Racing - Pride at Chief's National run (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Racing - Pride at Chief's National run

10:24am Thursday 14th April 2011 in Sport

WATCHING Chief Dan George complete the John Smith Grand National on Saturday was a very proud moment for all at Pitt Farm Stables, Cartmel, according to trainer Jimmy Moffatt.

The 11-year-old Chief was placed 17th of 40 runners, but Moffatt, making his debut, said it was an ‘amazing’ day out for everyone involved.

“We didn’t win it but I am very proud of the horse and he has come out of the race very well,” said Moffatt.

“There were some very big fences and he jumped well but I don’t think he took to the place. 17th is not bad and he has gone and jumped around Aintree in a very tough race. The speed on the day did it for us but I know that the important factor for us all is that the horses have a safe race.”

Moffatt said there was a special, unique feeling to Saturday’s race, different to any other he has experienced while racing.

He added: “It was amazing and when Becca Sparks led ‘Danny’ around the parade there must have been 50-60,000 people watching from the stands. You could feel the atmosphere and excitement coming across and it was a real thrill to watch him round the course.”

Since the race The Chief has been back out on exercise and ‘popping over hurdles’ and Moffatt now faces a tough decision on whether to run him in the Scottish National on Saturday.

He added: “We are still up in the air about the Scottish National. On Saturday evening I’d have said there is no way he will run but he has come out of the race having looked after himself.

“We will monitor him in the next couple of days but he is 50/50 at the minute.”