If it hadn’t been for the confidence of trainer Barry O’Sullivan, Shop Gibbon, second favourite for the Chelsea Glass Grand National, would not even be in the event.
The dog is owned by the Windmill Hill Comrades syndicate and was originally trained by June McCombe for whom he won a maiden open at Perry Barr prior to injury.
Mrs McCombe said: “We originally got the dog from Dolores Ruth and he was from the same litter as Lenson Razldazl and Razldazlnewstalk. He picked up a minor achiles tendon injury early in the year and Anthony (Kaminsks, syndicate member) wanted to try him over hurdles with next year’s Springbok in mind.
“We sent him to Barry for schooling. He then phoned up, very excited to say that the dog was an absolute natural jumper and was good enough to go in the National. Instead of coming back here, I suggested that they leave him with Barry and he is running so well. I would be absolutely thrilled if they win it. Anthony and the boys put such a lot into racing and deserve a bit of luck.”
Connections should hopefully soon have other matters to occupy them. Their Oaks winner Cashen Maureen was covered by stud dog Vans Escalade and returned to the kennel last week.
Mrs McCombe said: “She arrived back on Thursday in first class condition. But then all bitches that go to Frightful Flash Kennel come back immaculate.”
The McCombe kennel contributed three runners to the Belle Vue team who contested Sunday’s BAGS/SIS Track Championship at Kinsely. Although only coming away with a second, fifth and last, the Rossendale based handler could not have been more impressed with the Yorkshire stadium.
She said: “We went for trials and then had our first ever runners there. It was the best hospitality I have ever experienced at a greyhound track. There was a real family atmosphere, the food was amazing and the place was immaculate. Its no surprise that other trainers rave about the place.”
