‘The race will really suit’ – Jockey of leading Grand National hope is very bullish

It’s not long until Aintree’s Grand National Festival kicks off and the main event, the Grand National itself, takes place on Saturday. One horse has been particularly well backed in recent days and has shot to the head of the market. His jockey sounds very confident ahead of the race and the horse in question will be attempting to complete a Cheltenham and Aintree double. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

‘His style of jumping will suit the fences’

Stumptown is a cross-country specialist and regular rider Keith Donoghue is very confident that those skills can be transferred to the National fences. He has been well backed in recent days and is now the market leader, perhaps for good reason.

Donoghue said : “I think the Grand National will really suit Stumptown, his style of jumping will suit the style of the fences over there. I can’t wait to ride him in it. The cross-country horses have a very good record in the race, the likes of Tiger Roll and Delta Work in recent years, and the different demands of a Grand National seems to suit those sort of horses who like something different. He seems to be getting better with every run, too.”

‘I think he can improve’

It’s a strong field once again this year and you would imagine that improvement will be required. Donoghue understands that however and strongly believes there could be more to come.

He added: “I think it’s a very strong race this year. There are a lot of quality horses in there, Graded horses, and then you have also got a lot of horses who are sneaking in off nice marks. It’s going to be a quality race and I’m under absolutely no illusions Stumptown is going to have to run a career best to win it. I think he can, though, and we’re very hopeful.”

16:00

Aintree

Stumptown

Analysis

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