Warren Greatrex admits it would give his team a "huge boost" if Bill Baxter or Ici La Reine could continue their resurgence in form and hit the mark at next month's Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree.
Last season proved particularly challenging for the Lambourn trainer, who claimed 13 domestic winners - his lowest total since his first spell on a license in the 2009/10 show jumping season.
However, after going through one of the most challenging periods of his career, the Grade 1 winning trainer has seen the green shoots of recovery begin to show with his ropes steadily increasing in quality and improving results on the field.
Although absent from the action at the Cheltenham Festival, the 48-year-old is aiming to get things going on Merseyside with two horses he hopes can develop into stable flag-bearers in the coming seasons and help assert his name on the track. increase..
Greatrex, who moved to his current home base of Rhonehurst from his former Uplands Stables venue in 2021, said: “It's been a tough last 18 months competing at the main table like us and then suddenly you've taken a dip.
"We have some beautiful young horses on the way in, e.gBill BaxtereHere the Queen, so the future looks bright.
“Things like last season break you or make you stronger, but anyone who knows me knows I'm stubborn like that. I want to compete at the highest level again and we have proven time and time again that we can do it.
"We've already hit 20 winners this season which is brilliant and if I can get it down to 25 that's great. If I can get a big winner based on that, especially at Aintree which is one of my favorite meetings this year, it would end everything and give us a huge boost.
In line to go first on the course is Ici La Reine, who will look to extend her unbeaten run in the Grade Two Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares bumper on the opening day. The daughter of Presenting goes into the track looking for a hat-trick of wins after securing two all-weather victories taken at Newcastle earlier this year.
And Greatrex is confident the switch to grass in the two-mile, one-furlong contest, which his aunt La Bague Au Roi finished seventh in 2016, will bring further improvement.
He said: "She was a beautiful mare when she arrived. I thought she had a chance the first time but I was surprised how well she did when I thought she would be greener.
"It wasn't a great performance visually last time but it all went wrong because they didn't gallop and she was anxious and then a horse got hurt in front of her and set her on fire. One thing she did in both races was to hit the line really hard.
"Dylan (Kitts, jockey) got on her both times and struggled to pull her up. She hasn't run on grass yet but I think it will improve her. She came out really well in the last race.
While Ici La Reine has a long way to go to match the exploits of her Grade 1 winning aunt, Greatrex believes the added emphasis on stamina on this occasion will work to her advantage.
He added: "She's not extravagant and wouldn't be as elegant as La Bague Au Roi, but she has a lot of the same qualities. She's a bit on her toes all the time but it's going to be exciting and I think she's very clever .
"I think she's more of the staying type and that will stand her in good stead at Aintree as I think you have to stay in that race. It's a fast track but because they go at a good canter and with a long home straight you must stay and that is one thing she will do.
The move to the fences appears to have unlocked more improvements for Bill Baxter, who Greatrex hopes can come into the weights for the Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase.
With three major hurdle wins to his name this season, Gretreax believes the Milan gelding is "done" for the two mile, five furlong test of the Grand National's single fence should he make the final field for the race.
Greatrex said: "Bill Baxter has won three of his last four. He would probably have won four fences this season but for an unfortunate crash at Hereford.
“He ran really well over some hurdles last season, but he never really got a foothold. We raced him one day at Ayr and it was too quick for him and he never moved the same way after that and that ended the rest of the season.
“His first race of the season over fences was a little disappointing, but my horses were in need. He was so brilliant at Lingfield and Kelso and then back at Kelso on the last day when Sean (Bowen) was very impressed.
"The plan is to go to Aintree. He's at Topham, if he gets in I'm not sure and it's going to be tough.
“I think Topham is made for him, especially if he gets wet, as he is a good horse on soft and heavy ground. He seems to be able to get through these conditions quite well. The ground is always safe at Aintree and they always do a fantastic job. If he could get rain before then, it would increase his chances."
Should an exit over the Grand National fences not materialize, Greatrex has a back-up plan at the meeting 24 hours later for the seven-year-old, who he believes has a bright future in the sport, regardless of the outcome of his next start.
He added: “If Bill Baxter doesn't get into the Topham, he can go in three miles and a handicap chase on Saturday (William Hill Handicap Chase) as he does so well at home.
"It would be the first time I've booked him on this type of trip this season and I think it will bring further improvement. He doesn't do much at home so you're never shocked by him, but he's so cool , and I think he's a horse that when you come out and he's in good shape, you know he'll be up to the task.
“Whether he gets a good prize at Aintree or we have to wait until next season before that happens, I'm not sure. He is only seven years old and I think he is very exciting as he can continue to develop.
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FAQs
Who won the Topham? ›
How every horse finished at Grand National Festival race. BILL BAXTER has stormed to victory in the Topham Chase on day 2 of the Grand National festival at Aintree! We'll bring you how every horse finished right here, or check out Sun Racing's Grand National live blog for the latest race updates.
Who owns Bill Baxter horse? ›The owner of BILL BAXTER (IRE) is Glassex Holdings Ltd and his current trainer is Warren Greatrex.
Who won the Fox Hunters chase? ›| Year | Winner | Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Top Wood | Kelly Morgan |
| no race 2020 | ||
| 2021 | Cousin Pascal | Joe O'Shea |
| 2022 | Latenightpass | Tom Ellis |
Midnight River won the William Hill Handicap Chase at Aintree on Saturday afternoon, with the final race before the Grand National providing a brilliant spectacle. The race was run over 19 fences, with some notable names in the running, including Eldorado Allen and Nassalam but it was Midnight River who won.
Who owns first captain horse? ›Bio. First Captain, a Curlin colt owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Siena Farm, Bobby Flay and Woodford Racing, turned heads in his debut race when he won a seven-furlong maiden on April 24, 2021, at Belmont Park by three quarters of a length after rallying from behind.
Does George Foreman own horses? ›He points out the tennis court—which he has never used—and the stables. (Foreman keeps most of his 50 horses on his ranch in Marshall.)
Who owns Harley the horse? ›Monnie (pronounced “Mawn-ie) Goetz is Harley's owner. She tells the story with such glee and delight that her thoughts bounce around. “Two years ago, I was invited to BreyerFest by the Sugarbush folks and they registered Harley as a Sugarbush Draft. He was a big standout.
What does F mean in racing form? ›Useful abbreviations relating to the results of previous races are: D = disqualified, 0 = not in the first nine, R = refused, U = the rider was unseated, P = pulled up and F = Fell. Other information that appears alongside a horse's name includes the stalls allocation for that horse.
Who kills the fox on a hunt? ›Fox hunting is usually undertaken with a pack of scent hounds, and, in most cases, these are specially bred foxhounds. These dogs are trained to pursue the fox based on its scent. The two main types of foxhound are the English Foxhound and the American Foxhound.
What happens to the fox at the end of the hunt? ›The fox dies by being torn limb from limb. It can take a while. Up at the viewing point, the hunt supporters have got their binoculars trained on the spot where the fox is being killed. Many of them cheer and congratulate each other on the kill.
How many horses died at Aintree today? ›
Thank you for subscribing! Three horses died at Aintree during the Grand National amid protests from an animal rights group at the popular event.
How many horses died at Aintree? ›How many horses have died at the Grand National in total? The League Against Cruel Sports says 16 horses have been killed at the Grand National since 2000. Around 90 horses have died since the first Grand National in 1839.
Which horse died at Aintree today? ›Dark Raven fell in the 3pm Mersey Novices' Hurdle on Saturday. The horse was being ridden by Paul Townend and came down at the seventh hurdle.
Who owns Yamato horse? ›Owned by Jackie Burrows & George Burrows.
Who owns Secretariat the horse? ›Chenery, the owner of 1973 Triple Crown hero Secretariat, philanthropist, and one of the industry's preeminent figures for five decades, won in a vote determined by the nearly 150 active members of the TPA, a trade organization of Thoroughbred racing publicists and marketing executives.
How much did Howard buy Seabiscuit for? ›The horse, in an out-of-character performance, led from wire to wire, and Howard, acting on a feeling in his gut and the approval of his trainer, bought the horse for $8,000. His name was Seabiscuit.
Does Kevin Costner own a horse? ›Actor and director Kevin Costner, right, part-owns a number of racehorses which mainly run at Hollywood Park in California.
Does Brad Pitt own any horses? ›In 2011, Brad Pitt purchased a horse and six Shetland ponies with the hope of introducing his family to his love for riding.
Does George Foreman own a ranch? ›We have a ranch in the Piney Woods of Marshall, Texas and there I have tons of different birds ostriches, turkeys, pigeons, and you name it. I love to just sit out and feed them to relax. Marshall is located in the Piney Woods of Northeast Texas.
What was John Wayne's horse? ›In the days when westerns were big box office and TV attractions, cowboys and their horses often shared equal billing. Champion, wonder horse of the West, was Gene Autry's mount. John Wayne rode Duke, his devil horse, and, of course, there was Roy Rogers and Trigger billed as the smartest horse in the movies.
What horse did Clint Eastwood ride? ›
Clint Eastwood Used Andalusians in His Westerns
When you think about it, it only makes sense. It's fitting that tall, rugged, and brooding Clint would ride into town from over the horizon on an Andalusian. , Spanish breeds, including the Andalusian, were common mounts in the time.
John Wayne Rode His Own Horse Named Dollar in 7 Movies - IMDb. Western movie star John Wayne frequently rode a horse to complete his cowboy image. However, he grew an affinity for one animal in particular. Wayne went out of his way to ensure that he could ride the same horse named Dollar across seven of his movies.
Who won the 5.15 at Aintree Racecourse? ›FULL results, fallers and finishing order for 5.15 main event at Aintree. CORACH RAMBLER was victorious in this year's Grand National race at Aintree and will take home the HUGE £1million prize!
Who was the Topham Chase named after? ›Mr Edward William Topham, a respected handicapper, was responsible for turning the Grand National into a handicap in 1843.
Who won the 4.40 at Aintree today? ›Winners Wear Cavani Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
Where is the Topham Chase Run? ›CORACH RAMBLER. The two-time winner of the Ultima Chase at Cheltenham is the current favourite for the Grand National.
Who was Mrs Topham? ›Mirabel Topham (15 August 1891 – 28 May 1980) was chairman and managing director of Topham Ltd for 36 years to 1973 and owner of Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England, where the Grand National horse steeplechase is held. She was one of the colourful and controversial personalities in UK racing during this time.
Who built Aintree Racecourse? ›Aintree is well known as the venue for the world famous Grand National. But it also has a long and proud history as a motor sport venue. The 3-mile track, opened in 1954 by Earl Howe and Raymond Mays, remains Britain's only purpose-built Grand Prix circuit and it still exists in its entirety.
What are the names of the Grand National Fences? ›There are many well-known fences at Aintree including Becher's Brook, Canal Turn and Valentine's, all of which provide different tests for the runners and rider. Each fence varies in height, with the lowest measuring at 4ft 6” and the highest, The Chair, at 5ft 2” which also has a 5ft wide ditch on the take-off side.
Who won 3pm Aintree? ›
Grand National RECAP: Result in full as Corach Rambler wins after protesters delay Aintree race.
Who won the 2 55 at Aintree today? ›| Pos. (Draw) | Horse / SP Trainer / Jockey | Jockey Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6. Shishkin (IRE) 7/4F Nico de Boinville Nicky Henderson | Nico de Boinville Nicky Henderson |
| b g Sholokhov (IRE) - Labarynth (IRE) (Exit To Nowhere) | ||
It is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 2 miles (1 mile 7 furlongs and 199 yards, or 3,199 metres), and during its running there are thirteen fences to be jumped. The race is scheduled to take place each year during the Cheltenham Festival in March.
What is the Topham handicap chase at Aintree? ›The Topham Handicap Chase is a Grade 3 handicap run over two miles and five furlongs, and takes place at Aintree during the Grand National meeting in April.
Where is the Lincoln run? ›The Lincoln (otherwise known as The Lincoln Handicap) has run at Doncaster since 1965 when it was transferred from Lincoln Racecourse. The race itself has run since 1849 and has had its name altered over the years from the Lincolnshire Handicap to the Lincoln Spring Handicap before becoming The Lincoln Handicap.