Gavin Cromwell
Gavin Cromwell’s William Hill blog: Grand National Hurdle Stakes preview
William Hill ambassador Gavin Cromwell previews Ballysax Hank’s run in the American Grand National Hurdle Stakes.
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Far Hills, Saturday 18th October
I’ve had a couple of Breeders’ Cup runners but never a jumper in the States. This year we’re running Ballysax Hank in the Grand National Hurdle Stakes at Far Hills.
I’ve always kept an eye on horses going out there and it’s a race that Gordon Elliott has targeted before and Shark Hanlon won it with Hewick a couple of years ago. We’ve kept a note of what type of horse would be suited to it and we think it could be a good race for Ballysax Hank.
He won the Summer Plate, had a break, then came back and won again on the Flat, which was nice. He’s had a good preparation for it and although he has a bit to find on ratings with Gordon’s couple, I think he should run well.
It can be hard to find a horse that fits the profile of these American National Hunt races and you need to have owners on board who are willing to take the chance, because it’s expensive to go there. Then you need the right horse for it.
He’s doing well after his journey across to the United States. He left us last week and he’s settled in there now. He’s a bit of a favourite at the moment at Leslie Young’s stable in Pennsylvania – she’s been very accommodating.
He seems in good order and we’re really looking forward to this weekend.
