| Grand National Latest: Comply Or Die Weight OK, Walsh On My Will? |
The 2009 John Smith Grand National less than a week away and the horse racing world is wondering if history will be made on Saturday April 4, as Comply or Die looks to make it back-to-back victories at Aintree. The last horse to achieve this was Red Rum in 1973-74 and Comply or Die’s trainer David Pipe knows that it will take a special horse to achieve this impressive feat.
Comply or Die will likely be carrying 9lbs more than he did when he won last year. However Pipe believes that this is not as much a burden as it has been in the past for horses.
Pipe told the Racing Post: "The price tells you he has a chance."
"He has a lot more weight but the market also tells you that isn't much of a problem as all bar four of the top ten in the list look set to carry more than 11st."
Comply or Die is currently best price of 18/1 Bet365
Trainer Ted Walsh has said he expects his son, Ruby Walsh, to ride My Will for the national. Champion jockey, Ruby Walsh romped home in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Kuato Star a few weeks ago.
Ted is hoping that Ruby will ride his horse southern Vic, but knows that will only happen if the heavens open over the next few days.
"If it gets heavy, Ruby will be on mine," said Ted Walsh.
“But if not, he'll probably ride one of Paul Nicholls' runners. I don't know for sure and he'll have to talk to Paul but I'd say he'll probably go for experience and ride My Will."
Walsh, who has had two previous Grand National wins in 2000 and 2005, has yet to win at Aintree on the back of a Nicholl’s trained horse.
My Will is currently favourite for the 2009 National, with best price 10/1 William Hill.
< Back to news index