In his exclusive column, the Irish jump jockey and Betway ambassador discusses his rides at Navan and the Grand National
Irish Grand National
The ground just wasn’t soft enough for Mala Beach in the Irish Grand National.
He really needs it soft and it had dried out a fair bit by race time. There’ll be other days for him.
It was great for Mouse [Morris] to win another National with Rogue Angel. He’s a brilliant trainer and it’s obviously been a very hard time for him over the past year.
I was thrilled for him.
Navan rides
It’s a fairly quiet weekend for me as I’m suspended on Sunday, but I’ve got three rides at Navan on Saturday.
The Barrowman (2.55pm) is having his first start over hurdles, but he’s won a point-to-point and a bumper so goes there unbeaten. He was very impressive at Fairyhouse on the last day.
He’ll be more of a chaser in time which is probably why he’s starting off over hurdles this late in the season.
It’s a competitive field but hopefully he can keep his winning run going.
I’ve got a very nice ride on Road To Riches in the Grade 2 Chase (4.40pm). Unfortunately for Bryan [Cooper], he’s suspended.
Road To Riches ran a very good race in the Ryanair. Vautour was brilliant on the day, but he was right there with him turning for home and just got a little tired late on.
He’s the class horse in the race and must have a big chance, but the ground is a slight worry, especially if more rain arrives.
Smashing will love the ground and Foxrock gets a fair bit of weight, so it’s going to be an interesting race.
My final ride is on Winter Magic in the handicap chase (5.15pm). He won well three starts back and hopefully he can get back to that sort of form.
He’s off a slightly higher mark, but hopefully he’ll still be competitive.
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Grand National
The Grand National is a race every jockey wants to win and I’m no different.
I’m really looking forward to next week where I’ll be on Morning Assembly. He ran really well at Cheltenham and is a good stayer.
Hopefully they’ll get some rain next week, as he’d want a bit of cut, but he should give me a good spin round.
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