Pauling targeting US Grand National glory with Cheltenham hero Global Citizen

Ben Pauling is targeting the American Grand National next month with Cheltenham Festival winner Global Citizen.

The 28-1 winner of the Grand Annual at Cheltenham in March warms up for his trip to the US in a 0-150 two-mile chase at Worcester on Monday, September 12, and will be ridden by his regular partner Kielan Woods.

The 101st running of the 2m5f chase at Far Hill, New Jersey, is the richest in the National Steeplechase Association’s calendar after a $100,000 increase in prize-money to $250,000 this year.

The race, run on October 15 this year, has been targeted before by Pauling when Jaleo finished fifth in 2018.

Ben Pauling: trainer of Global CitizenCredit: Edward Whitaker

“Their obstacles are a mixture of hurdles and fences, somewhere in between, so he should be fine over those, he’s a very good jumper,” said Pauling, who has sent out 24 winners already this season from his new base at Naunton Downs 12 miles east of Cheltenham.

“He seems to be in the form he finished last season in and seems very well in himself. We couldn’t be happier with him.

“You could argue his best form is over two miles, although I firmly believe he’ll be okay over two and a half.

“Although he’s ten rising 11, I’d like to think he could possibly mix it back in some decent handicaps when he returns, if not in some Graded or Listed races somewhere along the line.

“He’s not had a hard life and I’d like to think he’s got plenty left in the tank this season.”

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