Rich Ricci recalls past Aintree jibe as he targets 'iconic' Grand National again

Rich Ricci recalled a "Who's the fat cat in the hat?" newspaper jibe on his first visit to the Grand National as he revealed his hopes of landing the "iconic" race.

The former chief executive of Barclays bank could have Royale Pagaille and Horantzau d'Airy running in his wife Susannah's colours, in a contest that made a huge impression on him from the other side of the Atlantic.

"I'm originally from America and we always watched the Grand National on Wide World of Sports. It's one of those iconic races you'd like to win. The Ascot Gold Cup, the Melbourne Cup… the Grand National is one of those sorts of races.

"It's such a special day, the whole country gets involved and it's a real privilege to be part of it."

But Ricci's first participation in the National in 2011 came at a difficult time for someone in his profession.

"I had the favourite, The Midnight Club, and it was the time of bankers being not necessarily everybody's favourite people," he said. "I went to Aintree on my own and my bank insisted I had security, because during the banking crisis having a name like Rich Ricci, I was getting quite a bit of attention.

Dual Betfair Chase winner Royale Pagaille could run for the RiccisCredit: John Grossick

"I got to the racecourse very early, I opened the paper and there was a headline that said 'Who's the fat cat in the hat?' with a picture of me and a whole bunch of made-up things about me. That was my first memory of the Grand National, reading that at Aintree.

"But it was a great occasion. He finished sixth and I've been in years even when I don't have runners. It's great fun, nobody does it quite like Liverpool. It has a unique way of conducting and celebrating the day. It's great to be part of it."

Betfair Chase winner Royale Pagaille has second top-weight this year, behind only the 2024 winner.

"He would be my best chance," Ricci said. "I Am Maximus will definitely stay in the race so hopefully the weights won't go up.

"He's not the easiest fellow to train. A bit like the owner, he's a bit clumsy and he always has a niggle, and he seems to hurt himself in every race. Venetia [Williams] has nursed an awful lot of winning form out of him and prize-money. I'm just hoping if he runs on Saturday at Haydock in the Grand National Trial he will carry on and go to Aintree with no blemishes. He's been a great horse to own and she's done a magnificent job.

"Horantzau d'Airy likes much better ground. He's got some good form and he has his chance. He'll appreciate the trip and if the ground came up good he'd be in the mix."

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