Raz De Maree warms up for Welsh National with gallant second

It might not have been your average preparation for the Welsh Grand National but last year’s Chepstow runner-up Raz De Maree shaped up for another crack at the stamina-sapping slog on December 27 with an eyecatching second in the 3m handicap hurdle.

Trained by Gavin Cromwell in Ireland, Raz De Maree finished less than two lengths behind Native River in last year’s Coral-backed Welsh National and is a general 25-1 shot to go one better this time.

“He was out on his head all the way but all he does is stay and he jumps for fun,” said jockey Donal McInerney, riding at Southwell for the first time.