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| John Smith's Grand National - 14th April 2012 |
Neptune Equester Aiming for Aintree
11/01/12
Brian Ellison’s Grand National hope Neptune Equester is one of 17 entered for the Betfred Classic Chase at Warwick on Saturday.
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Ellison is keen for his charge to increase his rating to enhance his chances of getting a run at Aintree and a good showing at Warwick would aid his cause.
The nine-year-old showed stamina in abundance when winning an attritional contest at Haydock on his penultimate start and he was not disgraced when fifth in the Scottish National as well, but we'd like to go to Aintree."
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Meanwhile Jonjo O'Neill has confirmed the retirement of Don’t Push It, the Ballabriggs.
He will spend his retirement at owner JP McManus's Martinstown Stud in County Limerick, having won eight races in a 29-race career which yielded over 750,000 in prize-money.
O'Neill added: "The whole yard, and especially Tony and JP, owe him everything. He was also mine and JP's first National winner and means the world to both of us. He ran a blinder when he won in 2010, and he also ran a blinder last year when he finished third.
"We thought we had him right again this year after he ran so well over hurdles at Cheltenham, but he's now telling us enough is enough.
"He's been an unbelievable horse and I'm sure he will be well looked after at JP's - he will have a great retirement. He's a smashing horse and will never be forgotten."
McCoy, currently sidelined with a rib injury, added on At The Races: "The last thing we wanted was for something to happen to him, so the decision was pretty easy to make.
"Jonjo and JP were very keen to make sure he retired in one piece. He's emotionally too valuable for something to have happened to him. He gave his all. He gave me the greatest day of my racing life - I always wanted to win the Grand National. I will always be indebted to Don't Push It."
