Tom Scudamore: “I hope Cloth Cap has a better chance than last year”

Aintree 5.15, Grand National – Cloth Cap

Twelve months ago I came into the Grand National as the rider of the big race favourite.  It didn’t work out as we’d have hoped that day, but he was giving me a great spin over the big fences until his breathing let him down, and that’s just one of those things.

We were a stone well in last year, and at that point we thought maybe that was his best chance, but here we are, almost on the same mark, so it has to be said, the handicapper has been fair with him, and given him a chance.

It’s the National, so there are plenty of rivals to fear. But if I had to pick out just one, having chased Éclair Surf home at Warwick earlier in the season, I couldn’t not be impressed by him, and the form of that win has got even better, so having snuck into the race off a low weight, his connections must have lots to look forward to.

It will be difficult for last year’s winner, Minella Times, to win again, as he’s carrying so much more weight, and similar comments apply to last year’s third, Any Second Now, as well.

Although Cloth Cap is a much bigger price than he was last year, I have to approach the race in exactly the same way.  Every year I ride in the race I believe it will be my year, obviously so far it hasn’t been but in my mind that just means my next National ride could be the one!

As I said, he ran really well for a long way last year, his wind has been dealt with, if the rain stays away that can only be a plus for him, and as a result I think he has a better chance than 12 months ago. I certainly hope he has.

Tom

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