Richard Hobson is riding the crest of a wave right now with his stables’ Lord Du Mesnil becoming a contender for the Eider Chase and possibly the 2020 Randox Health Grand National following an extremely impressive hat-trick of recent wins.
The French-bred runner hadn’t won in a race of any kind in 23 attempts prior to winning three on the bounce on some of the softest ground.
Indeed it is being seen as somewhat fortuitous that he is considered a possibility for the Grand National and he came to his current owners by what some are calling a twist of fate.
Trainer Hobson said: “After 19 or so runs, his old owner decided to sell, as he felt the horse couldn’t win a race.
“I believed in him and thought he would come right.
“And when he finally got his head in front, he completely changed character and has thrived.”
Since triumphing at Newcastle at the end of November, Lord Du Mesnil has won two on the bounce at Haydock under the guidance of jockey Paul O’Brien and he is an ante-post price of 40/1 with BetVictor Bookmakers in the 2020 Randox Health Grand National.