The Grand National is still a long away, but the plans, hype, preparations never stop. In 2020, the race was a virtual one as COVID-19 ravaged the world and disrupted the best-laid plans for the greatest steeplechase in the world. 2021, however, came with a bang and will go down as the greatest in the race’s storied history. After Katie Walsh made history in 2012 at Seabass to come in third, and the highest-placed woman ever in Grand National history. Well, in came 2021 and Rachel Blackmore, with the first-ever win for a woman in arguably the greatest steeplechase race in the world.
What will 2022 hold? Only time will tell, but we know that Henry De Bromhead, trainer of Blackmore’s winning ride, Minella Times, will be back for more history. The Irish trainer scored a 1-2 haul last season with Blackmore’s ride, Minella Times coming in first and his other charge, Balko Des Flos snatching second place. The Irishman may be back again next year to replicate his success, as could be Blackmore.
One person we are sure of is 34-year old trainer Harry Fly. Once under the employ of legend Paul Nicholls, Fry has been doing a steady climb to the top of trainer spotlights and could be poised to mark his stripes at the Grand National. After working on a satellite yard for Rock on Ruby, which went on to claim hurdle victory at Cheltenham in 2012, Fry earned his license and his first official trainer victory at Cheltenham in 2016, with Albert Bartlett. 2017 will be his best yet, as Fry earned 886,752 GBP by saddling 67 winners. As the pandemic raged on over the last two seasons, Fry has managed a combined 61 winners. The pandemic-disturbed seasons coincided with plans for his purpose-built training base in Dorset, which is now complete and ready to see the man take full charge of his career. Not lacking in ambition, Fry says the plan is to train at least 50 winners each year, and is already looking like he may have his ride for next year’s Grand National, in Ask Me Early.
The seven-year-old has been exciting to watch, winning all three of his completed starts, including an eye-pleaser at the Midlands National last season. The plan is to look forward to the Welsh National at Chepstow in December, grounds which the horse knows very well, having already won twice on the Chepstow turf.
It is an exciting time for Fry, and it should be worth watching out for as next year draws close.
