Geraghty gets Puntal mount
Barry Geraghty has opted to ride Puntal for champion trainer Martin Pipe in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
The Irish jockey was successful in the Aintree feature on Monty’s Pass in 2003 while Pipe struck with Miinnehoma in 1994.
“This morning we have confirmed a very good jockey booking for Puntal in the Grand National,” Pipe’s assistant Chester Barnes, revealed on www.martinpipe.co.uk.
“We have booked leading Irish jockey Barry Geraghty to ride, who has already experienced the thrill of winning the National when partnering Monty’s Pass to victory in 2003.”
Geraghty has ridden Monty’s Pass in the National for the last three years, finishing 16th behind Hedgehunter 12 months ago.
Puntal, owned by Liverpudlian Terry Neill, unseated his rider at the 19th fence in the 2004 National before going on to win the Betfred Gold Cup at Sandown.
He not raced since December 2004 due to tendon problems, but has been schooled over National-style fences at Pipe’s Nicholashayne base.
