MINELLA Four Star will be aimed at next year’s John Smith’s Grand National following his victory in the totesport.com-sponsored Midlands version at Uttoxeter on Saturday.
After his two successes at the Cheltenham Festival with Buena Vista and Junior, trainer David Pipe saddled Minella Four Star (25-1) to land the stamina-sapping marathon on Saturday.
Under Conor O’Farrell he came home 11 lengths clear of Ballyfitz, with last year’s winner and 9-2 favourite Synchronised back in third.
Pipe was in Dublin for the England/Ireland rugby international, but Pete Green, spokesman for the owners Ashton Racing Club said: “We bought him a year ago, after which he finished fourth in the Summer National here.
“All being well he’ll be aimed at the Grand National next season.
“He’s progressing, stays forever and is such a sound jumper.”
The Paul Nicholls-trained Tricky Trickster was backed down from 9-1 to 13-2 on-course, but under Ruby Walsh took a heavy fall. Walsh was up immediately and eventually so too was the horse. But he will not run in the Grand National at Aintree next month after the fall.
Jonjo O’Neill’s Synchronised could head to Aintree, although drying ground would be a problem again for him. O’Neill said: “The drying ground has done for him, otherwise he might well have won. He was quite tired but seems to be all right.”
