Grand National News: Non-Runners
Welcome to our latest update on Grand National News: Non-Runners. Unfortunately, one of Britain’s top contenders, L’Homme Presse, has been ruled out of the Aintree showpiece after connections admitted they had ‘run out of time’ to prepare him for the prestigious event. Read on for the full details.
L’Homme Presse Out of the Grand National
In a disappointing turn of events for horse racing betting fans, L’Homme Presse, a leading home-trained contender, will not be competing in the upcoming Grand National. The decision to withdraw the talented chaser from the race was confirmed by co-owner Andy Edwards, who cited a lack of preparation time as the primary reason.
Trained by Venetia Williams, L’Homme Presse has built an enviable career with nine victories, eight of which came over fences. His standout moment came at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, where he clinched victory in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase. Despite an impressive track record, his recent setbacks have ultimately ruled him out of one of the biggest races in the National Hunt calendar.
A Season of Ups and Downs
L’Homme Presse’s season started with promise, securing a third-place finish in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. That performance was followed by a major victory in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January, setting him up for what many hoped would be a strong campaign leading into the Grand National.
However, trouble arose when he was pulled up during his last prep race at the Betfair Ascot Chase. This setback led to his withdrawal from the Cheltenham Gold Cup, as trainer Venetia Williams expressed concerns over his fitness. At the time, she stated, “We’ve just had a little bit of a problem in the last two days, so we’re not going to Cheltenham. He seems good today, but he’s missed a few days of work and it’s not the right preparation for the Gold Cup.”
Williams remained hopeful that L’Homme Presse would recover in time for the Grand National, but as time wore on, it became clear that his chances of making the race were slim. The final decision was made this week, with Edwards explaining, “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.”
Impact on the Grand National Field
L’Homme Presse’s withdrawal reshapes the British hopes in this year’s Grand National. As one of the highest-rated British contenders, his absence leaves stablemate Royale Pagaille, carry 11st 9lbs in the Grand National weights, as the country’s top challenger. With many of the leading favorites coming from Irish stables, the loss of L’Homme Presse is a significant blow to home hopes of reclaiming victory in the £1 million race.
The Grand National is often unpredictable, and while L’Homme Presse’s absence will be felt, there are still plenty of top-class horses ready to contest the Aintree showpiece. Fans will now turn their attention to other leading contenders, hoping for an exciting and competitive renewal of the famous race.
The Road Ahead for L’Homme Presse
While missing the Grand National is a disappointment, the future remains bright for L’Homme Presse. Given his proven class and staying ability, he is expected to return to competition in due course. Whether that includes a tilt at next season’s Gold Cup or another crack at a major staying chase remains to be seen.
For now, connections will focus on ensuring his well-being and preparing him for future races. Racing fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to the track, where he can once again showcase the talent that has made him one of Britain’s top jumpers.