Ricky Holloway is set to field four runners in Sunday’s Ladbrokes Grand National Final at Crayford, where the celebrated trainer hopes to secure his sixth victory in the jumps classic and seventh overall, including his time as an owner. Holloway, the event’s most successful trainer, will be represented by Dazl Hermes, Magical Oscar, Patterdale Zorro, and Signet Harper in the £10,000 prize race over 380m.
Holloway’s impressive track record includes wins with Mo’s Bullet (2015), Razldazl Raidio (2017), Roxholme Biscuit (2020), Meenagh Maverick (2021), and Coppice Fox (2022)—all at Central Park. Additionally, he triumphed as an owner in 2007 with Jos Cigar at Wimbledon.
Semi-Final Highlights
Signet Harper, owned by Tony Brealey, stood out in the semi-finals, delivering the fastest performance of the evening. Racing in an all-Holloway heat, she broke sharply and maintained her lead throughout, crossing the finish line a length and a quarter ahead of kennelmates Patterdale Zorro and Magical Oscar in 23.30 seconds (+20). If successful on Sunday, Signet Harper could become a rare female winner of the Grand National and secure consecutive victories for her owner, following Coppice Fox’s success last year.
The first semi-final saw Chippy Brady, trained by Barrie Backhurst, edge past Holloway’s Dazl Hermes in a thrilling finish. Early leader Traceys Sydney, trained by Barry O’Sullivan, was overtaken by Dazl Hermes down the back straight, but Chippy Brady launched a late surge at the third turn to claim victory by a head. The three—Chippy Brady, Dazl Hermes, and Traceys Sydney—will all compete in the final. Chippy Brady clocked 23.74 seconds (+20) in the process.
O’Sullivan Eyes Third Grand National Title
Barry O’Sullivan, a dual Grand National winner, has the chance to add a third title to his resume. His previous triumphs include Dynamic Display at Hall Green in 1996 and Bobbing Gnavatar at Crayford in 2022, which coincided with the passing of his father, Terry O’Sullivan, a legendary trainer in his own right. Reflecting on this bittersweet occasion, O’Sullivan expressed optimism for Traceys Sydney’s chances, noting that the dog has plenty of pace but missed his start in the semi-finals.
“We’re delighted to reach the final, but it will be different, of course,” said Barry who, along with Terry, schooled many a hurdles champion at their track in Fawkham, Kent. “Traceys Sydney has got lots of pace, but he just missed it on Sunday before pacing up. Maybe things might be different if he hits the lids.
“We won the (Ladbrokes) Champion Hurdle with Nunhead Shiv a few months back – she’s now retired – so it’d be nice to do the double and win the Grand National, but it’s not going to be easy. Ricky has a very strong team to beat.”
What to Watch For on Sunday
With Holloway’s quartet and strong contenders like Chippy Brady and Traceys Sydney in the mix, Sunday’s final promises to be a memorable race. Fans can look forward to an evening of thrilling competition as the best hurdlers battle for the prestigious title.