English horse racing trainer Henrietta Knight specialises in preparing Steeplechasers and with this in mind, the Aintree Festival is a very significant week in her horse racing calendar.
Horses entered
Looking at the horses entered for the 2012 Aintree Festival, Knight has to wait until the final day of the Aintree Festival to see her two competitors in action.
First up, at 1.45pm on Saturday 14th January, she has Ballylifen taking part in the Mersey Novice’s hurdle before Calgary Bay is her hope in the Grand National at 4.15pm.
Current form
With regards to the form of Knight’s horses, she has had three top three finishes in April so far, with My Friend Riquet – ridden by Will Kennedy – tailing off to finish sixth in the most recent outing on 9th April 2012.
Knight has had one big race win in 2012 though, with Somersby securing victory at the 25th Anniversary of the Victor Chandler Chase back in January. The 9/2 shot was successful with Dominic Elmsworth as the jockey.
2012 Grand National entry Calgary Bay then secured victory a week later at the Sky Bet Chase in Doncaster. Speaking after this smooth win for one of her Aintree hopefuls, Knight said: “I can’t believe how well things have gone lately, we’ve been terribly lucky.”
Previous National successes
Knight has never been successful at the Grand National, but the much fancied Calgary Bay fell at fences in 2011 and has often been the bridesmaid in major events. However, a little more luck – which she has been enjoying in the 2011/2012 season – could mean 2012 is Knight’s year.
Odds
Looking at the odds for Knight to have a winner at the 2012 Aintree Festival, you can get 33/1 for Calgary Bay to win the Grand National at Bet365.
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