Exciting Gas Line Boy fuels hope for marathon man Dunne in Grand National

Robbie Dunne is confident his mount Gas Line Boy can improve on his already excellent record over the Grand National fences at Aintree on Saturday – obstacles the jockey has proved adept at mastering himself.

Gas Line Boy finished fifth in last year’s Randox Health Grand National under Dunne, while the pair romped to a four-and-a-half length success in this season’s Grand Sefton Chase over the spruce fences in December.

As well as those performances, Dunne has never finished worse than fifth in three other rides over the unique Aintree fences, including a third on Vics Canvas at 100-1 in the 2016 Grand National, his only other ride in the race.

Added to that, Dunne has often prospered when partnering staying chasers, winning the Scottish Grand National and Grimthorpe Chase on Wayward Prince, the Eider on Mysteree and the Classic Chase and Haydock Grand National Trial on Rigadin De Beauchene.

Randox Health Grand National, card, form and betting

Dunne said: “Gas Line Boy lights up around Aintree. You know from pretty early on in the race whether you’re on a horse who is enjoying himself or not, and he seems to love those fences more than anything.

"He wasn't always the best jumper before but he's good now, especially at Aintree.

“I’ve done pretty well over the National fences and he’s a lovely horse to be associated with – it’s always nice to get the opportunity to ride these horses in the first place. I’m just hoping the ground dries out a bit before the race because he’d prefer that even though he’s won on soft.”

Dunne’s faith in Gas Line Boy, between a 25-1 and 33-1 shot for the £1 million showpiece, is matched by that of Ian Williams, who trains the 12-year-old for The Three Graces partnership.

Williams, who is also planning to run Ballyalton over the National fences in Friday’s Randox Health Topham Chase at Aintree, said: “I think you can have confidence approaching the race with Gas Line Boy that age and experience are on his side.

“He loves Aintree’s fences and it can be a tricky track; jumping is the name of the game. He’s had one mishap in the Grand National when he fell at the first but in two other tries over the fences he’s jumped very well and respected them, so on that front I think the previous experiences have stood him in good stead.”

The strong bond between Dunne and Gas Line Boy is also key to their chances on Saturday, according to Williams, who added: “You’ve got to have a relationship between horse and rider. Robbie wouldn’t sit on him much at home, but they get on really well and I think that helps a huge deal.”

Williams’ views on the importance of a good horse-and-rider relationship in the Grand National is echoed by trainer Stuart Coltherd, whose 19-year-old son Sam will be aboard the stable’s Captain Redbeard at Aintree.

“A good relationship can make a big difference,” he said. “To have Sam riding him in the Grand National is a huge help. He knows the horse so well and I think that must help in a race like this.”

Tartan Snow (red) and Jamie Hamilton on the way to victory in the 2013 Foxhunters'Credit: Grossick Racing 07710461723

Coltherd has tasted success with a runner over the Grand National fences before when Tartan Snow defied odds of 100-1 to win the 2013 Foxhunters’ Chase.

Experiencing glory at Aintree with a runner overlooked in the betting means Coltherd has not been put off Captain Redbeard's chances in the Grand National, despite his being available at 50-1 on Sunday.

He said: “Sometimes you’re looking at the prices of these horses and thinking, ‘Am I missing something?’ You have to have faith in your horse and what you’re seeing.

“I learned a lot from Tartan Snow winning and I appreciate it’s important to have faith in your own judgement. We never thought he was a 100-1 shot, and that he had a great chance that day, so it was rewarding he was able to run so well.”

Captain Redbeard (red), ridden by Sam Coltherd, wins at Haydock Park in FebruaryCredit: John Grossick

Captain Redbeard, who was cut to 28-1 (from 33) by Betway on Sunday, warmed up for the Grand National with a handicap hurdle win at Ayr last month, backing up good performances when winning the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock and running second in the Peter Marsh at the same course.

Coltherd said: “He’s training well and his prep run over hurdles at Ayr was everything that we wanted. I’m pretty chuffed with him and he’s shown a lot of good form already this season.

"We had Yala Enki behind when we were second in the Peter Marsh and he then went and won the Grand National Trial. He really has run some very nice races this year.”

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