Bryony Frost returns for huge ride on Grand National second-fav Intense Raffles… but there’s a catch
BRYONY FROST returns from France for the huge ride on Grand National second-fav Intense Raffles.
But the trailblazing jockey won’t get the leg up on the Thomas Gibney-trained Irish Grand National hero in the big Aintree race next April.
Frost left Britain for France earlier this year after landing a dream gig with big owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
- Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
- Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Exclusive access to Templegate’s daily NAP
- Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
- Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
- VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
- New customer offer with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
The loaded duo own the six-year-old gelding – who is as short as 14-1 for the world’s most famous race – and will campaign him over hurdles this season to protect his mark.
With regular rider Daryl Jacob injured, Frost has been drafted in to steer Intense Raffles on his seasonal return at Navan on Saturday.
He will compete against the likes of former Pertemps Final winner Good Time Jonny in the Listed 3m1f handicap hurdle at 1.42pm.
Frost has been loving life across the Channel but always said she would be more than open to jetting back home for the right ride.
And that’s certainly the case with Intense Raffles.
Although it looks like she will have to bin any thoughts of riding him in the Grand National itself, with Munir and Souede’s retained rider Jacob in line for the gig.
Their racing manager Anthony Bromley said: “Tom’s very happy with the horse and he’s ready to get started.
“I don’t think he’s been thrown in on this hurdles start off a handicap mark of 141, but let’s see.
“Bryony is looking forward to riding him, she’s coming over on Friday to sit on him and then will ride him on Saturday.
“Daryl is injured and so is JJ Slevin, they are both on the sidelines and Bryony isn’t racing in France on Saturday.
“That worked quite well, she’s a super-sub for us and we’re looking forward to seeing him over hurdles.
“When Daryl’s back he’ll be back on the horse, he’s the number one retained rider in England and Ireland and his recovery is going well by all accounts.
“Things are all aimed towards Aintree in April, but it will be interesting to see how he is over smaller obstacles, he’s never really run over them because French hurdles are so different.”
Willie Mullins’ I Am Maximus is all set to defend his title next year and is as short as 8-1 to do so.
Owner JP McManus also has the hugely promising Iroko, who is vying for third in the pecking order at around 20-1.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.