Scu misses National
Scudamore was partnering The Giant Bolster in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase and took a heavy tumble when the gelding came down at the fifth fence.
The jockey was taken to Fazakerley Hospital and to add insult to injury, he missed a winning ride on Battle Group in the John Smith’s smithythehorse.com Handicap Hurdle.
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Backstage has had an extraordinary preparation having won two point-to-points since the turn of the year, but his trainer Gordon Elliott, who saddled Silver Birch to win the National four years ago, could not be more confident.
“Backstage is bombing, but it’s the Grand National so you do need a lot of luck,” said Elliott.
“If he jumps well and gets a clear round you never know. He was travelling well when he unseated last year and we decided point-to-pointing was the right route to take.
“It’s all about him winning and giving him confidence as well as keeping his mark at what it was.”
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BINOCULAR steps into unknown territory when he bids to make up for missing Cheltenham in the John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle over two and a half miles this afternoon.
The 2010 Champion Hurdle winner was all set to defend his title before trainer Nicky Henderson was forced to withdraw him after medication he was given to treat an allergy failed to clear his system in time.
“Nicky is very happy with him. It’s a competitive race, but he goes there in good shape and we are hoping for a big run,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.
“AP (McCoy) was happy with him after a schooling session at the weekend so we have to hope for the best after that.
“The trip is unknown territory for him, but we’ll find out tomorrow.”
