James Stevens talks to Kim Bailey about his great Grand National hope.
Kim Bailey is a man determined to put things right. Last season The Last Samuri finished second in the Grand National and Bailey is optimistic this is the year he can go one better.
The nine-year-old has enjoyed a good campaign in pursuit of Aintree glory. In the blue and yellow colours of Paul and Clare Rooney he kicked off the season by posting a decent effort when fifth in Down Royal’s Grade One Champion Chase.
That was always a tough ask on a seasonal bow, and Bailey returned to Liverpool to see him finish a length off in third when carrying top weight in a competitive renewal of the Becher Chase.
He went back to Doncaster for his prep for the world’s most famous steeplechase in the Grimthorpe Chase. Last season he ran out an exciting 10-length winner of the 3m2f contest, however this season Brian Ellison’s Definitly Red was victorious by 14 lengths.
“He’s actually taken the Doncaster race remarkably well,” said Bailey. “Some horses take a while to come back, but he came through it.”
Esta historia es de la edición April 2017 de Racing Ahead.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 2017 de Racing Ahead.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
LOOKING BRIGHT FOR IRISH STARS
Karl Hedley reports as jumps challengers pile on the heat across the water
WELL SET TO STEP AHEAD
Ben Morgan has ten warming prospects to follow in the coming weeks
CUE FOR MANY A CELEBRATION
Graham Buddry recalls the life and times of jumps legend Cue Card
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
TWISTER RUNS MASTER CLASS
John Anthony watches Nigel Twiston-Davies' star catch time judges' eye
NO LEAVES ON LINE TO SLOW THESE FLYERS
Simon Nott enjoys a West Country Weekend catching up with ring pals
EXPECTATIONS SOAR AT RIDGE
Nick Townsend talks to rising Newmarket training star James Owen
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
NORMA'S COLOURS ARE FLYING PROUD
Robert Cooper sees Percy Willis and Kaadam grace white and green spots and red cap
CHIANTI FLOWS AS NEW LION GROWLS
Prior to the National Hunt season 'proper' getting underway at Chepstow the question on many people's lips was whether or not Willie Mullins would target a second consecutive British trainers' title.
