??, also was pleased to see Black apalachi jump well, altho i think his year has passed to win, he just seems to get done going past the elbow, but has definate place claims!!!
Latest press release: DARTNALL HOPING GILES CROSS GETS HIS GROUND AT AINTREE Victor Dartnall is hoping for a wet spell as he prepares Giles Cross for the John Smithâs Grand National, run over four and a half miles and 30 fences at Aintree on Saturday, April 14. The 10-year-old features among 77 horses going forward for the £975,000 contest following the first scratchings deadline on February 28, details of which are announced today. The 10-year-old was last seen when winning the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock Park over three and a half miles on February 18, having previously finished a game second to Le Beau Bai in the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on December 27. Giles Cross has been allotted 10st 1lb for the Aintree spectacular and, after his victory 11 days ago, is 6lb âwell inâ on handicap ratings. North Devon-based Dartnall said: âIt all depends on the ground for Giles Cross. He will be in the Irish Grand National as well, but if it looked like it was going to come up soft at Aintree we would be very tempted. âGood to soft ground would probably be all right, though if we had a wet time we will definitely be there. âI was very pleased with his effort at Haydock, they (the handicappers) have given him a 6lb rise, but he is in the John Smithâs Grand National off his old mark which makes it even more tempting to run at Aintree. âHe didnât really have a hard race at Haydock because he did everything on the bridle, and Denis OâRegan gave him a very confident ride. âI think Giles Cross would be an ideal type for the John Smithâs Grand National. He jumps very well and like I said, if the ground came right for him, I would love really to go there.â Giles Cross is currently a 20/1 chance with Betfred, the official betting partner of the John Smithâs Grand National meeting. Last weekend featured a number of fancied John Smithâs Grand National contenders putting their credentials on the line, with the most impressive performance coming from Prince De Beauchene in the Grade Two Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse. The nine-year-old won comfortably over the three miles, one furlong trip and is following a well trodden path after the Willie Mullins trained Hedgehunter to capture the Bobbyjo Chase and John Smithâs Grand National in the same season in 2005. As a result Prince De Beauchene is now 9/1 clear favourite with Betfred. The Fairyhouse feature also saw a pleasing return to the racecourse from Black Apalachi, who finished second to Donât Push It in the 2010 John Smithâs Grand National, but he had not been seen on a racecourse since. However, the 13-year-old ran on well from the rear to take second, while stable companion Rare Bob faded to finish fifth and fellow John Smithâs Grand National hope Alfa Beat was pulled up before the last. In the Grade Three Racing Plus Chase over three miles at Kempton Park, Hectorâs Choice qualified for Britainâs richest jump race by finishing second ahead of Hennessy runner-up Planet Of Sound. Ted Walsh, who won the John Smithâs Grand National in 2000 with Papillon, saddled Seabass to a sixth straight success under Rules on Sunday in the Grade Two Paddypower.com Chase at Naas over two miles. The nine-year-old is now 16/1 for Aintree glory with Betfred. Last seasonâs John Smithâs Grand National hero Ballabriggs will be seen for the first time since in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster or the Premier Chase at Kelso this weekend, where he is likely to face According To Pete and Abbreybraney who also hold John Smithâs Grand National ambitions. Long time ante-post favourite Junior has also been given an entry in the in the Grimthorpe Chase, but the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup in just over a fortnight is also an option. At the first scratchings deadline all the leading contenders have stood their ground including top-weight Synchronised, Betfred Becher Chase victor West End Rocker, Sky Bet Chase winner Calgary Bay, and Nicky Hendersonâs Burton Port, who returned from a long absence to finish a promising second to Long Run in the Grade Two Denman Chase at Newbury on February 17. The next scratchings deadline for the John Smithâs Grand National is on Tuesday, March 20. The 2012 John Smithâs Grand National meeting runs from April 12 to 14 and showcases top-class racing on each day. Tickets and hospitality packages are still available. Visit www.aintree.co.uk for more details or call 0844 579 3001. John Smithâs Grand National â Betfred bet: 9/1 Prince De Beauchene, 14/1 Junior, 16/1 Ballabriggs, Burton Port, Seabass, Synchronised, West End Rocker, 20/1 Cappa Bleu, Chicago Grey, Giles Cross, Midnight Chase, Neptune Collonges, On His Own, Quel Esprit, Roberto Goldback, Treacle, 25/1 Apt Approach, Calgary Bay, Deep Purple, Hold On Julio, Massiniâs Maguire, Planet Of Sound, Roulez Cool, Shakalakaboomboom, The Midnight Club, 33/1 According To Pete, Alfa Beat, Always Right, Always Waining, Backstage, Becauseicouldntsee, Hectorâs Choice, Killyglen, Le Beau Bai, Niche Market, Organisedconfusion, Pearlysteps, Quantitatitveeasing, Quiscover Fontaine, State Of Play, Stewarts House, Sunnyhillboy, Viking Blond, Weird Al, 40/1 Arbor Supreme, Ballyvesey, Fair Along, Mon Mome, Postmaster, Rare Bob, Some Target, Tatenen, The Package, Uncle Junior, Vic Venturi, 50/1 Another Palm, Any Currency, Black Apalachi, Hello Bud, Midnight Haze, Northern Alliance, Our Island, Scotsirish, Shakervilz, Swing Bill, Tartak, Tharawaat, Wymott, 66/1 Crescent Island, In Compliance, Psycho, Saddlers Storm, Schindlerâs Gold, 100/1 Abbeybraney, King Fontaine, Minella Theatre, Neptune Equester, Smoking Aces
Remaining horses: THE 2012 JOHN SMITHâS GRAND NATIONAL Class 1, Grade 3, £975,000 total prize fund. 4.15pm, Aintree, Saturday, April 14, 2012, four miles and four furlongs. For seven-year-olds and upwards who, up to and including March 20, 2012, have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a chase of three miles or more and which are allotted a rating of 120 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 12, 2012. Horses who are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at closing may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible for a weight providing the handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances up to and including February 12 would merit a minimum rating of 120. To qualify, horses must have run at least three times in chases run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Racing Authority up to and including February 12, 2012. At the handicapper's discretion, such horses may be allocated a rating. The decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final. The British Horseracing Authority has modified Rule (F)42.2.1 for the purposes of this race, such that racecourse performances up to and including Sunday, February 12, may be taken into account. A novice horse shall only be qualified to run in this race if it has run a minimum of three times in chases in Great Britain, Ireland or France in accordance with Rule (F)42.5. Highest weight 11st 10lb - no penalties after publication of the weights. Entries closed January 31, entries revealed February 1 (82 entries), weights revealed February 14, first scratchings deadline February 28 (77 remain), second scratchings deadline March 20. Five-day confirmation stage April 9, final declaration stage 10.00am, April 12. Maximum field size of 40, plus four reserves. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, February 27. Form Horse Age/Wgt Owner Trainer 1) 13-P031 SYNCHRONISED (IRE) 9-11-10 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill 2) 11/1121- BALLABRIGGS (IRE) 11-11-09 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain 3) 115-F31 MIDNIGHT CHASE 10-11-08 Lady Clarke Neil Mulholland 4) 1/10P-13 WEIRD AL (IRE) 9-11-08 Brannon, Dennis, Dick, Holden Donald McCain 5) 11121/2-2 BURTON PORT (IRE) 8-11-07 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Henderson 6) FF-B111 QUEL ESPRIT (FR) 8-11-07 Red Barn Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 7) 2F-0511 CALGARY BAY (IRE) 9-11-06 Camilla Radford Henrietta Knight 8) 106-P422 NEPTUNE COLLONGES (FR) 11-11-06 John Hales Paul Nicholls 9) F-6041UP ALFA BEAT (IRE) 8-11-05 Irvin Naylor John Hanlon IRE 10) F01/35-23 PLANET OF SOUND 10-11-05 Charles Lloyd-Baker Philip Hobbs 11) 1U30432 ROBERTO GOLDBACK (IRE) 10-11-04 Seamus Dunne Dessie Hughes IRE 12) 51U/022/2 BLACK APALACHI (IRE) 13-11-03 Teresa Burke Dessie Hughes IRE 13) 6/3U34-1F DEEP PURPLE 11-11-03 Paul Green Evan Williams 14) 131/321-0 JUNIOR 9-11-02 Middleham Park Racing LI David Pipe 15) 112-021 QUANTITATIVEEASING (IRE) 7-11-02 J P McManus Nicky Henderson 16) 3631441 SCOTSIRISH (IRE) 11-11-02 Double R Stables Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 17) 04-5060 TARTAK (FR) 9-11-02 Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd Tim Vaughan 18) 2-FU1113 APT APPROACH (IRE) 9-11-01 Greenstar Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 19) 0F2224U PSYCHO (IRE) 11-11-00 McClure Family Syndicate Tony Martin IRE 20) 10-U3032 CHICAGO GREY (IRE) 9-10-13 John Earls Gordon Elliott IRE 21) 3100-015 TATENEN (FR) 8-10-13 The Stewart Family Richard Rowe 22) 22-3011 ACCORDING TO PETE 11-10-12 Peter Nelson Malcolm Jefferson 23) F11/-1111 SEABASS (IRE) 9-10-12 Gunners Syndicate Ted Walsh IRE 24) 000-112 SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM (IRE) 8-10-12 Liam Breslin Nicky Henderson 25) 11PB-P1 WEST END ROCKER (IRE) 10-10-12 Barry Winfield & Tim Leadbeater Alan King 26) 1P-13232 HECTOR'S CHOICE (FR) 8-10-11 James and Jean Potter Richard Lee 27) 235/3/1-P1 MASSINI'S MAGUIRE (IRE) 11-10-11 Alan Peterson David Pipe 28) 14P1-B1 ON HIS OWN (IRE) 8-10-11 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins IRE 29) 2113-1PP ALWAYS RIGHT (IRE) 10-10-10 John Wade John Wade 30) 3F2P/-133 CAPPA BLEU (IRE) 10-10-10 William & Angela Rucker Evan Williams 31) 5U-P20PP CRESCENT ISLAND (IRE) 9-10-09 Sarah Bays Jill Scott Sarah MacEchern Nigel Twiston-Davies 32) PU-34505 RARE BOB (IRE) 10-10-09 D A Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE 33) 63F/-52PP MON MOME (FR) 12-10-08 Vida Bingham Venetia Williams 34) 12-133F ORGANISEDCONFUSION (IRE) 7-10-08 Grace Dunlop Arthur Moore IRE 35) 3/216-B43 THE MIDNIGHT CLUB (IRE) 11-10-08 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE 36) P/P-51423 TREACLE (IRE) 11-10-08 Bjorn Nielsen Tom Taaffe IRE 37) 0P2F-60 ARBOR SUPREME (IRE) 10-10-07 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill 38) PP//1-11 HOLD ON JULIO (IRE) 9-10-07 Mr & Mrs F Bell, N Farrell, A Marsh Alan King 39) 2130-F2P PEARLYSTEPS 9-10-06 The Glazeley Partnership Henry Daly 40) U5351-51 PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE (FR) 9-10-06 Andrea & Graham Wylie Willie Mullins IRE 41) F505-02 NICHE MARKET (IRE) 11-10-05 Graham Regan Paul Nicholls 42) //U1/2B/1- ROULEZ COOL 9-10-05 Robert Waley-Cohen Robert Waley-Cohen 43) P0-5121 STEWARTS HOUSE (IRE) 10-10-05 Double Trouble Partnership Tim Vaughan 44) 03F-30P0 SUNNYHILLBOY (IRE) 9-10-05 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill 45) 140310 UNCLE JUNIOR (IRE) 11-10-05 Mrs M McMahon Willie Mullins IRE 46) 4-U2634 FAIR ALONG (GER) 10-10-04 Alan Peterson Philip Hobbs 47) F-03034 KILLYGLEN (IRE) 10-10-04 David McCammon Stuart Crawford IRE 48) 2F-4010 QUISCOVER FONTAINE (FR) 8-10-04 J P McManus Willie Mullins IRE 49) 4-P13000 THARAWAAT (IRE) 7-10-04 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE 50) 041-044 ALWAYS WAINING (IRE) 11-10-03 Mr & Mrs Peter Douglas Peter Bowen 51) 42F-63F2 BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE (IRE) 9-10-03 Noel Glynn Noel Glynn IRE 52) P-0P0113 LE BEAU BAI (FR) 9-10-03 Glass Half Full Richard Lee 53) 144/P3/4- STATE OF PLAY 12-10-03 William & Angela Rucker Evan Williams 54) 2313P2 SWING BILL (FR) 11-10-03 David Johnson David Pipe 55) FP-2661 POSTMASTER 10-10-02 The Bill & Ben Partnership Tim Vaughan 56) 30/-003P SHAKERVILZ (FR) 9-10-02 Jackie Mullins Willie Mullins IRE 57) 312U5/5- THE PACKAGE 9-10-02 David Johnson David Pipe 58) 1P-6P60 WYMOTT (IRE) 8-10-02 Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain 59) P/5000-P BACKSTAGE (FR) 10-10-01 MPR & Capranny Syndicate Gordon Elliott IRE 60) 3/P22-121 GILES CROSS (IRE) 10-10-01 KCMS Partnership Victor Dartnall 61) PP-5U65 HELLO BUD (IRE) 14-10-00 Seamus Murphy Nigel Twiston-Davies 62) 431U0-P IN COMPLIANCE (IRE) 12-10-00 Dessie Hughes Dessie Hughes IRE 63) 21/10P-1 MIDNIGHT HAZE 10-10-00 Kim Bailey Racing Partnership Kim Bailey 64) 0044B-20 VIC VENTURI (IRE) 12-10-00 Seamus Dunne Dessie Hughes IRE 65) 00-143P5 VIKING BLOND (FR) 7-10-00 Caroline Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies 66) PP24U64 SOME TARGET (IRE) 8-9-10 Captain Conflict Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 67) 0-31504 NEPTUNE EQUESTER 9-9-09 Koo's Racing Club Brian Ellison 68) 32-3P40 ANY CURRENCY (IRE) 9-9-08 Cash Is King Martin Keighley 69) 0-420265 OUR ISLAND (IRE) 7-9-07 David Fox Tim Vaughan 70) 11PPP0 SCHINDLER'S GOLD (IRE) 10-9-07 Dr Richard & Laura Newland Dr Richard Newland 71) 31P/-FP3 ABBEYBRANEY (IRE) 11-9-05 Sue Johnson George Bewley 72) 660-P42 SADDLERS STORM (IRE) 10-9-05 R T & J McLoughlin/Billy Moffett Tony Martin IRE 73) 05-34106 SMOKING ACES (IRE) 8-9-05 J P McManus Tom Taaffe IRE 74) 50-PP0FF KING FONTAINE (IRE) 9-9-04 Trevor Hemmings Malcolm Jefferson 74) 6-12026 ANOTHER PALM (IRE) 7-9-03 M J M Racing Syndicate Noel Meade IRE 76) 12-20P30 BALLYVESEY (IRE) 7-9-02 Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar Peter Bowen 77) 0P3-5U20 MINELLA THEATRE (IRE) 9-9-00 Middleham Park Racing XXIV & Dan Gilbert Lawney Hill 77 entries remain after February 28 scratchings deadline THE FOLLOWING FIVE ENTRIES HAVE BEEN TAKEN OUT: BLAZING TEMPO (IRE), LITTLE JOSH (IRE), COOLDINE (IRE), NORTHERN ALLIANCE (IRE), QHILIMAR (FR)
Wasn’t aware until earlier, but its useful to point out, that not all of these entries are yet qualified for the race. Quantitativeeasing, Shakervilz, Psycho, Schindler's Gold and Minella Theatre must by 20 March have finished in the first 4 in a steeplechase over 3 miles or further. Hector’s Choice was until the weekend in the same position but his 2nd in the ‘Racing Plus Chase’ ticked the old qualification box.
Bloody hell, I hadn't realised quite how well in Prince De Beauchene is. He could make a mockery of that mark.
