LIST OF 84 ENTRIES FOR 2013 GRAND NATIONAL

The 2013 Grand National has attracted 84 entries, including popular horses Imperial Commander, On His Own, Tidal Bay, Sunnyhillboy and Chicago Grey.
Below is the list of entries (trainer's name in brackets).

Across The Bay (D McCain)

Albertas Run (J O'Neill)

Alfie Sherrin (J O'Neill)

Always Waining (P Bowen)

Any Currency (M Keighley)

Auroras Encore (S Smith)

Backstage (G Elliott)

Ballabriggs (D McCain)

Balthazar King (P Hobbs)

Becauseicouldntsee (N Glynn)

Beshabar (T Vaughan)

Big Fella Thanks (T George)

Bob Lingo (T Mullins)

Bostons Angel (Mrs J Harrington)

Calgary Bay (M Channon)

Call The Police (W Mullins)

Cappa Bleu (E Williams)

Chicago Grey (G Elliott)

Cloudy Lane (D McCain)

Colbert Station (T Walsh)

Cross Appeal (N Meade)

Fabalu (D McCain)

Forpadydeplasterer (T Cooper)

Frisco Depot (C Longsdon)

Gullible Gordon (P Bowen)

Harry The Viking (P Nicholls)

Imperial Commander (N Twiston-Davies)

Jessies Dream (G Elliott)

Join Together (P Nicholls)

Joncol (P Nolan)

Katenko (V Williams)

Lambro (W Mullins)

Lion Na Bearnai (T Gibney)

Little Josh (N Twiston-Davies)

Lost Glory (J O'Neill)

Magnanimity (D Hughes)

Major Malarkey (N Twiston-Davies)

Matuhi (D Pipe)

Midnight Chase (N Mulholland)

Mister Hyde (J O'Neill)

Mortimers Cross (J Needham)

Mr Moonshine (Mrs S Smith)

Mumbles Head (P Bowen)

Ninetieth Minute (T Taaffe)

Odysseas (Y Porzier)

On His Own (W Mullins)

Organisedconfusion (A Moore)

Oscar Time (M Lynch)

Outlaw Pete (J Halley)

Pandorama (N Meade)

Pearlysteps (H Daly)

Pentiffic (Miss V Williams)

Planet of Sound (P Hobbs)

Poker De Sivola (F Murphy)

Prince De Beauchene (W Mullins)

Problema Tic (D Pipe)

Quel Esprit (W Mullins)

Quinz (P Hobbs)

Quiscover Fontaine (W Mullins)

Quito De La Roque (C Murphy)

Rare Bob (D Hughes)

Roberto Goldback (N Henderson)

Roi Du Mee (G Elliott)

Romanesco (G Elliott)

 Saint Are (T Vaughan

Seabass (T Walsh)

Shakervilz (W Mullins)

Soll (J Hughes)

Summery Justice (V Williams)

Sunnyhillboy (J O'Neill)

Swing Bill (D Pipe)

Tarquinius (G Elliott)

Tartak (T Vaughan)

Tatenen (R Rowe)

Teaforthree (Miss R Curtis)

The Package (D Pipe)

The Rainbow Hunter (K Bailey

Tidal Bay (P Nicholls)

Tofino Bay (D Hughes)

Treacle (T Taaffe)

Viking Blond (N Twiston-Davies)

Weird Al (D McCain)

What A Friend (P Nicholls)

Wyck Hill (D Bridgwater)

 

61 ENTRIES FOR THE LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE - BUT IS THE RECORD NUMBER BECAUSE OF BIG BUCK'S?

A RECORD number of entries for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle has been received - a possible link between the departure of Big Buck's this season.

With a total of 61 entries, the field has been left wide open this year as the Paul Nicholls' wonder will not be taking part in the Cheltenham Festival race after sustaining an injury.

Four-time champion Big Buck's has, and always will be, a superstar to watch. But now after his shock departure from the season, I think other trainers have jumped in for a possibility of success.

At least now they know they'll be in for a chance!

Tidal Bay leads the way for Nicholls and is one of a team of six for the Ditcheat trainer - Wonderful Charm and Kauto Stone are also included.

If a Nicholls' horse does win, it will be the fifth consecutive World Hurdle for the yard.

However, I am a fan of Oscar Whisky - I have seen him around the Cheltenham track many times and have always admired watching him. He is definitely a class act and Nicky Henderson may be on to a winner with his entry.

Oscar Whisky is one of seven entries for Henderson and he has raced very well this season.

He always seems to have buzz about him and compared to other Henderson/Nicholls greats, Oscar Whisky, I think, is a dark horse (excuse the pun!)

It is a shame Big Buck's cannot take part but I still believe the World Hurdle will be fantastic to watch at the Festival.

Having a different winner will not hide Big Buck's achievements, but now the contest has opened up I think it will be refreshing to see another champion pass the post.

BOBS WORTH FAVOURITE FOR CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP 2013

FORTY entries for the Cheltenham Gold Cup were revealed today (Wednesday) with Bobs Worth leading the pack as the favourite.

The horse, who is 3-1 with the sponsors of the 3m 3 ½f race, is one of many that is shaping the 2013 festival as a showpiece to watch on March 15.

Competition is building up and other horses including Long Run, Finian’s Rainbow, Tidal Bay and Kauto Stone were also among the 40 going for gold.

Stablemate Long Run is one of five entries for trainer Nicky Henderson – Finian’s Rainbow, Riverside Theatre and Roberto Goldback also make up the team.

Kauto Star may have said a sad farewell to racing, but trainer Paul Nicholls still has strong horses in the mix.

I think Tidal Bay is the one to watch from Nicholls’ team – his performance in the Lexus Chase was very good and impressed punters across the UK.

Ruby Walsh constantly pushed the 11-year-old until the end of the chase and he proved, along with Kauto Star, that being an older racehorse is not a disadvantage.

Entries from Nicholls’ yard also include Silviniaco Conti, Kauto Stone and What A Friend.

Is Bobs Worth a worthy favourite for the contest or can another entry go for gold on March 15?

TIDAL BAY COULD WIN DOUBLE IN WORLD HURDLE AND GRAND NATIONAL

2012 has been the year for Tidal Bay – his victory in the Lexus Chase was world-class and certainly got people talking.

When he wasn’t in the top three over the final fence I didn’t think Ruby Walsh would be able to push him to glory at Leopardstown.

But when he powered ahead of the field in the final stages of the race, the racing world knew he was the one to watch.

Now trainer Paul Nicholls believes Tidal Bay could be the horse to compete in both the World Hurdle and the Grand National.

Kauto Star has shown the racing world that an older racehorse should never be doubted and Tidal Bay, aged 11, certainly isn’t a horse anyone will forget any time soon.

After seeing Walsh with Tidal Bay at Leopardstown, I understand why Nicholls is ambitious towards the horse’s future. Whatever race the trainer gives them, the pair will go for victory.

2013 would be another spectacular year if Tidal Bay pulled off the unique double. But can he finish with his nose in front again? Let’s hope 2013 brings the Ditcheat team more fortune. 

IT'S ANYONE'S GAME NOW - BIG BUCK'S DEPARTURE FROM WORLD HURDLE LEAVES DOOR OPEN FOR OTHER CONTENDERS

FOLLOWING Big Buck's shock departure from the remainder of the season, Quevega is now favourite to win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

The four-time Cheltenham Festival winner is leading the pack despite connections often training her for the Grade 2 mares' race.

Bookmakers were thrown into uncertainty when Big Buck's was pulled out of the hurdle after sustaining a tendon injury - but who can benefit from the situation?

Quevega has definitely caused a debate among racing fans. Her win the last year's mares' hurdle was good but if she was to repeat the performance it would certainly not be enough to win the World Hurdle.

Nevertheless she is always up for a challenge and trainer Willie Mullins knows he has a capable mare on his hands that could give him bigger titles.

Tidal Bay is also thrown into the mix and it was interesting to see Paul Nicholls mention him within hours of breaking the news of Big Buck's departure.

He is a consistent horse around the Cheltenham track and it wouldn't surprise me if pulled off a stunning performance in the hurdle.

He has really improved this season: his competitive long-distance hurdle at Wetherby was fantastic and plenty of confidence was also seen in the Hennessy.

But I personally believe Oscar Whisky will shine in the hurdle. After watching him at Cheltenham races last weekend, it is clear the horse oozes confidence around the track.

Nicky Henderson has got a trick up his sleeve - and it is in the form of Oscar Whisky. I know Big Buck's departure has disappointed many, but it has opened a door for those who wouldn't have been in the reckoning.

After all, is that a bad thing?

Despite Oscar Whisky's flop in last year's race, Henderson is still backing his champion and why wouldn't he? The horse has previously charged up Cheltenham hill four times to victory and if he holds his nerve in the World Hurdle I think he can pull off a tremendous win.

The market is fresh and even though Big Buck's will be missed in the World Hurdle, I am excited to see who else will finish on top.

HUNT BALL TO RACE AT CHELTENHAM BEFORE KING GEORGE VI CHASE

HUNT Ball looks ready to make an impact in Cheltenham's Charity Challenge Gold Cup before taking part in the King George VI Chase.

As long as trainer Keiran Burke is happy with the ground conditions on Saturday, the seven-year-old has a 14-1 chance of winning the two miles five furlong race.

Owned by trainer Anthony Knott, Hunt Ball disappointed many when he was pulled up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup due to the ground turning soft.

The horse is 33-1 for his chance in the King George and Burke is determined to enter the race at Kempton on Boxing Day.

I am at Cheltenham racecourse on Saturday and I cannot wait to judge Hunt Ball in the flesh. He is a promising horse and Burke is sure of his ability.

It seems that he is taking extra care around Hunt Ball and I hope it will be proven why this weekend. I hope conditions remain suitable for him as I would hate for him to back out of the race at the last minute.

With odds up to 14-1 I fancy Hunt Ball's chances. Who agrees? Is he preferred in the King George or do you believe in him this weekend?

FINGAL BAY PULLS OUT OF SEASON DUE TO INJURY

FINGAL BAY has suffered an injury which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The successful novice chaser made a fantastic start to his career but his unfortunate early departure was the result of a minor tendon injury.

The injury was not due to the Philip Hobbs' horse running into a fence at Exeter last Friday.

COULD BOLD SIR BRIAN OUTSHINE MIDNIGHT CHASE'S ARGENTO VICTORY?

As most of my blog followers know, Midnight Chase is one of my favourite horses and Dougie Costello's ride in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham this year will be a race I will always remember.

Personally, his win over Tidal Bay by two and three-qaurter lengths was perhaps the best victory I have seen at the Gloucester track - please comment or tweet if anyone thinks differently - as Midnight Chase led the field over the first and stayed ahead throughout the race.

But will it be possible to see another success in improving youngster Bold Sir Brian in the same race on January 6 2013?

According to Lucinda Russell, the six-year-old could have his next start in the Argento, as the promising horse (rated 155) made a step up to Listed level on his previous ride at Sandown.

His performance illustrated the potential he holds and the NH trainer is thinking about giving Bold Sir Brian an entry in the Gold Cup next March.

But if he did go ahead in the Argento, would he outshine Midnight Chase's brilliant win? I am not doubting the horse's ability, I feel Costello gave Midnight Chase a ride to remember - he saved enough energy to power the horse up Cheltenham's iconic track - and even Betfred, the sponsorship behind the Gold Cup, cut the champion's odds from 40 to 16-1 for the festival.

I wish Lucinda all the best with Bold Sir Brian and I am sure he will produce a wonderful career for her. But will he give the Cheltenham crowd a race to remember? We shall have to wait and see! 

PAUL NICHOLLS IS STILL AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME

Trainer Paul Nicholls is pulling out big names for Sandown's Tingle Creek Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

With wonder horses Kauto Star and Denman now retired, stablemates of the two racing legends have been passed the baton that will take them to glory.

Sanctuaire, the highest rated novice chaser Nicholls has ever trained and remains unbeaten in all three starts over fences, will feature in the Tingle Creek Chase on Saturday December 8.

But despite his success he faces a tough test in his reappearance on the track with unbeaten second-season chaser Sprinter Sacre.

The Tingle Creek attracts the best two mile steeple chasers in the country and often acts as a springboard for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Kauto Star is also to make a special appearance at Sandown Park next weekend.

But things haven't stopped there for the trainer. Silviniaco Conti is joint-favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

The six-year-old ridden by top jockey Ruby Walsh is now 5-1jf for racing's biggest event after winning by two-and-a-half-lengths in Haydock's Betfair Chase to make it two wins from a total of two starts this season.

On the day a statue of Kauto Star was unveiled at Haydock, where he won the Betfair Chase four times, it was great to see Silviniaco Conti emerge as a possible superstar.

So Paul Nicholls shows no sign of slowing down and it is wonderful to watch more of his high-rated horses come into racing's spotlight.

Sanctuaire and Silviniaco Conti are just two examples of Nicholls' tremendous work he does for the sport and I have no doubt that the trainer can keep on creating winners in all the years he will remain in racing.

NEPTUNE COLLONGES TO BE PARADED AT WARWICK RACECOURSE

** Due to 15mm of rain overnight, racing at Warwick racecourse has been abandoned. 
Updated 09:35 21/11/12

Grand National winner Neptune Collonges will be paraded at Warwick racecourse tomorrow (Wednesday) following his success in the Aintree event.

Photo by Meteorshoweryn taken from Flickr

Fresh from Al Ferof's victory in the Paddy Power Gold Cup Steeplechase at Cheltenham on Saturday, owner John Hales will be at the 2012 champion's side in front of the crowd at the jumps fixture.

The Grand National in April was perhaps one of the most exciting and adrenaline-rushing races this country has ever witnessed.

Paul Nicholls' grey pulled a nostril in front of Sunnyhill Boy at the very last second of the race, leaving thousands of people stunned at his and jockey Daryl Jacob's superb effort.

He was immediately retired after the race.

Not only is the horse a wonder of the track, he is a star in dressage, where he recently won in a competition with a score of 79 per cent, thanks to Hales' daughter, Lisa, who re-trained him.

I hope that a large crowd turns out at Warwick tomorrow because I feel that Nicholls' first ever Grand National winner is a legend in his own right.

Kauto Star and Denman have often over-shadowed Neptune's talent as they all belonged to the same yard but since the grey burst onto the Aintree track this year he has definitely proved that he is in the same league as his superstar stablemates.

Neptune Collonges was purchased by Highflyer Bloodstock who sponsor The Highflyer Four Year Old Chase, the only race for four year olds in the racing calendar.

Neptune Collonges is one of racing's greatest talents and I hope that he will remembered for a long time.