Richards planning Ayr raid

Nicky Richards aims to run Monet’s Garden and Faasel in the two main supporting races on Scottish Grand National day at Ayr on Saturday week.

The former goes for the Future Champions Chase over two and a half miles, while Faasel’s target will be the Scottish Champion Hurdle on what is likely to be his last race over the smaller obstacles before he goes novice chasing.

Both horses were in action at last month’s Cheltenham Festival, Monet’s Garden running a gallant second to Voy Por Ustedes in the Arkle Trophy and Faasel finishing eighth to Brave Inca in the Champion Hurdle.

Of Monet’s Garden, Richards said: “He’s in good nick. All being well if Ayr have got their track in good order he’ll run there.”

Of Faasel, the Greystoke trainer said: “He sems in good nick. He’s come out of the Cheltenham race good and the Scottish Champion will probably be his last race before he goes novice chasing next season. That’s the plan.”