Synchronised will try to become the first horse in 78 years today to capture British steeplechasing’s two biggest races in the same season.
A month after surprisingly winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Tony McCoy’s 8-1 mount starts as favourite for the British Grand National.
Not since 1934 when Golden Miller triumphed at Aintree has the double been achieved.
“Life is about being different,” said McCoy, the 16-time champion jockey. “In this case, it’s about doing things people haven’t done before and have not done in long time.
“He has great stamina and a will to win. He has more heart than ability and talent, and that’s what you need to win the National.”
Synchronised’s trainer Jonjo O’Neill never won the 4½-mile (7.2-kilometre) National during an illustrious riding career but has already won it as a trainer. Don’t Push It gave McCoy his first National triumph two years ago at his 15th attempt and they are hoping Synchronised can emulate his Cheltenham success.
“He just came out of the race so good. He came out of his box the next day better than ever and he’s the best horse in the race today,” O’Neill said. “He’s a sensible horse and as long as he doesn’t start diving at his fences and taking too much out of himself, hopefully he’ll get into a rhythm. The fellow on top (McCoy) might help a bit, too.”
Ballabriggs is trying to make a different kind of history.
Donald McCain’s 12-1 shot is looking to become the first back-to-back National winner in 38 years since Red Rum, who was trained by his late father.
Ginger McCain was on hand to see the celebrations last year before dying in September.
“I don’t see any reason at all why he shouldn’t go there and run his race again,” Donald McCain said. “He’s got more weight to carry, but he’s a big, strong horse and if he takes to the place the same as he did last year, then he’s going to be thereabouts.”
Yesterday, favourite Finian’s Rainbow won the Melling Chase in front of 53,461 spectators on the second day of the Aintree Festival.
The 9-year-old 13-8 favorite followed up his victory at the Cheltenham Festival by beating 15-2 shot Wishfull Thinking by seven lengths.