Definitly Red was undoubted king of the domestic weekend racing scene with the Brian Ellison-trained 11-year-old sealing victory in impressive fashion in the William Hill Leading Racecourse Bookmaker Premier Chase at Kelso, the even-money favourite making no mistakes under jockey Danny Cook when winning by a 14-length margin over Kauto Riko.
As a result of this success, the runner has had his Grand National odds cut from 20/1 to as low as 12/1 with some bookmakers and the winning trainer was optimistic as to his chances in the Aintree marathon on April 4th.
Ellison said: “I’ve backed him for the National, despite not being a big gambler, but I’ve always thought the race would suit him – because he’s a proper stayer.
“He’s got plenty going for him – he’s got a nice weight, 10st 12lb – but you need luck in the National.”
Definitly Red was somewhat unfortunate in his last appearance in the Grand National, the runner being badly hampered and having to pull up in the 2017 race. In his absence since then, Tiger Roll has made history by becoming the first horse since Red Rum in the 1970s to win the race in successive years and Ellison is hoping that he can prevent the two-time winner making it three on the bounce.
He continued: “I hope we can spoil the Tiger Roll party! You can’t take anything away from Tiger Roll, though. He’s been fantastic, he’s won four times at Cheltenham as well as two Grand Nationals – a fantastic horse.”
With reference to Definitly Red, he added: “He ran in the National a couple of years ago, but got brought down when a horse fell in front of him. There’s no such thing as a free pass in the National, but I think he’s got a massive chance.
“He’s a better horse now, he’s got stronger and he stays better – I think he’s got everything going for him.”
