Grand National ruled out for Oscar Time after Aintree win
- Published
Sam Waley-Cohen has enjoyed a good record at Aintree
Aintree specialist Oscar Time will not run in April's Grand National, despite winning Saturday's Becher Chase over the famous fences.
The 13-year-old was second in the 2011 National, when in the care of Martin Lynch, and fourth last year.
Now trained by owner Robert Waley-Cohen and ridden by his son Sam, the 25-1 shot beat Mendip Express (12-1) by three-quarters of a length.
"This was the target. He's better here than anywhere," said Waley-Cohen Sr.
"But he doesn't get the National trip and he will be 14 in a few weeks, so he won't run."
BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght |
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"This latest win over the big fences by part-time jockey (and full-time businessman) Sam Waley-Cohen was aided by ice-cool, professional tactics in that he didn't chase after Our Father when that one appeared to steal a march. Had he done so, Oscar Time would have 'run out of juice' late on. |
The Becher was marred by the death of Balbriggan, though it has to be pointed out it happened while galloping between fences. Only one horse fell (from 41 runners) in the two races over the Grand National course, another vindication of the changes. |
Oscar Time moved alongside the favourite Our Father at the last and after overhauling him managed to hold on from the Elbow.
Saint Are was another three lengths back in third, with Alfie Spinner fourth.
Irish raider Balbriggan, winner of the Troytown Chase, was pulled up and it was later confirmed he had suffered a fatal fracture of a leg.
- Published3 December 2014
- Published21 December 2018
