'He was bought with Aintree in mind' - Roi Mage thriving before Grand National bid
Roi Mage received 40 stitches and staples after sustaining a nasty leg injury at Cheltenham in January but confidence is growing at Patrick Griffin's yard that he is back at his peak prior to an audacious tilt at the Grand National.
A multiple winner at Graded and Listed level in France, the 11-year-old appears to be thriving and put in an excellent effort when second to Longhouse Poet at Down Royal last month when giving him 10lb. There would be a hint of deja vu should the son of Poliglote hit the elbow in front in two weeks' time, given the same connections won the big race in 2013 with the Sue Smith-trained 66-1 chance Auroras Encore, who powered to a nine-length victory.
Having marginally missed the cut last year, it is all systems go for Roi Mage this season according to the trainer's son and assistant James Griffin.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inGrand National festival
Last updated
Copy- 'I'd love to have a crack at the Grand National' - Flooring Porter team weigh up Aintree following Listowel heroics
- 'They had no chance and kept others out' - Davy Russell believes qualifying races for the Grand National should be introduced
- Bookmakers report Grand National turnover as 'flat' compared with last year
- 'It's a different feeling, it's unique, it's the Grand National' - Aintree hero I Am Maximus gets a huge homecoming welcome
- 'It's going to be hard to get off this high' - David Maxwell dreaming of Aintree return following Grand National sixth
- 'I'd love to have a crack at the Grand National' - Flooring Porter team weigh up Aintree following Listowel heroics
- 'They had no chance and kept others out' - Davy Russell believes qualifying races for the Grand National should be introduced
- Bookmakers report Grand National turnover as 'flat' compared with last year
- 'It's a different feeling, it's unique, it's the Grand National' - Aintree hero I Am Maximus gets a huge homecoming welcome
- 'It's going to be hard to get off this high' - David Maxwell dreaming of Aintree return following Grand National sixth