Grand National 2015: Aspell and Treadwell back for more, plus predictions from Sussex training trio

And like the spectacles of yesteryear, Saturday’s Grand National promises to be bursting with action as 40 equine athletes do battle over a gruelling four-mile, three-furlong course littered with 30 towering fences.

More than 150,000 people will be at Aintree to see the world’s greatest horse race in the flesh. A further 500 million people worldwide will watch in awe through their television sets.

Sussex’s contribution to the £1 million race includes two local jockeys who have been lucky enough to win the race before – Arundel lad Liam Treadwell and Pulborough’s Leighton Aspell.

Treadwell takes the ride on Monbeg Dude (50/1), a former Welsh National winner owned by ex-England rugby captain Mike Tindall. The horse’s regular jockeys, Tom Scudamore and Paul Carberry, have already been booked on other rides in the National, leaving the door open for Treadwell to try and replicate his unforgettable win onboard 100-1 shot Mon Mome in 2009.

Recalling memories of that day, former Angmering School pupil Treadwell told The Argus he plans to “take it all in a bit more this time round”.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to it. I haven’t been involved in the National since 2010 so it’s nice to be taking part again.

“When I won in 2009 it was all a bit of a blur. I remember heading towards the last and thinking ‘please just let me get to the other side’.

“From the last fence to the line I was just praying something daft didn’t happen, like crashing into the sea of photographers or something like that.

“We crossed the winning post and I remember standing up on the horse and celebrating. I’d just won on a 100/1 shot in the Grand National. I couldn’t believe it. I looked out into the crowd and it was blank faces look- ing back at me. Who would have backed us at 100/1?

“I was just in so much shock that I think this time round I just want to take it all in a bit more. I’ll have a moment to myself at the start and appreciate the occasion. I’m a very lucky man.”

Treadwell says preparing plans or tactics for the big race is difficult considering the sheer number of runners. But for the first circuit of the Liverpool track, he revealed he will try to steer clear of trouble.

He said: “It’s hard to plan things with so many horses in the race but the general consensus from the team is to drop Monbeg Dude in out the back for the first circuit. Last year he was a bit keen and did a bit too much.

“He didn’t see out the trip. We’ll take our time, get him settled and hope we get luck in running. If that happens then hopefully we’ll be there at the business end.”

Treadwell admits he hasn’t given his rivals too much consideration but agreed with the suggestion that Tony McCoy’s mount, 6/1 favourite Shutthefrontdoor, represented little value in the betting market.

The 29-year-old said: “It’s McCoy’s last ever National and the AP factor has taken over I think and he’s possibly too short in price. Everyone’s got wrapped up on the emotion of it all.

“Don’t get me wrong, he deserves to be favourite but to be that short is something else.” 

Joining Treadwell at the starting tape will be Aspell, 38, who won the National last year onboard 25-1 shot Pineau De Re. He will once again partner the Oliver Sherwood-trained Many Clouds (33/1) – a horse that showed buckets of guts to win the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in December and took the Grade 2 BetBright Chase at Cheltenham a month later.

The pair could only muster a sixth place finish at the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month and made no impression on the lively novice winner Conygree. Despite the disappointing showing last time out, Aspell reckons Many Clouds has what it takes to give him a second taste of Grand National success.

He told The Argus: “He’s bringing in some Gold Cup form into the race. He finished ahead of Silviniaco Conti and Holywell at Cheltenham who both won and came third respectively yesterday, so the form is standing up. My horse is good enough. If he’s well on the day then who knows?

“The National is always a lottery, but the clear dangers are the likes of Rocky Creek, who ran very well last year, and of course Tony McCoy’s horse.

“This year I’ll go down the middle of the track early and try and stay midfield, just behind the leaders. I don’t want to be lagging behind at the back too much.”

Asked what his least favourite part of the Aintree course was, Aspell said: “The Canal Turn isn’t very nice. There’s always loose horses about and it can really ruin the race for you.”

Aspell, who will be one of a few riders in the National wearing a special ‘jockey-cam’ in aid of Channel 4 Racing, added: “I’ve been thinking about winning again, for sure. The feeling when you cross the line is amazing.

“I was shell-shocked when I won. You get a massive barrage of well-wishes from the other jockeys, all the connections, and then it’s an absolute media frenzy.

“If I won again it would be absolute madness, crazy. I didn’t celebrate last year as I had to drive back to Sussex from Liverpool the following day for rides at other courses. I’m not sure what will happen if I’m lucky enough to win again on Saturday.”

Argus picks include the likes of Rocky Creek, Soll, Ballycasey and Many Clouds. But, in truth, it is anyone’s race. They are off at 4.15pm today, live on Channel 4.

WHO HAVE SUSSEX TRAINERS GOT THEIR MONEY ON?

The Argus asked a trio of local trainers for their thoughts on the big race.

HENFIELD’S DANIEL STEELE

“There’s one horse I fancy on Saturday and that’s Paul Nicholl’s Rocky Creek. He ran really well in last year’s National to finish fifth and had a good campaign too. I reckon if they ride him a bit less forcefully this time round he’ll last home longer so at 10/1 my money’s on him.”

STORRINGTON’S RICHARD ROWE

“Druids Nephew. I think he’s the right type of horse with plenty of pace. Neil Mulholland is a really good young upcoming trainer and the horse has good form, winning well at Cheltenham. He’s young enough to be improving too. Rocky Creek catches the eye too, he ran well last season and has had a wind operation, which will help him.”

HORSHAM’S GARY MOORE

“I’ve had a good look at it and to be honest I think I’m going to have to go with Rocky Creek. He has a great record around there, finished in the places last time and he stays really well. You’d think Paul Nicholls has trained him specifically for the race as well so he ticks all the boxes for me.”

BETTING FORECAST:

Shutthefrontdoor (11/2), Rocky Creek (15/2), Balthazar King (8/1), The Druids Nephew (10/1), Cause Of Causes (14/1), Soll (14/1), Alvarado (16/1), Godsmejudge (16/1), Spring Heeled (16/1), Unioniste (16/1), Al Co (20/1), Ballycasey (20/1), First Lieutenant (20/1), Many Clouds (20/1), Night In Milan (20/1), Pineau De Re (20/1), Royale Knight (20/1), Saint Are (20/1), Chance Du Roy (25/1), Cour t By Surprise (25/1), Monbeg Dude (25/1), Across The Bay (33/1), Carlito Brigante (33/1), Dolatulo (33/1), Lord Windermere (33/1), Mon Parrain (33/1), Oscar Time (33/1), Rebel Rebellion (33/1), Rubi Light (33/1), Super Duty (33/1), The Rainbow Hunter (33/1), Wyck Hill (33/1), Bob Ford (50/1), Corrin Wood (50/1), Gas Line Boy (50/1), Owega Star (50/1), Portrait King (50/1), Tranquil Sea (50/1), Ely Brown (66/1), River Choice (100/1).