Grand National Trial next up for Famous Bridge

Molly Hunter
January 31, 2024 2:38 pm

Nicky Richards eyeing third Haydock win this term with staying chaser.

Nicky Richards’ Famous Bridge will head next to the Virgin Bet Grand National Trial at Haydock after a luckless run in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster.

The eight-year-old was well fancied for the Town Moor contest and sent off as the 13-2 joint-favourite under rider Sean Quinlan, with Paul Nicholls’ Kandoo Kid sharing the same starting price.

Famous Bridge’s popularity in the market can be attributed to his fine start to the season, with the gelding finishing a close fourth at Ayr and then winning two competitive Haydock chases, including the Tommy Whittle.

However, the field of 18 did not get away cleanly at Doncaster and there was a false start initially, meaning the horse lost his position and was left at the rear of the pack when they did begin to race.

He never really progressed from that spot and, as the race got away from him behind the successful front-running ride given to Annual Invictus, Quinlan made the call to pull up Famous Bridge and save him for another day.

Famous Bridge winning at Haydock earlier in the season — Famous Bridge (left) winning at Haydock earlier in the season (Nigel French/PA)

Richards reports the horse to be none the worse for the run and hopes to have a little more luck in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in just over two weeks’ time.

“He’s fine, he’s had a little steady canter this morning and he seems well,” said Richards.

“The race was won and lost at the start, they were all coming in grand and if he’d been able to get away first time, he’d have been in the perfect position.

“It ruined it for him, the winner bobbed out and made every yard but as soon as you’re out of it in a race like that, it’s over.

“Sean made a very sensible decision, he felt there was no point going on with him. If he’d have gone the whole trip, he probably would have finished in the same place.

Famous Bridge 🌉 toughed it out to win the Tommy Whittle Chase @haydockraces for @NGRichardsRace and Hemmings Racing
The #GoffsGrad was sold by @BleahenBrothers to @agentbloodstock at #GoffsArkle ✨pic.twitter.com/xBBC5SvOhW
— Goffs (@Goffs1866) December 23, 2023