Dun deal for Martin as nine-year-old makes the cut

Apr 4 2008

TONY MARTIN is hoping Dun Doire can make the most of his late chance of glory after just managing to make the cut for tomorrow’s John Smith’s Grand National.

But Cheshire trainer Lisa Williamson spoke of her disappointment after a late setback to Cornish Rebel – as revealed in yesterday’s Daily Post – meant her chance to saddle a first runner in the Aintree showpiece had gone.

Williamson yesterday decided to pull out the former Paul Nicholls-trained 11-year-old, who is owned by her brother in law John Halewood, following a minor injury and hand Dun Doire a chance to run in tomorrow’s big race.

The Saighton Hall trainer said: “It is a real shame because we were all looking forward to runner him. He has been in good form. Unfortunately he’s just got a problem with one of his feet. It is just something minor, but it is enough to stop us running on Saturday.

“I’m not sure what we’ll do with him at the moment.

“We’ll just give him a few days and try to get him sound again.

“I’ve taken him out of the Scottish National as he was out of the handicap there.”

Williamson, who led up Harley – owned and bred by sister Judy Eaton – before the 1991 Grand National, was putting her backing behind Halewood’s other runner, the Francois Doumen- trained Kelami, who is .

The Wallasey-born head of drinks firm Halewood international won the National in 2004 with the Ginger McCain- trained Amberleigh House. And Williamson added: “He has won the race, but he is still just as keen to win it again. He has Kelami, who has a good chance and seems in good form. It for him it would be nice that one ran well. We just hope to keep it in the family.”

Williamson’s bad luck allowed Dun Doire to just sneak into the race as the 40th horse in the field at yesterday’s final declaration stage. A winner of the William Hill, Dun Doire is a best priced 33-1 with Ladbrokes and Sportingbet and will carry bottom weight of 10st7lb.

Irish trainer Martin was delighted as he is hopeful of a big run from the nine-year-old, who was pulled up before the 27th fence in last year’s race.

Martin said: “It’s a big relief all right. We’ve been training him for this race for the whole year.

“It would have been disappointing for everyone concerned if he hadn’t got in.

“I’m very happy with him and he’s as good as we can have him. If he gets luck in-running hopefully he’ll put up a good show.

“We haven’t over-raced him. He’s had a couple of runs over hurdles and he was second in a chase the last time.

“He’s well, he’s fresh and he's going there off an ideal preparation. I hope he’s good enough to run a good race.”

Martin was also happy to have jockey Richard McGrath, who best finish in the race was when he finished on Spot Thedifference behind Amberleigh House four years ago, on board for the ride.

Martin added: “It’s the first time he’s on him but he's a very good, underrated rider. Hopefully he will suit the horse.”

There are four reserves for tomorrow’s 4m4f marathon with Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Ardaghey first followed by Ferdy Murphy’s 2005 Scottish Grand National winner Joes Edge; Tom Taaffe’s In the High Grass – who is also entered in today’s John Smith’s Topham Chase over the National fences; and Don Forster’s Ossmoses.

Meanwhile big-spending owner Graham Wylie reports Bewleys Berry, a best-priced 16-1 with VCbet, to be in excellent condition ahead of his second attempt at Grand National tomorrow.

The Howard Johnson-trained 10-year-old was going well when falling at Becher’s Brook second time around 12 months ago. But he showed his liking for the Aintree fences when finishing second to Mr Pointment in the totesport.com Becher Chase in November.

Wylie is hoping Bewleys Berry can run another big race tomorrow.

He said: “He’s never been fitter, according to Howard, and has been to the beach nearby for a tank along the water’s edge.

“You need to be very lucky, as always, in the National. He was jumping well last year and he just got a bit spooked by a loose horse at Becher’s second time around and crumpled on landing.

“I’ll just be hoping he gets a clear round - if he gets that, I don’t think he’ll be far away.”