Nicholls’s Neptune Collonges second grey horse to land a victory in the John Smith's Grand National Chase since 1961
Paul Nicholls’s Neptune Collonges delivered an unexpected victory in the Grade 3 John Smith's Grand National Chase, which was held at Aintree on 14th April, 2012. Ridden by jockey, Daryl Jacob, he exhibited his skill and claimed
a narrow victory.
The son of Dom Alco, out of mare Castille Collonges, had slim chances of winning as he entered with odds of 33 to 1, but finished a nose ahead of Jonjo O’Neill’s Sunnyhillboy. His victory gave Nicholls his first national victory.
The eleven-year-old grey gelding was immediately retired after the race so his career officially ended with a majestic victory. He is the second grey horse to nail a National victory since 1961.
Nicholls expressed his delight after the race as he told the press that:
"This is probably the best horse we've run in the race. If it hadn't been for Denman and Kauto Star he'd have probably won a Gold Cup. He deserves to win a fantastic race because he has been a brilliant, consistent horse."
Owner J. Hales was also pleased with his performance as he stated that:
"I just wanted him to get round safe. I never dreamed we'd win it. I’m so emotional I cannot believe it. He'll never race again."
Seabass and Shakalakaboomboom raced as joint favourites, while Seabass performed well and secured the third place. Shakalakaboomboom fell short of expectations and finished the race in ninth place.
Seabass, son of Turtle Island, out of Muscovy Duck, was mounted by Ms. K. Walsh, who was pleased with the way he performed. She told the press that he was super all the way, and he did not give up at any point in the race.
Cappa Bleu, trained by Evan Williams, finished in fourth place, whereas the fifth place was acquired by, In Compliance.
Along with moments of joy, the event was tragic as Synchronised, owned by J.P. McManus and trained by Jonjo O'Neill had to be euthanised after he sustained a fatal injury.
Synchronised, the winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, attracted most of the bets for this race but met a tragic fate.
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