The Henry de Bromhead-trained Inthepocket has claimed Grade 1 honours at Aintree, as he battled valiantly to land the Top Novices’ Hurdle at odds of 3/1.
Rider Rachael Blackmore displayed fantastic horsemanship having lost her whip, to guide the six-year-old home with a length and a quarter to spare from the Olly Murphy-trained Strong Leader.
The JP McManus-owned Inthepocket has impressed this season, having finishing fourth to Marine Nationale in the recent Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. He was also second in a Grade 1 Novice Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival, following wins at both Wexford and Naas.
Having travelled in an eye catching manner just off the pace, Inthepocket tanked into the lead after two out, and was clear at the final flight, ultimately thundering home in the driving rain to make it three from three on the day for Irish runners.
“I didn’t make it easy on myself”, said Blackmore. “I dropped my stick and it was all a bit messy there for a finish, but it was a great result. He’s a really nice horse with a big future.”
Meanwhile, the Blackmore and de Bromhead combination have proved ever popular with punters ahead of the Aintree Grand National tomorrow, as Ain’t That A Shame has been backed in from 20/1 overnight to a best price of 8/1 at present.
“Ain't That A Shame has taken the mantle at the top of the market and it's the Rachael Blackmore effect taking place in a big jumps race yet again," said Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield.
“Her jump to public prominence two years ago when winning the race means people immediately look for her mounts when looking at a race and Ain't That A Shame has more than halved in price from 20-1 last Friday."
“He has the right profile for the race and he’s been in great form in the lead up to it”, said de Bromhead.
