O'Regan in the black for National
Denis O’Regan hopes to make it third-time lucky in the John Smith’s Grand National when he rides Black Apalachi in the Aintree marathon on April 4.
The Irish jockey steered Dessie Hughes’ charge to victory in the Becher Chase over the fearsome fences earlier in the season and is delighted to be reunited with the 10-year-old.
“I’m going to ride him in the National if I can – he gave me a brilliant ride in the Becher Chase,” said O’Regan, who is having a successful first season as stable jockey to Howard Johnson.
“The horse was fantastic in the Becher, he gave me a great ride and felt great.
“If the rain came it wouldn’t do him any harm but I don’t think the ground is a big issue with him.
“He’ll love the trip and he won the Bobbyjo Chase the last day. I was happy with him there though obviously I didn’t ride him there – but he seems to be in good fettle.”
O’Regan took a tumble from Ballycassidy in his first National ride two years ago but enjoyed a clear round when fifth on Bewleys Berry last spring.
“I finished fifth on Bewleys Berry last year and I hope to finish a few places better this time,” he added.
“That was my second ride in the race. I fell at the Canal Turn the second time on Ballycassidy the year before that.
“It could be third-time lucky, with the help of God.”
Black Apalachi is a 12-1 chance for Aintree glory.
