Follow us on Twitter - @Aintreeinfo
National Nibbles - Jimmy Mangan
Today sees the conclusion of our Nibbles series, we hope you have enjoyed reading all the different views. To close on a high we bring you an interview with the 2003 Grand National winning trainer Jimmy Mangan. We wanted to close the series with a 'got the t-shirt' kind of interview and feel this totally fits the bill. Enjoy !!
How do you prepare a horse for the National, do you do anything different ?
Not really, he was second in Topham trophy previous year so he knew he loved the fences and the course.
How nervous did you get before the race ?
Twas just like any other race, i was just as hopeful as I would be with any other race, however I was more fearful that he would be brought down by another horse.
At what point did you realise you were going to win ?
The Canal Turn.
How did you celebrate ?
We missed the boat that night and found a B&B and the following day we went back to Conna and after our local point to point meeting we paraded through the village with over 4,000 well wishers and locals. Barry Geraghty even joined us down there.
How do you think the modifications to the start and new fences will change the race ?
I hope that it wouldn't change it too much I would just be a bit worried that they might go too fast. Hopefully the changes are all for the good and I have no problem with the changes.
An Irish horse hasn't won since 2007 and Seabass got harshly treated this year in the weights - do you think the days of lining up a 'plot' at the National are over ?
No they are definitely not over, you just have to be highly rated these days to get into the National.
Which 2 horses do you most fancy for this year's race ?
Definitely "On His Own" and I also fancy one of Ted Walsh's two horses to be in the money
Who would be your idea of a lively outsider ?
Rare Bob with the way Dessies horses are going its hard to not fancy any of his, they're going so well.
Big thanks to Jimmy for closing the series and to Andrea Mangan for arranging it with her uncle. Andrea's at AIntree today so if you see her say a big hello. Keep an eye out tonight for our National thoughts an some exclusive thoughts from JP & AP.
If like Jimmy you fancy Rare Bob or On His Own then BetVictor are paying an amazing 6 places on the Grand National. To place a bet go to www.freeaintreebets.com
Friday 5 April 2013
Wednesday 3 April 2013
National Nibbles - Gina Bryce
Follow us on Twitter - @Aintreeinfo
National Nibbles - Gina Bryce
Today is the turn of Gina Bryce who joined the C4 Racing team this year. Gina is a very competent horsewoman herself by the way. Following Simon and Rishi, Gina completes our C4 racing hat-trick.
So onto the questions :
National Nibbles - Gina Bryce
Today is the turn of Gina Bryce who joined the C4 Racing team this year. Gina is a very competent horsewoman herself by the way. Following Simon and Rishi, Gina completes our C4 racing hat-trick.
So onto the questions :
What are your earliest National memories ?
It’s the one race growing up that we would all stop to watch as
a family. In those days my dad would
come back from the bookies with our chosen bets. Funnily enough he never saw those stakes
again.
Which has been your favourite National so far ?
Papillon in 2000 when I managed to strike it lucky with a few
quid each way. Sadly, the stake was paid for by me on that occasion.
Which 2 horses would you put up against the field in this years
renewal and why ?
In previous years, State of Play has always been my banker to
make sure I get a run for my money. His
stablemate Cappa Bleu took up the mantle last year with a solid 4th
having not enjoyed the easiest passage through the race and with a little more luck
this year I can’t see him out of the frame.
I am always interested in Ted Walsh’s runners after my Papillon win and
although I would love to see Katie Walsh make history again on Seabass, I am
interested in his other runner Colbert Station.
He looks a robust type and impressed with his jumping at Leopardstown in
the Paddy Power before advertising his well being over hurdles more recently.
Aptitude for the fences, stamina and the ability to overcome inexperience has
to be taken on trust but the trainer’s faith in the horse is enough to tempt me
into adding him to the list.
What effect do you think the new modifications to the start and
the fences will have ?
I am in favour of trying to make the race as safe as possible
and to that end a number of very knowledgeable professionals have been
consulted and their advice duly followed which is surely a positive. That said,
I am not in favour of succumbing to a minority who will not be happy until the
race itself and the sport of horse racing is banned.
Bearing in mind the new changes, how many finishers do you
predict this year ( given good to soft ground) ?
I would say, judging on previous years, somewhere between 15-20
although its not a bet I’d be wading in with.
Grand National or Gold Cup ?
A high-class problem but Aintree just edges it for me. It’s such
a unique test of a horse and is a race that resonates with people far beyond
the racing world.
Who would you consider to be a lively outsider in this years
field ?
Although a race to have eluded the Champion Trainer elect so
far, Nicky Henderson has had such a phenomenal season that I would give Roberto
Goldback a chance to break the trainer’s duck. There are plenty of question
marks but he has been bought and trained specifically for this race, the drying
ground is in his favour and he has reportedly schooled well over National-style
fences.
What instructions would you give to a jockey riding in the
National ?
If they were listening to instructions from me, I think we might
be in trouble !
Who would you most like to spend a day at the Grand National
with and why ?
I think Coleen Rooney’s box with her fellow WAG’s would be good
fun although I would have to up my game in the outfit stakes !
Where will you be watching the big race ?
My friend has rather inconsiderately chosen to get married that
day, so I'll be ducking out of lunch to watch the race and will look forward to
nursing the hangover on Sunday with the full replay of the day’s coverage.
If you owned a horse running in the National and it won, how
would you celebrate ?
I’d love to do an Anthony Knott and hitch a ride into the
winners enclosure although it’s not really what a horse who has ground out 4m4f
for you would appreciate. Probably just
a night out in Liverpool, which I am ashamed to admit, would be a first (we hope you get out in 'Town' sometime Gina as it's a great night out)
Thanks very much to Gina for her thoughts and it's a shame she couldn't make it to Aintree for her first National as part of the C4 team. Keep an eye out tomorrow as we have another exclusive, this time with former National winning trainer Jimmy Mangan who turned out Monty's Pass to win in 2003.
If like Gina, you fancy Cappa Bleu, Colbert Station or Roberto Goldback then BetVictor are paying an amazing 6 (SIX) places each way, to open an account AND get a free bonus just click here www.freeaintreebets.com
National Nibbles - Simon Holt
Follow us on Twitter - @Aintreeinfo
National Nibbles - Simon Holt.
Continuing the Channel 4 racing theme after Rishi yesterday, it's the turn of Simon Holt today. Simon is C4 Racing's top commentator and although this will be his first terrestrial National he has covered the race before which I am sure will help with 40 runners cruising around the 2 1/4m long Aintree course. Along with Darren Owen earlier in the week, he is our second National commentator of the week and is the man who will call them home after 9 minutes or so of the stamina sapping National test.
So here's are Simon's answers:
National Nibbles - Simon Holt.
Continuing the Channel 4 racing theme after Rishi yesterday, it's the turn of Simon Holt today. Simon is C4 Racing's top commentator and although this will be his first terrestrial National he has covered the race before which I am sure will help with 40 runners cruising around the 2 1/4m long Aintree course. Along with Darren Owen earlier in the week, he is our second National commentator of the week and is the man who will call them home after 9 minutes or so of the stamina sapping National test.
So here's are Simon's answers:
What are your earliest National memories ?
I can remember watching Specify win in 1971, aged 6! But my most vivid early memory is Red Rum's first win in 1973 when he caught Crisp on the run-in. It was the race that hooked me.
Which has been your favourite National so far ?
I can remember watching Specify win in 1971, aged 6! But my most vivid early memory is Red Rum's first win in 1973 when he caught Crisp on the run-in. It was the race that hooked me.
Which has been your favourite National so far ?
As above. Red Rum/Crisp remains one of the greatest horse races I have ever seen. It was a spectacle all the way with Crisp jumping superbly, building a massive lead and then succumbing to exhaustion on the run-in as Red Rum relentlessly and pitilessly wore him down. It still brings a lump to my throat just thinking about it. Amazing to think that no horse since Red Rum has won two Nationals, let alone three. What an absolute legend and he lived to be 30.
Which 2 horses would you put up against the field in this years renewal and why ?
The two horses I like are both very sound jumpers. I feel Cappa Bleu ran a super trial at Ascot in February and could well improve on his fourth last year. Previous course experience is so important and his trainer Evan Williams knows what it takes to get a horse to Aintree in top form having sent out State Of Play to make the frame three times. The other horse I fancy is Teaforthree who is a terrific jumper (hope that's not famous last words!) and, as we saw in the Cheltenham 4-miler and the Welsh National, he stays well too.
What effect do you think the new modifications to the start and the fences will have ?
Which 2 horses would you put up against the field in this years renewal and why ?
The two horses I like are both very sound jumpers. I feel Cappa Bleu ran a super trial at Ascot in February and could well improve on his fourth last year. Previous course experience is so important and his trainer Evan Williams knows what it takes to get a horse to Aintree in top form having sent out State Of Play to make the frame three times. The other horse I fancy is Teaforthree who is a terrific jumper (hope that's not famous last words!) and, as we saw in the Cheltenham 4-miler and the Welsh National, he stays well too.
What effect do you think the new modifications to the start and the fences will have ?
Well, it remains to be seen but I think they are positive steps, if not guaranteed to produce a cleaner, safer race. By its very nature, the National is a dangerous race and it is that element which makes it such a spectacle. The fences will still take some jumping and the jockeys will probably go too fast as usual in the first mile.
Aintree have started watering this week. Do you think this is a step too far as fast ground horses like Always Waining now have their chances dented by this ?
No, I think they should - as a matter of course - water every year to produce a softer, slower surface. It is the best safety tool the course has at its disposal. Tough on the fast ground horses I know but a slower race is more than likely to be a safer race.
Bearing in mind the new changes, how many finishers do you predict this year ( given good to soft ground) ?
Well, hopefully most of the non-finishers will be pulled up and not fallers though that is unlikely. My guess would be about 12.
Grand National or Gold Cup ?
The Gold Cup for me every time! It is the most prestigious race in jump racing, contested by the best staying chasers in training whereas the National is just a very good handicap.
Who would you consider to be a lively outsider in this years field ?
I am sure Balthazar King can put up a bold show; he's a super jumper. And, a few seasons ago, I was very keen on a horse called Ninetieth Minute. Things don't seem to have worked out as well as might have been expected but I have learned to my cost in the past that disloyalty comes back to bite you one day.
What instructions would you give to a jockey riding in the National ?
Stay away from the other horses if at all possible. I loved the famous instructions of the late Captain Tim Forster - a renowned pessimist - to either Charlie Fenwick (Ben Nevis) or Hywel Davies (Last Suspect) to "keep remounting!"
How do you manage to keep up with the commentary particularly over those first few fences ?
Well, I won't have to as I am in the grandstand and will call them over The Chair and then at the finish. Richard Hoiles will have that job over the first few fences and good luck to him.
If you weren't working, who would you most like to spend a day at the Grand National with and why ?
I have never watched the race other than in the Grandstand and so I would join all those folk on the embankment shouting drunken abuse at the jockeys!
If you owned a horse running in the National and it won, how would you celebrate ?
Well, it would certainly involve a good deal of red wine though, on most evenings, it doesn't require ownership of a Grand National winner to provide inspiration to open a bottle. Seriously, it could have happened to me as I was offered (along with BBC football commentator John Motson I found out later) a sixth share in Earth Summit when he was a young horse - and turned down the opportunity. Drat and double drat!!
Aintree have started watering this week. Do you think this is a step too far as fast ground horses like Always Waining now have their chances dented by this ?
No, I think they should - as a matter of course - water every year to produce a softer, slower surface. It is the best safety tool the course has at its disposal. Tough on the fast ground horses I know but a slower race is more than likely to be a safer race.
Bearing in mind the new changes, how many finishers do you predict this year ( given good to soft ground) ?
Well, hopefully most of the non-finishers will be pulled up and not fallers though that is unlikely. My guess would be about 12.
Grand National or Gold Cup ?
The Gold Cup for me every time! It is the most prestigious race in jump racing, contested by the best staying chasers in training whereas the National is just a very good handicap.
Who would you consider to be a lively outsider in this years field ?
I am sure Balthazar King can put up a bold show; he's a super jumper. And, a few seasons ago, I was very keen on a horse called Ninetieth Minute. Things don't seem to have worked out as well as might have been expected but I have learned to my cost in the past that disloyalty comes back to bite you one day.
What instructions would you give to a jockey riding in the National ?
Stay away from the other horses if at all possible. I loved the famous instructions of the late Captain Tim Forster - a renowned pessimist - to either Charlie Fenwick (Ben Nevis) or Hywel Davies (Last Suspect) to "keep remounting!"
How do you manage to keep up with the commentary particularly over those first few fences ?
Well, I won't have to as I am in the grandstand and will call them over The Chair and then at the finish. Richard Hoiles will have that job over the first few fences and good luck to him.
If you weren't working, who would you most like to spend a day at the Grand National with and why ?
I have never watched the race other than in the Grandstand and so I would join all those folk on the embankment shouting drunken abuse at the jockeys!
If you owned a horse running in the National and it won, how would you celebrate ?
Well, it would certainly involve a good deal of red wine though, on most evenings, it doesn't require ownership of a Grand National winner to provide inspiration to open a bottle. Seriously, it could have happened to me as I was offered (along with BBC football commentator John Motson I found out later) a sixth share in Earth Summit when he was a young horse - and turned down the opportunity. Drat and double drat!!
Thanks very much to Simon for his insight and we hope he gets his chance to call home one of the great Nationals of recent times following a few years tinged with controversy. Keep an eye out tomorrow as we complete the Channel 4 Hat-trick with the lovely Gina Bryce.
If like Simon, you fancy Cappa Bleu, Teaforthree, Balthazar King or Ninetieth Minute then BetVictor are paying an amazing 6 (SIX) places each way, to open an account AND get a free bonus just click here www.freeaintreebets.com
Tuesday 2 April 2013
National Nibbles - Darren Owen
Follow us on Twitter - @aintreeinfo
National Nibbles - Darren Owen
After a great opening with Stephen Harris yesterday we swiftly move onto our second Nibble with Aintree on-course commentator Darren Owen (@Darren_Owen).
Darren is one of the UK's most experienced racecourse commentators and has also covered commentary for television including the Grand National for the BBC.
So let's get on with the questions:
So let's get on with the questions:
What are your earliest National memories?
Like most people with an interest in racing or employed within the industry, it was watching the National as a child that sparked a lifelong passion.
The earliest memory of the race, in fact one of the earliest childhood recollections I have is of watching the epic 1973 renewal won by Red Rum. I had my first bet in that race, 10p each-way on Spanish Steps who finished fourth.
Like most people with an interest in racing or employed within the industry, it was watching the National as a child that sparked a lifelong passion.
The earliest memory of the race, in fact one of the earliest childhood recollections I have is of watching the epic 1973 renewal won by Red Rum. I had my first bet in that race, 10p each-way on Spanish Steps who finished fourth.
Which has been your favourite National so far?
My favorite National is definitely the 1973 race. What a race, we had Red Rum beating Crisp who jumped those fences as if they were hurdles, and the front two were followed home by those wonderful 70's stars L'Escargot and Spanish Steps.
Of course, if you appreciate Red Rum you appreciate the 74 and history making 77 race.
My favorite National is definitely the 1973 race. What a race, we had Red Rum beating Crisp who jumped those fences as if they were hurdles, and the front two were followed home by those wonderful 70's stars L'Escargot and Spanish Steps.
Of course, if you appreciate Red Rum you appreciate the 74 and history making 77 race.
Which 2 horses would you put up against the field in this years renewal and why?
On His Own is certainly not original but has to be a big player when you consider how well he was going last year before falling at Becher's on the second circuit. We know he's capable as we're dealing with a lightly raced nine year-old who took last season's Thyestes Chase.
Teaforthree is also on my shortlist. We know he can stay four miles, has run well in defeat this season in the Welsh National and when a staying on sixth in the Hennessy.
On His Own is certainly not original but has to be a big player when you consider how well he was going last year before falling at Becher's on the second circuit. We know he's capable as we're dealing with a lightly raced nine year-old who took last season's Thyestes Chase.
Teaforthree is also on my shortlist. We know he can stay four miles, has run well in defeat this season in the Welsh National and when a staying on sixth in the Hennessy.
What effect do you think the new modifications to the start and the fences will have ?
I Understand why the authorities have done what they've done in light of the pressure they've been under in recent years, that said I'm a traditionalist and adored the 'old Aintree'.
We in racing have listened to those with concerns over the last few years, now is the time those less informed start listening to the racing professionals.
I'm under no illusion, danger will not go away from this or any other race, but what we must do is stand side by side to support this great event, and if it needs defending (I don't believe it does), defend it!
This is from the heart, let's be proud of it, this is our shop window event - the world's greatest horse race!
I Understand why the authorities have done what they've done in light of the pressure they've been under in recent years, that said I'm a traditionalist and adored the 'old Aintree'.
We in racing have listened to those with concerns over the last few years, now is the time those less informed start listening to the racing professionals.
I'm under no illusion, danger will not go away from this or any other race, but what we must do is stand side by side to support this great event, and if it needs defending (I don't believe it does), defend it!
This is from the heart, let's be proud of it, this is our shop window event - the world's greatest horse race!
Bearing in mind the new changes, how many finishers do you predict this year ( given good to soft ground) ?
Given the ground is no worse than good to soft I would say the favored spread would be 15 to 20 finishers.
Given the ground is no worse than good to soft I would say the favored spread would be 15 to 20 finishers.
Grand National or Gold Cup?
As much as I adore the Gold Cup, I would always favor the National. It may be a handicap but it's the race that simply captures the imagination of the general public.
As much as I adore the Gold Cup, I would always favor the National. It may be a handicap but it's the race that simply captures the imagination of the general public.
Who would you consider to be a lively outsider in this years field?
A couple of Irish trained horses Romanesco and Becausicouldntsee could be lively outsiders. They both ran well at Cheltenham and would appreciate good ground.
A couple of Irish trained horses Romanesco and Becausicouldntsee could be lively outsiders. They both ran well at Cheltenham and would appreciate good ground.
What instructions would you give to a jockey riding in the National?
I have never ridden in the race so would trust the person on top to use his or her own judgement and ride the race according to the horse's requirement
I have never ridden in the race so would trust the person on top to use his or her own judgement and ride the race according to the horse's requirement
How would you manage to keep up with the commentary particularly over those first few fences?
Commentating on the National is like no other experience a caller will have all year. For instance, the commentary is shared by at least three people because of the size of track and pace of the race. When I worked for the BBC a spotter would always assist as it can be difficult to follow all the runners.
Another aspect of the race which makes it difficult for a caller is when some of the big owners have multiple entries, which can be tough trying to remember the different colour caps for distinguishing runners.
Commentating on the National is like no other experience a caller will have all year. For instance, the commentary is shared by at least three people because of the size of track and pace of the race. When I worked for the BBC a spotter would always assist as it can be difficult to follow all the runners.
Another aspect of the race which makes it difficult for a caller is when some of the big owners have multiple entries, which can be tough trying to remember the different colour caps for distinguishing runners.
Where will you be watching the big race?
I'll be watching the race from the commentary box overlooking the Foinavon Fence as I will be working as the racecourse commentaor in the Becher's section.
I'll be watching the race from the commentary box overlooking the Foinavon Fence as I will be working as the racecourse commentaor in the Becher's section.
If you owned a horse running in the National and it won, how would you celebrate?
If I owned the winner of the National the celebrations will go on for an awful long time!
And just think about it, your horse will become a household name and be part of the legend that is our most cherished race!
If I owned the winner of the National the celebrations will go on for an awful long time!
And just think about it, your horse will become a household name and be part of the legend that is our most cherished race!
Many thanks to Darren for giving up some of his time and providing some of his thoughts on the big race.
Tomorrow we have a very exciting interview, as we have an exclusive treble with Kim Bailey, Aidan Coleman and Oli Bell - the trainer, jockey and owner of The Rainbow Hunter.
National Nibbles - Rishi Persad
Follow us on Twitter - @Aintreeinfo
National Nibbles - Rishi Persad
We are honoured today to present C4 Racing's crack interviewer Rishi Persad, who's just back from 'slumming it' in Dubai to give us some thoughts. This year may be C4s first National but Rishi is an Aintree veteran having covered quite a few for 'Auntie' and I'm sure his experience will come in useful for the new team.
So let's get on with the questions:
What are your earliest National memories ?
As a kid growing up in the West Indies the Grand National and all the build up would be live on local TV, so my parents would invite lots of friends and we would make a party out of the day. Those were good times.
Which has been your favourite National so far ?
Favourite National so far is Lord Gyllene's in 97'. Loved the horse and was going to miss the Saturday because of work, but at least I was free on the Monday to watch him win.
Which 2 horses would you put up against the field in this years renewal and why ?
On His Own travelled beautifully and jumped with aplomb until Bechers 2nd time last year ... But his chance is obvious. And Imperial Commander ... I believe he still possesses plenty of class to make a mark of 158 look extremely generous.
What effect do you think the new modifications to the start and the fences will have ?
No issues with making the core of the fences more kind to the horses, but lowering the height of the fences has never been a positive move - you don't need my opinion when the likes of Ruby Walsh remain adamant that they just go faster when the fences are lower. And as for shortening the run to the first, well it means less time to get a good position so who knows what chaos could ensue (and the stat trotted out about Sunnyhillboy being the slowest to the first is strange seeing that he jumped the first in mid-division last year)
Bearing in mind the new changes, how many finishers do you predict this year ( given good to soft ground) ?
Just a wild guess as I have no real view but about 17
Grand National or Gold Cup ?
Both - if I owned a Gold Cup winner then I'd also run in the National.
Who would you consider to be a lively outsider in this years field ?
Always Waining. His three wins in the Topham obviously make him a course specialist and there's some evidence to believe he'll stay as long as the ground doesn't get too soft.
What instructions would you give to a jockey riding in the National ?
Give yourself some room where you can and get into a rhythm - I don't care whether it's near the front, back or middle, but try and settle into some sort of rhythm.
Do you do any prep for your interviews or is just 'off the cuff' ?
I do prep on just about every horse that is racing in the events we cover - occasionally I lazily miss out the big priced 'no hopers' so that there's always a starting point to the interview and then I try to go with the flow.
Who do you enjoy talking to the most in the racing game ?
In all honesty most of the trainers and jockeys we speak to tend to say similar things, but someone like Kieren Fallon or Richard Hughes occasionally say more honest and revealing things, so that's a little more satisfying.
Who would you most like to spend a day at the Grand National with and why ?
I'd like to spend a day at the National with any of Nick Luck, Graham Cunningham or Jim McGrath - they'll be in our comfy studio away from the maddening crowds and with a constant supply of tea and biscuits !
If you weren't working where would you most like to be watching the big race ?
Definitely on my sofa back at home.
A big thanks to Rishi for his time ... we hope you're enjoying our series ... we've had some great insights so far and have some great interviews to come including another National winning trainer on Friday.
If like Rishi, you like Imperial Commander's, On His Own or Always Waining's chances, then BetVictor are paying an amazing 6 (SIX) places each way, to open an account AND get a free bonus just click here www.freeaintreebets.com
National Nibbles - Rishi Persad
We are honoured today to present C4 Racing's crack interviewer Rishi Persad, who's just back from 'slumming it' in Dubai to give us some thoughts. This year may be C4s first National but Rishi is an Aintree veteran having covered quite a few for 'Auntie' and I'm sure his experience will come in useful for the new team.
So let's get on with the questions:
What are your earliest National memories ?
As a kid growing up in the West Indies the Grand National and all the build up would be live on local TV, so my parents would invite lots of friends and we would make a party out of the day. Those were good times.
Which has been your favourite National so far ?
Favourite National so far is Lord Gyllene's in 97'. Loved the horse and was going to miss the Saturday because of work, but at least I was free on the Monday to watch him win.
Which 2 horses would you put up against the field in this years renewal and why ?
On His Own travelled beautifully and jumped with aplomb until Bechers 2nd time last year ... But his chance is obvious. And Imperial Commander ... I believe he still possesses plenty of class to make a mark of 158 look extremely generous.
What effect do you think the new modifications to the start and the fences will have ?
No issues with making the core of the fences more kind to the horses, but lowering the height of the fences has never been a positive move - you don't need my opinion when the likes of Ruby Walsh remain adamant that they just go faster when the fences are lower. And as for shortening the run to the first, well it means less time to get a good position so who knows what chaos could ensue (and the stat trotted out about Sunnyhillboy being the slowest to the first is strange seeing that he jumped the first in mid-division last year)
Bearing in mind the new changes, how many finishers do you predict this year ( given good to soft ground) ?
Just a wild guess as I have no real view but about 17
Grand National or Gold Cup ?
Both - if I owned a Gold Cup winner then I'd also run in the National.
Who would you consider to be a lively outsider in this years field ?
Always Waining. His three wins in the Topham obviously make him a course specialist and there's some evidence to believe he'll stay as long as the ground doesn't get too soft.
What instructions would you give to a jockey riding in the National ?
Give yourself some room where you can and get into a rhythm - I don't care whether it's near the front, back or middle, but try and settle into some sort of rhythm.
Do you do any prep for your interviews or is just 'off the cuff' ?
I do prep on just about every horse that is racing in the events we cover - occasionally I lazily miss out the big priced 'no hopers' so that there's always a starting point to the interview and then I try to go with the flow.
Who do you enjoy talking to the most in the racing game ?
In all honesty most of the trainers and jockeys we speak to tend to say similar things, but someone like Kieren Fallon or Richard Hughes occasionally say more honest and revealing things, so that's a little more satisfying.
Who would you most like to spend a day at the Grand National with and why ?
I'd like to spend a day at the National with any of Nick Luck, Graham Cunningham or Jim McGrath - they'll be in our comfy studio away from the maddening crowds and with a constant supply of tea and biscuits !
If you weren't working where would you most like to be watching the big race ?
Definitely on my sofa back at home.
A big thanks to Rishi for his time ... we hope you're enjoying our series ... we've had some great insights so far and have some great interviews to come including another National winning trainer on Friday.
If like Rishi, you like Imperial Commander's, On His Own or Always Waining's chances, then BetVictor are paying an amazing 6 (SIX) places each way, to open an account AND get a free bonus just click here www.freeaintreebets.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)