McCain plots Ballabriggs Grand National defence

GRAND NATIONAL winner Ballabriggs could have more than one run before the defence of his John Smith's-sponsored crown, trainer Donald McCain revealed on Tuesday.

Speaking at a Grand National media day at his yard in Cheshire, McCain also revealed that Ballabriggs, a general 16-1 favourite for the Aintree spectacular, could be joined in the famous race by stablemates Weird Al, Wymott and Fabalu.

Ballabriggs has been off the track since his epic triumph in April last year, which provided his trainer with a first success in a race made famous by the exploits of Red Rum, who landed three Nationals when trained by his late father in the 1970s.

Aintree on Tuesday announced plans to commemorate Grand National legend Ginger McCain, who died last September, with a bronze portrait bust, to be sited on the mound overlooking the parade ring.

McCain jnr plans to run Ballabriggs at Kelso in March, as he did last year, but also announced that he has not ruled out a run before then as part of his National preparation.

"Ballabriggs has done plenty of cantering and he starts fast work this week," said McCain. "We will see how quickly he comes to. There is no benefit of staying over hurdles now with him.

"Going back to Kelso for the Premier Chase on March 3 is plan A and that will be his final run before Aintree, but I don't know whether he will have another run before then.

"We will just wait until we get a bit closer before deciding. Ideally, he would have two runs but it would not bother me if he didn't."

Ballabriggs was raised 10lb for his National success and McCain addedhe would be content if the 11-year-old was handed top weight when the weights are released on February 14.

He said: "I always presumed that we would be top weight for the Grand National this year but when I spoke to PhilSmith [BHA handicapper] the other day he said that Synchronised would be if he turned up for the race.

"I would be fine with Ballabriggs being top-weight - my father always told me 'wouldn't it be fantastic to have the top-weight in the Grand National every year because it means that you've got the best horse'. We've just got to make sure that we get him spot on for the big day.

"Winning the John Smith's Grand National is a realistic dream. If you've got a horse who is capable of winning one Grand National, you've got a horse who is capable of winning two. It's not easy - everybody knows that it's a very hard task - but he has a realistic chance."

Weird Al, who won the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase on his first start for McCain, could also have an entry in the 4m4f contest along with Hennessy Gold Cup sixth Wymott and the Tim Leslie-owned Fabalu.

McCain said: "Weird Al will have an entry in the Grand National and he will go to Cheltenham for the Gold Cup first. I have learnt a lot more about him with his two runs for me and he has done his job very well.

"He is an easy horse to get fit and run fresh, so the aim is Cheltenham and there is enough time after the Gold Cup to consider whether to go for the Grand National."

Wymott has disappointed in two starts since finishing six lengths adrift of Carruthers in the Hennessy but his trainer said he will still get an entry for the National.

He added: "He ran a very nice race in the Hennessy Gold Cup - he ran a really nice trial for the Grand National - and his Haydock race after that was a bit of a non-entity."

Betfred are best price about Weird Al (33s) and Wymott (50s) and spokesman George Primarolo said: "Recent historysuggests that Ballabriggs faces an uphill battle in his attempt to win a second consecutive Grand National, but if anyone knows how to do this it's the McCain family and last year's winner shouldn't be underestimated."

McCain's final contender, Fabalu, is a best-priced 66-1 with Stan James.