With this easier task, watch out for Abbeybraney

ABBEYBRANEY came unstuck over the Grand National fences last time but should find the task a little easier in the John Townroe’s 80th BirthdayVeterans’ Handicap Chase at Haydock today.

The 10-year-old is having his first try in this kind of company after acareer which has seen just 21 starts so far. He looked a possible star when twice placing in Grade One contests as a novice but it has been a bit of a stop-start ride since with some long absences.

Now with Nicky Richards, Abbeybraney was certainly not finished with when he crashed out at Bechers Brook earlier this month on hisseasonal bow and he merits respect here.