If you asked the average Joe, or indeed Joanna, in the street how many Grand National's the forum's favourite trainer had won then I'd imagine they'd respond 'at least half a dozen as he's the best in the business, don't you know'. The correct answer is of course though nil, none, zilch. This is though down to him, over the years, not having the correct beast for the race rather than any failing on the part of Mr Henderson. At last though he may have the correct steed having welcomed into his yard Roberto Goldback. Formerly with Dessie Hughes and old girl Jessie Harrington this one last ran, in April, off a rating of 150 and has in the past been successful at Listed and Grade 2 level. He has also been placed at the very top table and arguably his best run was in February when runner-up in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown. It will be interested to see which avenue Mr Henderson goes down with Roberto Goldback from here onwards. He has stated that the GN is the ultimate target but will he pinpoint such heats as Newbury's Hennessy and the Welsh National before Aintree or opt to preserve the old boys mark and just go over hurdles prior to the Grand National??? The Aintree showpiece is, of course, a long way off and almost anything can happen between now and then but to my eye Roberto Goldback would look to have a fair chance at this stage. What do other members think??? Will the forum's favourite trainer end his hoodoo in this race or is there a better alternative elsewhere???
Well Paul Nicholls broke his duck this year, and not many trainers have had two winners recently - Twister is the last double winning trainer i think. So on that call then he has as good a chance as anyone else... It hard enough to win but im sure Henderson would love to win the Grand National as it is missing from his rather large collection of honours...
