Marauder fine after Newcastle run

Red Marauder was reported to be in top form today following his first run at Newcastle on Monday since winning the 2001 Martell Grand National.

And the 13-year-old may well have another run before bidding to win the Aintree marathon for a second time.

“He’s absolutely fine – he went out in a field with a buck and kick and a squeal,” said his trainer and jockey Richard Guest.

“He’s in tremendous nick, he’s bright and good and his legs are ice cold - spot on he is.

“That’s the best news of all – couldn’t be better. Better than five winners!”

Red Marauder was beaten 10 and a half lengths in fourth place behind Little Sport in the Bet365 0800 4588888 Hurdle (Showcase Handicap) over three miles at Newcastle.

His owner Norman Mason handed in his permit and the horse is now trained by Guest and he is praying for rain as he would like to put Red Marauder over fences before the National.

“It will have to rain. The way he has come out of the race he could have another run but obviously it would have to be in the next two weeks because he wants a little bit of time between his races,” Guest said.

“I would be keen to give him another run over a fence, but we do need some rain.

“The ground yesterday was pretty good but dead in places. It had been drying out and they had rolled it. It was dead, but you couldn’t call it soft and obviously he wants it proper wet.

“There’s a chance for it to change back again. Unfortunately it’s just finding a race for him, but I would love to get a run into him.

“He could run back quick the way he has come out of it today.

“If there was plenty of rain about in the next 10 days he could well run again. If not it would be straight to Aintree if it’s wet.”