By Dan Walsh
The world famous Aintree Grand National takes place today with the big race off at 4pm and there is fierce Wexford interest from the Wexford-bred Corach Rambler attempting to win the race for the second time in a row while several Wexford-born jockeys will be lining up for what could be the greatest sporting day of their lives.
This year’s favourite is Corach Rambler (7/1, jockey Derek Fox), a winner a year ago, named after a well-known local soccer team by the River Corach, near Wellingtonbridge, the 10 year old son of Jeremy bred by Paul Hillis, from the Bannow Ballymitty area of south Wexford, who is a partner with three Scottish enthusiasts in a winning syndicate known as The Rambler.
Last year Corach Rambler succeeded in the world’s toughest steeplechase to a great reception and wearing the favourites tag, but the runner-up also had a Wexford connection. Vanillier was ridden by Sean Flanagan from Robinstown, New Ross. Vanillier (10/1) will line up this afternoon again with Flanagan in the saddle.
Other Wexford jockeys in action in the big race this afternoon includes Jordan Gainford, Caim, who takes the mount on front runner, Coko Beach (22/1); Panda Boy (10/1) is the mount of JJ Slevin, Caim, Enniscorthy, who won his second Irish Grand National a few weeks ago at Fairyhouse; and Sean O’Keeffe, Harveystown, Taghmon, is on the 50/1 outsider Adamantly Chosen.
London-based property millionaire and amateur jockey David Maxwell, 45, rides Ain’t That A Shame (40/1) trained by Henry de Bromhead in the neighbouring county of Waterford and he has very close Wexford connections. He is son of Judy Maxwell (née Spring), formerly of Ballinadara House, Enniscorthy, who was my neighbour in our school days, who married and settled in Downpatrick, Co. Down, a long number of years ago. Judy’s Dad, Julian Spring (1922-1987) was Master of the Bree Hunt for many years and he also hunted the Wexford’s and The Island.
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