Top British Contender Withdraws from £1 Million Grand National

By Lewis Barnett 27 March, 2025 4 mins read 24 Views

Audio Summary of the Article

Unexpected Setback for L’Homme Presse

The Grand National faced a significant blow as one of Britain’s leading hopes, L’Homme Presse, has been withdrawn from the prestigious £1million race. The decision has left racing enthusiasts and the horse’s connections deeply disappointed ahead of Saturday’s event.

Reason Behind the Withdrawal

L’Homme Presse, a standout Grade 1 performer, was sidelined due to a minor injury sustained during his previous outing at Ascot. Despite being in good health, the team could not secure enough time to prepare him adequately for the upcoming race, leading to the difficult decision to pull him out.

Owner’s Heartfelt Response

Andy Edwards, the owner of the ten-year-old champion, expressed his sorrow over the situation. “Sadly, L’Homme Presse will not run in the Grand National. He is sound and fine, but we just ran out of time. We are bitterly disappointed not to be running next weekend,” Edwards stated.

Stellar Performance Earlier This Year

L’Homme Presse had an impressive start to the season, claiming victory in the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January. His performance in the Gold Cup, where he finished fourth in 2024, had positioned him as a strong contender for the Grand National.

Setback at Ascot Hampers Campaign

During the Grade 1 Ascot Chase, L’Homme Presse encountered trouble, making a significant mistake at the fourth fence and being pulled up after just the seventh fence of the 2m5f race. This incident marked only his third race of the season and may signal the end of his campaign with the jumps soon concluding before the Flat season takes over.

Shift in British Grand National Landscape

With L’Homme Presse out of the equation, the spotlight now falls on Iroko, trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. The seven-year-old, owned by JP McManus, is emerging as a frontrunner with odds of 6-1, tied with other strong contenders like Intense Raffles, the former Irish Grand National winner.

Other Notable Contenders

Paul Nicholls’ Coral Gold Cup winner, Kandoo Kid, also remains a viable option for punters, offering attractive odds of 20-1. As the race day approaches, the competition promises to be fierce with several high-caliber horses vying for the top spot.

Stay Informed and Bet Responsibly

As the excitement builds for the Grand National, it’s essential for bettors to stay informed and gamble responsibly. Setting limits and understanding the risks involved can help ensure a positive experience during the racing festivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the jockey in a horserace?

The jockey can make or break a horse race. Their decisions and skills are crucial. An experienced jockey can pace the horse and know when to stop or accelerate. They also know how navigate the race field. For a successful partnership, the horse-jockey relationship is crucial.

What are some of the most important horse racing events?

Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is a series of three prestigious horse races in the United States: the Kentucky Derby Stakes and the Preakness Stakes. Dubai World Cup is a race that has a lot of international recognition. Other races are the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (France), Royal Ascot (United Kingdom), and Melbourne Cup (Australia). These prestigious races attract the best horses, jockeys and trainers in the world.

How do handicaps work in horse racing?

Handicapping, also known as handicapping in racing, is a system that gives all horses the same chance to win. Horses are given different weights depending on their previous performances. The horses that have been deemed to be better will carry more weight. This system was designed to balance competition, and it is an important aspect for race bettors to understand.

What is the importance of the bloodline of the horse in racing?

It is important to know the bloodline of your racehorse, as it will reveal its traits, such as speed, stamina or temperament. All these are crucial factors for racing success. Breeders refer to the pedigree of a racehorse when predicting a horse’s potential. They match stallions appropriately with mares so that offspring have desirable characteristics.

What types of surfaces are horse races run on?

Horse races may be held on various surfaces. These include dirt, turf, and synthetic tracks. Horses can perform differently on different surfaces. Some horses will show preference for a certain surface or have superior abilities. Rain-soaked tracks can have a major impact on the outcome.

Statistics

Horse racing events in the United Kingdom draw in a yearly attendance of over 6 million people.
Horse racing is known to support roughly 1.4 million full-time jobs in the United States alone.
The Kentucky Derby, one of the most watched horse racing events, has attracted over 150,000 spectators in a single event.
The record for the highest horse race betting turnover in a year is held by Japan, surpassing $22 billion.
The Melbourne Cup, Australia's most prestigious horse race, sees an average attendance of over 100,000 spectators each year.

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How To

How To Place a Bet at a Horse Racing Track

Determine the amount of money you are willing and able to wager before placing a bet on a horse race track. Decide on the type of bet - whether it's a simple win, place, show, or a more complex exotic bet like exacta or trifecta. When you arrive at a betting counter, state the number of the race, the number of the horse, and the kind bet that you will place. Before leaving, hand over your bet money, get the ticket printed, and make sure you double-check the information before leaving. Save your ticket for when you are able to claim your win. There are also automated betting machines that offer more privacy and shorter lines.