Forest Gunner tipped for National glory

Carrie Ford’s mount Forest Gunner could go off as favourite for Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National, according to the bookmakers.

The big three firms, William Hill, Coral and Ladbrokes, all chopped the 11-year-old’s odds yesterday and they believe Mrs Ford could make history as the first lady rider to partner a Grand National favourite.

Forest Gunner, who is trained by Mrs Ford’s husband Richard, is now an 11-1 chance with all three firms after serious support in recent days.

The swell of money has come despite the fact that four-time National-winning trainer Ginger McCain wrote off Forest Gunner’s chance, claiming that “women don’t win Grand Nationals”.

“Thanks to Ginger McCain’s comments, Carrie Ford and Forest Gunner are guaranteed headline coverage this week, but unlike Ginger, plenty of punters think a lady rider can win the National and are backing this horse accordingly,” said Coral’s David Stevens.

“Forest Gunner could well go off favourite if the money continues to pour in.”