The recent Coral Welsh Grand National showcased an extraordinary victory, with Nassalam dominating the field by a staggering 34 lengths on a wet and windy day at Chepstow Racecourse.
The talented six-year-old had previously secured a comfortable win in the Welsh Grand National Trial just 18 days prior, displaying incredible form and determination to claim the £150,000 prize at odds of 9/2.
Under the guidance of conditional jockey Caoilin Quinn, who had also steered Nassalam to victory in the earlier trial, the young rider celebrated his greatest career achievement to date. Overwhelmed with emotion, Quinn expressed, “I’m very emotional – it’s the best day of my life. I couldn’t believe how well he jumped and travelled; he was going so well. He properly loves the mud as he just seems to travel so much better on it."
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Post-race discussions revolved around future aspirations for the rising star, with the Aintree Grand National emerging as a potential target. Confirming this, Jamie Moore, son of trainer Gary, affirmed, “He has to get an entry [for the Grand National] although he is better on proper soft ground. That will definitely be the aim.”
Nassalam’s triumph also heralded a triumphant streak for the yard, with Salver clinching victory in the Grade 2 Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle and stable favorite Editeur Du Gite emerging triumphant in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Handicap Chase at Kempton.
In other notable performances, champion trainer Paul Nicholls secured a win with Quel Destin, and reflected on upcoming events, expressing confidence in his entries for the Grade 1 Challow Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury.
Nicholls also reflected on the valiant performance of Bravemansgame in the King George VI Chase and confirmed the Cheltenham Gold Cup is next, stating, “He did well yesterday, I thought was a bit unlucky, but he ran well and he’ll go straight to Cheltenham."