When naming some of National Hunt racing’s greatest trainers past and present, Nicky Henderson is someone who will invariably be mentioned. Whether it be his 73 Cheltenham Festival triumphs or six champion jumps trainer honours, the 72-year-old trainer has achieved almost everything there is to in the sport.
One accomplishment that has eluded the great trainer’s grasp however is the Grand National – and as retirement rapidly approaches – Henderson understands that he’ll need to win one soon if he’s to overcome that career hurdle.
“It’s been a long haul and I haven’t finished yet,” he said. “But that is the one obvious race I’d love to win – doesn’t everyone? I’m sure anyone who’s won the race once, or twice wants to go on and win it again because it’s very special. We’ve been knocking on the door a few times.
“I love the place. The race is very special. It’s completely different to Cheltenham. Luckily we’ve been fortunate enough to have some of the best horses around and therefore you’re a player at Cheltenham at the highest level and that’s where it really matters.
“But this race is unique. It’s a completely different game. It would be a pity not to find one someday but the clock is ticking!”
Henderson’s record at the preeminent fixture on the National Hunt racing calendar is nothing short of abysmal, as he has entered 42 horses since 1987 to no avail. The closest the Seven Barrows trainer has come to securing a Grand National was with Zangalero and The Tseravich, both of whom finished runner-up in their respective renewals.
It will be Mister Coffey who is Henderson’s 43rd Grand National runner in 2023, whose recent form has been solid without being spectacular. In three starts this season, the French-bred horse has finished second, second and third respectively.
One thing in Mister Coffey’s favour however is his experience over the Grand National fences, albeit in a disappointing 16-place finish last year. Irrespective of that result, Henderson remains confident that the 50/1 shot in the Grand National betting markets can perform better at Aintree this time around.
“We ran him in the Topham last year and he enjoyed jumping around there then. He’s in good form and ran a very good race at Cheltenham,” Henderson said.
“He’s been placed in everything you can throw at him. He can’t win anything but that’s a bit like me in the National! He’s perfectly capable of it and it’s nice to be going in there with a horse that really does have a chance. It would be a surprise to all if I won it.”
If he is to upset the applecart and provide Henderson with his first Grand National winner – the eight-year-old will have to best a very talented field who bring with them strong form to Merseyside.
For those who are closely following the horse racing online bets, Ultima Handicap Chase victor Corach Rambler is the favourite for the Grand National at 6/1, while last year’s winner Noble Yeats and back-to-back Glenfarclas Chase champion Delta Work are the second and third favourites at 8/1 and 11/1 respectively.
