Ruby Walsh appears likely to ride the outsider Ballycasey in the Grand National a fortnight on Saturday following the latest set of withdrawals. Willie Mullins, the champion Irish trainer who is Walsh’s most regular employer, took out his two other entrants on Tuesday and expressed the hope that Ballycasey can leave behind recent disappointments.
“I presume, all being well, that Ruby will ride,” said Mullins, confirming that Ballycasey is an intended runner in the National. “He loves that type of ground they usually get, he should go the trip and I think he’s a better horse in the spring. We think he’s got a nice weight.”
Ballycasey, who carries the familiar pink colours of Rich Ricci, is a Grade One winner from his novice days but has run below expectations in his past three races at that level and was pulled up by Walsh in the Ryanair at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen. “We were a little disappointed with that,” Mullins said. “He didn’t fire on the day and Ruby wasn’t happy with him from early on.
“Perhaps the slower pace of the National will suit him. We’re hoping he’ll be better on a flatter track.” One firm has taken the view that there are no grounds for optimism, offering Ballycasey at 100‑1. Walsh may have his fingers crossed that Mullins can find another target for the horse, as a high-profile jockey is being sought for the fancied contender The Druids Nephew, whose two most recent riders are both injured.
Mullins’s other National possibles were Boston Bob, who may now run in the Melling Chase or the Bowl at Aintree, and Prince De Beauchene, who will be kept to hunter chases in Ireland for the rest of the season, with the trainer’s son, Patrick, aboard. Mullins would also like to put his son up on Perfect Gentleman, his most fancied runner for the Irish National on Easter Monday, but the weights will need to go up significantly if Mullins Jr is to be able to take the ride.
Britain’s champion jumps trainer, Paul Nicholls, has also been making jockey plans for the Grand National. As expected, Sam Twiston-Davies will be on Rocky Creek while Noel Fehily will partner Unioniste, the yard’s other main contender.
Nicholls added that Sean Bowen will be on Mon Parrain if the 17-year-old rider can qualify himself in time by riding one more winner over fences, while Nick Scholfield will be on Sam Winner and Ryan Mahon on Rebel Rebellion. Nicholls also has Benvolio entered but that one may not run if there is insufficient cut in the ground.
Tony McCoy has yet to commit to Shutthefrontdoor as his final National mount but he was aboard the horse for a school over Southwell’s fences on Tuesday, in company with the horse’s stablemate Merry King, partnered by Richie McLernon. Jonjo O’Neill, who trains both, told the Racing Post about Shutthefrontdoor: “We are where we want him to be.”
Shutthefrontdoor is already down to 8-1 for the National but McCoy has said he may yet choose to ride the 20-1 shot Cause Of Causes, although that one has an alternative entry in the Irish National on 6 April. Carlingford Lough, who was McCoy’s mount in the Gold Cup, was one of 13 withdrawals from the National on Tuesday. Alderwood, Living Next Door and Theatrical Star were other notable names to drop out.
Flemenstar is expected to make his return to action at Navan on Saturday after more than a year out with a tendon injury. The 10-year-old, for whom Gold Cup aspirations were once held, is being aimed at the Punchestown Festival at the end of April. “Whatever he does at the weekend, he’ll improve on it,” said his owner, Stephen Curran.
