Races
ENJOY D’ALLEN: “We’ve always thought this horse was going to be made for Aintree” – New JP McManus purchase to feature in 2022 National
Enjoy D’Allen is a big contender for the Grand National, his handler says
Ciaran Murphy’s Enjoy D’Allen will bid to land Grand National honours in just over a weeks’ time donned in the silks of JP McManus with the trainer believing his charge will be “made” for the National fences.
The Network son has only won three of his 22 starts to date, but has placed on ten occasions and was last seen running a cracker in a competitive Leopardstown hurdle affair in February.
He also finished third in last season’s Irish equivalent behind Freewheelin Dylan and despite having never raced outside of his home nation, his connections’ shrewdness on his chances in Liverpool led to the 8-year-old being purchased by JP McManus.
“The horse was always for sale. I took the initiative and made the call to Frank [Berry, McManus’s racing manager] and once I mentioned it to him he said the horse had been on their radar and that they had an interest in him”, Murphy told the Racing Post.
“We’re a small yard with no big marker, so I’m trying to make things happen for ourselves.
“You have to put your neck on the line. It’s hard to see into the future but we’ve always thought this horse was going to be made for Aintree, he’s a good stayer and a great jumper who will love the hustle and bustle of a big race.
“I think for a National you need that type of a horse and it’s lovely to be able to recommend a horse like that to Mr McManus.”
Enjoy D’Allen is a general 14-1 shot for the National Hunt showpiece on Saturday 9th April, currently fourth-favourite behind recent Cross Country hero, Delta Work.
