Age: 10
Weight: 10st 6lb
Latest odds: 50/1 with Betfred.
Owner: Professor Caroline Tisdall & John Gent
Grand National record:
2016 Vieux Lion Rouge (7th)
2017 Vieux Lion Rouge (6th)
2018 Vieux Lion Rouge (9th)
Trainer: David Pipe
Grand National record:
2007 Puntal (8th), Celtic Son (PU 22nd)
2008 Comply Or Die (WON), Milan Deux Mille (15th), Madison Du Berlais (FELL 8th), Vodka Bleu (PU 19th), Joaaci (FELL 20th)
2009 Comply Or Die (2nd), Arteea (10th)
2010 Comply Or Die (12th), Piraya (13th), Pablo Du Charmil (Fell 2nd), Madison Du Berlais (FELL 19th), The Package (UR 19th)
2011 Piraya (19th), Or Noir De Somoza (FELL 6th), Comply Or Die (PU 29th)
2012 Swing Bill (10th), Junior (FELL 2nd)
2013 Swing Bill (6th)
2014 Swing Bill (9th), The Package (12th), Our Father (UR 8th)
2015 Soll (9th)
2016 Vieux Lion Rouge (7th), Ballynagour (UR 19th), Soll (PU 21st)
2017 Vieux Lion Rouge (6th), Ballynagour (11th), La Vaticane (15th), Doctor Harper (PU 29th)
2018 Vieux Lion Rouge (9th).
Form
1110/11103/390/111U267/116/4749-2PP
Has completed the course three times in the Grand National, finishing seventh in 2016, sixth in 2017, and ninth last year.
Never threatened to get involved 12 months ago after being hampered at the eighth fence (Canal Turn first time around).
Triumphed over the Grand National fences in the 3m 2f Grade 3 Becher Handicap Chase in 2016 by a short-head.
Came home a fine and fast-finishing second in the same race this season behind Walk In The Mill, as well as finishing seventh in the 2017 renewal of the Becher.
Vieux Lion Rouge has therefore completed the course each time in six races over the Grand National fences and is the most experienced Aintree animal in this year’s field.
However, he has pulled-up on both his most recent outings, in the Grade 3 Welsh Grand National at Chepstow and Grand National Trial at Haydock Park – after which he was treated for ulcers. Doesn’t seem to get home over this marathon trip.
Jumps race record
Starts: 29
Wins: 11
2nd: 2
3rd: 2
Win & Place Prize Money: £257,174
OpenOdds five-star rating
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