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| Aintree Grand National 2011 |
135nu
Don’t Push It Heads 65 Aiming for John Smith’s Grand National Glory 05/04/11
Don’t Push It, who famously gave owner J P McManus, trainer Jonjo O’Neill and jockey Tony (A P) McCoy a first victory in the John Smith’s Grand National 12 months ago, heads the 65 contenders going forward at the five-day confirmation stage for the 2011 renewal of the world’s greatest chase at Aintree on Saturday, April 9.
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This year’s race, run over four and a half miles and 30 fences, is due off at 4.15pm and boasts record prize money of 950,000.
There were no surprise withdrawals today and Silver By Nature (10st 12lb), who warmed up for Aintree with success in the totesport.com Grand National Trial at Haydock Park on February 19.
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McCain is a surname synonymous with the John Smith’s Grand National, with Big Fella Thanks (11st 1lb), who was sixth in 2009 and fourth last year. Character Building (10st 4lb), seventh last year, is due to run again with amateur Nina Carberry booked to take the ride on the grey for the second year in succession.
The official elimination order, as decided Phil Smith, Head of Handicapping at the British Horseracing Authority, is as follows (maximum 40 runners)
39) ARBOR SUPREME,
40) OUR MONTY,
41) ROYAL ROSA,
42) SKIPPERS BRIG,
43) GOLDEN KITE,
44) ALWAYS WAINING,
45) PUTNEY BRIDGE,
46) BELON GALE,
47) FAASEL,
48) LE BEAU BAI,
49) MERIGO,
50) ASKTHEMASTER.
THE 2011 JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL
65 entries remain after the five-day confirmation stage
