Grand National Lucky Dip

Ain’t That A Shame finally nailed a big win over fences when taking the 52k Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park in January under a fine ride by Rachael Blackmore. The ten-year-old gelding had often flattered to deceive in valuable handicaps being seen going easily with three or fences to go only for his run to peter out to nothing once his jockey asked for a final effort. Gowran Park was different for some reason and the stewards asked trainer Henry De Bromhead for his explanation for the gelding’s improvement in form but the trainer was nonplussed.  After Gowran Park it was announced that Ain’t That A Shame would not be travelling to the Cheltenham Festival but would instead be focused on another crack at the Grand National.  The son of Jeremy had gone off at just 10/1 for the big race last year and appeared to be travelling easily going toward three out only for him to weaken very quickly and come home last of the seventeen finishers, beaten over a hundred lengths.  It was then announced that Ain’t That A Shame had been sold by his owner Brian Acheson to run under the colours of top Amateur Rider, David Maxwell. It appears that the horse is staying under the care of De Bromhead but the loss of Blackmore in the saddle will be a big loss to the horse’s chances at Aintree. The gelding is obviously a tricky customer who will need finessing into the race in the National and that will be a huge test to Maxwell’s Amateur skills.  Ain’t That A Shame is set to carry six pounds more than last year at Aintree and, with the loss of Rachael Blackmore from the saddle, it’s difficult to foresee him being involved in the finish.