Horse racing: McCain favours Newbury for House run

Ginger McCain is planning to run Martell Grand National hope Amberleigh House at Newbury on Friday.

The 10-year-old was due to run in a two mile, four furlong chase at Haydock last Saturday but the meeting was abandoned due to a waterlogged course.

Amberleigh House’s last run was over hurdles at Haydock at the beginning of the month when he finished sixth behind Buddy Marvel.

McCain had been planning to give him a prep run for the Aintree spectacular at the Merseyside track and he admitted he was a bit disappointed the meeting was off.

He said: ‘‘It’s part and parcel of things at this time of year really isn’t it?’’

McCain is now planning to send his charge for the Geoffrey Gilbey Handicap Chase at the Berkshire track instead.

‘‘He’s grand at the moment and he could possibly go to Newbury. We are keen to get a run into him,’’ said the trainer.

‘‘Newbury’s got good fences and it’s a good galloping track but it will only be over two miles and one furlong.

‘‘It’s either there or Doncaster on Saturday, where he’s in a two and a half mile race. I’d personally favour Newbury but I’ll have to discuss it with the owner later in the week.’’