Gavin Cromwell: Raz De Maree can prove age is only a number in Welsh National

Raz De Maree turns 13 next month but the popular veteran will be bidding to prove age is only a number as he attempts to become the oldest winner of the Coral Welsh Grand National since 12-year-old Gallery took the gruelling Chepstow contest in 1950.

Second in the race 12 months ago behind subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup third Native River, Raz De Maree is reported “in great order” by trainer Gavin Cromwell.

He said: “It’s all systems go for Chepstow. I’m not sure who’s going to ride him as a lot of lads will be busy with Leopardstown and Limerick over Christmas, but we’re hoping to get that sorted this week.

“Raz is rising 13 now, but he doesn't look like he’s losing any enthusiasm and I thought he ran a very good prep race over hurdles at Southwell recently on ground that would have been a little quicker than ideal.

“He’s just a pound higher than when second behind Native River in the race last year and I couldn’t be happier with him. He’s in great order.”

Espoir D'Allen: the exciting juvenile is unbeaten in three starts in Ireland for CromwellCredit: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Cromwell’s base in County Meath also houses one of the most exciting juvenile hurdlers in training, Espoir D’Allen, unbeaten in three starts in Ireland.

Cromwell provided an update on the young JP McManus-owned gelding, saying: “The plan is to run in the Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas and he came out of his Grade 2 win at Fairyhouse in really good form.

"I thought Gordon Elliott's horse Mitchouka would put it up to him more than he did at Fairyhouse but our fella did it well and he’s answered every question we’ve asked him so far."

He added: “Apple’s Shakira was very good at Cheltenham over the weekend and Willie Mullins unleashed a very smart horse in Stormy Ireland at Fairyhouse on Saturday, so the division looks very strong.

“We’re happy with Espoir D’Allen and we hope he can continue to improve. I was beaten just a short head in the race a couple of seasons ago with Jer’s Girl, who was narrowly caught by Apple’s Jade, so it would be great to finally win the race."

On Jer’s Girl, the stable’s flagship horse, Cromwell added: “She’s entered in the Squared Financial Christmas Hurdle on December 28 at Leopardstown but we might hold off and go for a mares’ race in Britain in the new year instead.”

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