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Takingrisks given green light for 2020 Grand National bid

Nicky Richards could be on course to have his first Grand National runner in almost ten years after the go-ahead was given for Takingrisks to be aimed at the famous steeplechase on April 4th 2020. The Greystoke-based trainer will look to emulate his late father Gordon Richards who got two Grand National winners in the form of Lucius in 1978 and Hallo Dandy in 1984.

Richards is of the opinion that Takingrisks is the right sort to be aimed at the big race given that he stayed on to triumph in the Scottish National last season and also won the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle just a few weeks ago.

Richards said: “He’ll be running in the National, all being well. He’s a great jumper, has bags of stamina and is super honest and consistent.

“You’d be very hopeful he might run a very good race at Aintree – he’s everything you want in a racehorse.

“The old man loved the race and it’s great to have a horse like him in it.”  

Takingrisks has a BHA rating of 147 and as such should have few problems making the grade in the final selection. His mark will likely be protected between now and the famous steeplechase in less than four months’ time.

Takingrisks is currently a 40/1 shot to win the 2020 Grand National, the betting unsurprisingly dominated by hat-trick hopeful Tiger Roll.

Richards added: “I suppose with him winning the Rehearsal he might have to have a couple of runs over hurdles now.

“I know we’re all in it to win it, but if I went and won another nice chase somewhere we might not win the National. He should be nicely in the race [at the weights] now.”