Potters Corner triumphed in the Midlands Grand National but he is unlikely to appear in the Aintree version on April 6th and will instead could be aimed at the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown Park on 27th April. Nevertheless connections are hopeful that he will make the cut for the famous steeplechase in 2020.
Potters Corner is owned by Welsh rugby international Jonathan Davies and All Stars Sports Racing, the runner providing Christian Williams his biggest ever success as a trainer when triumphing at Uttoxeter. Nevertheless it would take nothing short if a minor miracle for him to make the cut for the 2019 Grand National.
The nine-year-old is currently rated 145 but had an official mark of 132 at the time of the Grand National weights being announced on 12th February, therefore some 38 runners would need to be scratched from the £1 million race for Potters Corner to make the field, something which is clearly very slim. As such, alternative plans are being drawn up.
Former Scarlets and Bristol rugby star Gareth Maule (part of the All Stars Sports Racing syndicate) said: “We knew he was going well and were hoping he could win one of the bigger staying handicap chases prior to the weights being announced, which would have allowed our mark to be adjusted accordingly.
“It has been now, but it’s all too late. It’s not in vain though as he picked up a magnificent prize and a prestigious race along the way.
“He will be entered in the bet365 Gold Cup and he’s come out of Uttoxeter really well, but we’re mindful he’s had a busy enough season and the ground would have to be soft at Sandown.”
Potters Corner has picked up five wins from his seventeen starts and finished in third position in the Aintree bumper four years ago. Maule added: “We’ve also have an eye on a conditions hurdle at Auteuil and then, fingers crossed, a healthy campaign next season, which could include the Welsh Grand National and Aintree.”
