Age: 14
Weight: 10st 3lb
Latest odds: 100/1 with Betfred.
Owner: Adrian Butler/Stephen O’Connor
Grand National record:
2018 Bless The Wings (3rd)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Grand National record:
2007 Silver Birch (WON)
2009 Silver Birch (FELL 22nd)
2010 Backstage (UR 20th)
2011 Backstage (10th)
2012 Tharawaat (8th), Chicago Grey (BD 5th)
2013 Tarquinius 8th, Chicago Grey (PU 30th)
2015 Cause Of Causes (8th)
2016 Ucello Conti (6th)
2017 Cause Of Causes (2nd), Roi Des Francs (18th), Ucello Conti (UR 22nd)
2018 Tiger Roll (WON), Bless The Wings (3rd), Ucello Conti (UR 27th).
Form
644/2462/1210/5119P/64P06/P433241429/33353431422/768208226/PP1FP34-566P
If successful in the 2019 Grand National, then Bless The Wings would become second oldest winner of the great race following 15-year-old Peter Simple in 1853.
Finished a fine third to stable companion Tiger Roll, beaten 11 lengths, when third in last year’s renewal.
Bless The Wings is a seven-time winner who was last successful over the Cross Country Course at Cheltenham in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase over 3m 6f in December 2017.
He’s also finished runner-up in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (3m 6f) at the Cheltenham Festival in March on three occasions (2017, 2016 and 2015).
Last seen out when pulling up in the 2019 renewal on March 13. Runner-up in the 2017 Irish Grand National over 3m 5f at Fairyhouse. Big ask to repeat that year’s heroic run given advancing years.
Jumps race record
Starts: 62
Wins: 7
2nd: 10
3rd: 8
Win & Place Prize Money: £395,842
OpenOdds five-star rating
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