The Stuart Edmunds-trained chaser Arizona Cardinal is out to win for the second time over the Grand National spruces for his owners the Oakman Racing Club, which comprises members of Tring Rugby Club in Hertfordshire.
“He has 16 proud owners including some of my Rugby Club pals,” says Peter Borg-Neal, who set up the racing club to support his local trainer whose yard is just five minutes from his home.
“All the members are good friends and family who have no expectations whatsoever, which makes Arizona’s success even more enjoyable. I’m hoping most of them will be at Aintree to support him.”
The eight-year-old sprung to fame last season when he won the famous Topham Handicap Chase over the National fences following back-to-back victories at Leicester and Ludlow but is an unlikely hero, explains Peter.
“He’s not the best looking horse and stood out for all the wrong reasons alongside some beautiful thoroughbreds in the parade ring before he won the Topham,” recalls Peter.
“He’s a quirky character with terrible conformation who crib bites and chews fence posts in his paddock. He has a nebuliser to keep his lungs in good shape and has acupuncture on a regular basis so he can extend his front legs properly.
“But despite all that he’s a brilliant jumper with a big heart. He reminds me of some of my tough old Rugby pals. No frills. He just knuckles down and gets the job done.”
Arizona Cardinal scoped dirty after his recent comeback run at Chepstow but has been working well at home ahead of his Aintree return, confirms Peter. “It’s all about keeping him healthy which Stuart is very good at. He treats him like a god.
“He schooled well over the National style fences at Lambourn before he ran in the Topham so we fancied him that day. It looked like James Du Berlais had his measure at The Elbow but he really powered home. This will be tougher as he’s gone up 20lb in the handicap since last year but he keeps on surprising us.”
Regular rider Ciaran Gethings won’t be in the saddle in the Becher Chase after sustaining a shoulder injury but Charlie Hammond will be an able deputy, adds Peter. “Charlie rides him at home and is a very under-rated jockey.”
“If Arizona Cardinal is fit and well on the day then we’ll be very hopeful of another memorable performance, which could have us dreaming about the Grand National itself come the spring. That’s still a long way off so we’ll all just enjoy the journey for now,” he says.
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