Anthony Honeyball-trained Regal Encore will continue his preparations for the 2020 Randox Health Grand National when he takes a spin over Aintree-style fences at Lambourn. The 12-year-old’s last outing was in the listed Kelbray Swinley Chase at Ascot where he finished third past the post and Honeyball is continuing to prepare him for another appearance at the Grand National on 4th April.
Regal Encore finished well down the field in the 2017 and 2019 renewals of the famous steeplechase, however the trainer was nevertheless encouraged by the efforts of the veteran at Ascot last time out.
He said: “Regal Encore ran a solid race. (Jockey) Richie McLernon felt an end-to-end gallop would have suited (better) – because they went steady and picked up long way out.
“He will have a school over the National-style fences in Lambourn, which we have done most years, to let him know something different is round the corner.”
Regal Encore is a general 66/1 shot with most leading bookmakers in the 2020 Randox Health Grand National although some operators go 50/1 on the twelve-year-old.
All tickets for the main grandstands and the Festival Zone have completely sold out for the 2020 Randox Health Grand National although there is still limited availability for The Embankment, this enclosure giving good views of the opening fences in the Grand National and providing festival-goers with a multitude of betting facilities, bars and other catering outlets. There is however no access to the Parade Ring or the Grandstand side of the racecourse.
Get the last remaining tickets by visiting the Official Grand National Tickets page.
