Trainers coming to terms with loss of Grand National

PA Sport Reporters
March 16, 2020 10:30 pm

Opposition was being lined up to foil Tiger Roll’s history bid.

Racing is coming to terms with the disappointment that the 2020 Randox Health Grand National will not take place because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Jamie Snowden was among the trainers who learned on Monday evening that their big-race hopes will not have the opportunity to bid for glory, following an announcement from Jockey Club Racecourses that next month’s three-day Aintree meeting has been cancelled.

Snowden’s Hogan’s Height triumphed over the famous fences in December’s Grand Sefton Handicap Chase, and was one of those being prepared to try to stop Tiger Roll completing a famous National hat-trick.

The Lambourn trainer was one of the first to voice his reaction on Twitter.

Snowden wrote: “Disappointing to read about the cancellation of the #GrandNational@AintreeRaces #HogansHeight was due to be our first runner in the race after he won over the fences in December in the #GrandSefton for @Foxtrot_Racing and he was quietly fancied for the big one!”

Welsh trainer Christian Williams was lining up Potters Corner for a famous double, having won the Welsh National at Christmas.

He tweeted: “Such a shame Potter doesn’t get chance to show everyone what we know he is capable of. We at the yard pray that everyone can stay healthy at this tough time.”