Champion jockey Tony McCoy has decided to ride Blowing Wind in the Martell Grand National at Aintree on Saturday. McCoy had the pick of all ten of Martin Pipe's runners entered in the prestigious event but after heavy rain the past few days, chose the mount of Blowing Wind. The eight-year-old runs well in heavy going and has also won at Doncaster and Sandown this season.
David Pipe, son of the horse's trainer said he was not amazed by McCoy's choice. "I'm not surprised Tony picked Blowing Wind - not with the ground changing." Following the announcement of this decision, bookies halved Blowing Wind's odds to 20-1.
Jockeys have been selected for the other of Pipe's horses who will compete in the Grand National. Rodi Greene partners Tresor de Mai, David Casey rides Strong Tel, Kieran Kelly takes on Dark Stranger and Shay Barry is aboard Moondigua. Chris Maude takes on Exit Swinger, Rupert Wakley is aboard You're Agoodun, Rodney Farrant partners Kaki Crazy, Jim Crowley rides Art Prince and Tom Scudamore rides his first-ever Grand National mount on Northern Starlight. Meanwhile, a maximum field of 40 horses will compete in this year's Grand National. (PA)
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
