Philip Kirby’s talented chaser was all set to run in the world’s greatest race two years ago until the pandemic prevented it from going ahead and was then denied his chance last season by a late setback.
But it’s all systems go this time and Kirby and his enthusiastic owners just can’t wait. “It’s very special for all of us to have a runner in the race who goes there with a decent chance. I couldn’t be happier with his preparation,” he says.
Top Ville Ben, who is rated 148, will carry 10st 10lb and will be ridden by stable jockey Tommy Dowson. “Tommy knows him well and enjoys jumping big fences so the famous spruces won’t worry him.”
The 10-year-old jumped well in the Becher Handicap Chase over the National fences back in December until getting in too close at the 12th and falling, but has posted two strong performances over hurdles since.
The Beneficial gelding finished third in the Grade 3 Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby after that before winning a valuable hurdles race at the Winter Million at Lingfield and finishing second in the Grade 2 Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock in February.
“We ran him over hurdles initially to preserve his handicap mark for the big race, which worked out very well, and the plan is to take him to Malton to jump the National-style fences. Ben’s usually a good athletic jumper so as long as the ground’s on the soft side I’m hoping he can give a really good account of himself,” adds his trainer.
Neil Hassall, who shares Top Ville Ben with Jimmy McInerney and Bernard Dolan, says he’s counting down the hours to the big race. “We’re all from the Ellesmere Port and Chester area so to finally have a runner in the National is out of this world.
“We went along to the weights lunch and that was a great experience in itself. Just being in the same room as some of the biggest names in racing really whetted our appetite. I can’t wait to get to Aintree and take in the atmosphere. I’ve never been to the National before so I’ll be walking down to some of those famous fences and drinking it all in.
“Ben has been a dream horse already and as long as he comes back safe we’ll be happy,” he adds. “I can’t imagine how excited we’ll be if he’s still in the race coming over the last. It’s a tough race but he’s a good horse on his day so you have to hope for the best.”
A £32,000 purchase from Seven Barrows in May 2017, Top Ville Ben has won over £150,000 in prize money and has already run well at Aintree, only just failing to hold on to second in the Grade 1 Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase over the regulation fences three years ago.
If the Harbour Rose Partnership’s red and yellow colours are still visible as the infamous ‘Elbow’ looms on the long run for glory come National day, there’s a good chance the celebrations will be heard in his owners’ local town.
There he is. Top Ville Ben jumping beautifully today over simulated Aintree fences with Tommy Dowson. Many thanks to Malton gallops for their use. 👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/HAWejV6S5Z
— Philip Kirby Racing (@PKirbyRacing) March 30, 2022
This is fantastic 😍
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) March 31, 2022
Take the ride aboard @PKirbyRacing’s Grand National hopeful Top Ville Ben https://t.co/Jaj005x5C3
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