I SUPPOSE people may be a little surprised at my choice of ride, Shakervilz, in Monday’s Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

A WEEK ago The Midnight Club and I managed to negotiate those Grand National fences at Aintree, admittedly in our own good time, and today it’s a case of trying to do a lot better in the Scotttish equivalent at Ayr.

I HAVE had it in my head for a long time that The Midnight Club could be an ideal Grand National candidate and am obviously very much looking forward to riding him at Aintree this afternoon.

IT’S Chepstow this afternoon for just three rides, but I’m certainly not making the journey for a day out and will be disappointed if failing to get among the winners.

THERE’S always something of a lull between Cheltenham and Aintree and the racing this weekend is fairly mundane.

WHEN I settled down, after what was an astonishing first day of Cheltenham, I began to reflect on all of the miserable days I suffered over the previous four months.

WHEN at Sandown last Saturday, I decided to give Willie Mullins a ring in an effort to firm up some plans for Cheltenham.

IRISH OWNER

THERE’S nothing like a bit of excitement before Cheltenham and I certainly had my share with that crashing tumble aboard King Of The Refs at Naas on Wednesday.