Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Mr Incredible Set for Scottish Grand National After Aintree Ban
Horse racing enthusiasts will see Mr Incredible compete in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr this weekend, despite the gelding being prohibited from participating in the Grand National at Aintree. The nine-year-old is scheduled to race at Ayr on Saturday and is currently priced at odds of 100/1.
Aintree Ban Following Reluctance to Race
Mr Incredible, previously considered a 7/1 contender for last year’s Aintree race, displayed his unpredictable nature by stopping abruptly at the initial fence, despite efforts from jockey Patrick Mullins. This incident occurred shortly after he unseated Paul Townend at Aintree the previous week.
The horse has gained a reputation for his hesitancy and was subsequently moved to trainer Sandy Thomson’s yard to encourage improvement. However, this reluctance persisted as he refused to race at Wetherby on Boxing Day and then pulled up at Kelso last month, exhibiting signs of discomfort for a significant portion of the race.
National Fence Review Panel Decision
Consequently, the National Fence Review Panel decided to exclude Mr Incredible from the Grand National the previous weekend. This decision was based on concerns that his behavior would disrupt the race’s start and due to his recent inconsistent performances.
The panel’s assessment process for Aintree participation involves evaluating various elements, with a strong emphasis on a horse’s performance in their preceding eight races.
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Trainer Thomson Expresses Disappointment
Sandy Thomson voiced his disappointment regarding the panel’s decision, particularly as Mr Incredible had been undergoing therapy with equine specialist Freddy Steele. The Scottish trainer emphasized that the ban was ‘100 per cent’ determined by the British Horseracing Authority and described the situation as ‘totally unsatisfactory.’
Ayr Race: Seeking Redemption
The team aims to compensate for this setback as they head to Ayr for the Scottish Grand National. Mr Incredible has secured victory in two out of 16 career races, with four second-place finishes, including the Midlands Grand National last year. However, having been pulled up in three of his last four outings, a notable improvement is needed to contend effectively in the Scottish Grand National.
Willie Mullins’ Championship Pursuit
Willie Mullins, Mr Incredible’s former trainer, has entered six runners for this significant race as he strives to maintain his British Trainers’ Championship title. Having become the first Irish trainer to achieve this title since the 1960s last year, and bolstered by Nick Rockett’s Grand National victory, Willie Mullins is well-positioned to retain his championship crown.