Gordon Elliott trained the 2007 Grand National winner, Silver Birch, before saddling his first winner in Ireland and he looks to have a good chance of gaining another success in the extended four-and-a-quarter mile contest this year courtesy of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede’s Ucello Conti, a general 20/1 shot for Aintree’s famous race.
The nine-year-old son of Martaline was sixth in the race behind Rule The World last year, beaten 37 lengths, and was fourth at the track again in the Becher Chase, beaten two and a half-lengths in December.
The French-bred gelding, who was pretty decent in his native France as a youngster, has since been running well in defeat for Elliott in Ireland, notably when second to Champagne West by seven and a half-lengths in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park in January, before finishing an excellent fourth in a competitive handicap at Naas.
Jacob is looking forward to renewing his partnership with the gelding and commented:
He gave me a great ride in last year’s Grand National. His French form is on soft ground and he ran a great race in the contest and I was pleased when the rain did come for him. He was with the winner two out and then after the last he didn’t quite stay on the soft ground so I’m hoping going back there this year on good to soft ground possibly it will help him stay the extra distance.
He ran well in the Becher Chase last time so he handles the course there and he has run well in defeat in Ireland since then. Gordon’s a master and he will have him primed for the day, so hopefully he will run a big race.
