Irish confident of big run from Monty's
Wednesday, 2 April 2003 14:34Monty's Pass will carry plenty of Irish confidence for Saturday's Martell Cognac Grand National. The 10-year-old has had a low-key preparation for the big one with outings in a couple of two-mile novice hurdles, but is now riding high in the betting for the four-and-a-half mile Aintree marathon.
'We are absolutely delighted with him,' trainer Jimmy Mangan said today. 'He won the Kerry National in September and was second in the Topham Trophy at Liverpool last year so we hope he will run very well. '
The horse has never raced beyond three miles one furlong but the trainer is confident he will stay the National trip.
In-form rider Barry Geraghty, who was leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, has ridden Monty's Pass in 14 of his last 18 starts and takes the rideagain in the big race.
