Tag Archive for: Vanillier

Second time could be a charm for Cromwell and Vanillier

The old saying goes ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again’. For Vanillier this year’s Grand National represents a second bite at the Aintree cherry for Gavin Cromwell’s staying star, who found just Corach Rambler too good on his first attempt at National glory 12 months ago.

Cromwell has been a part of the training ranks for less than 20 years, but the former farrier is now firmly established as one of Ireland’s leading handlers. And also one of their most enterprising, striking many successful raids on his trips to UK shores.

Fresh from taking his tally at the Cheltenham Festival to six thanks to a Prestbury Park double, he now holds a strong hand as he attempts to land a telling blow in the Liverpool showpiece the Irish are queuing up to take a crack at.

“With always had it in mind to go back to Aintree with Vanillier after his second last year,” said Cromwell.

“He seems to hit form at this time of year and looks to be coming to hand nicely so we’re looking forward to it.

“We have the experience of jumping round and we knows he takes the track, which is important. He ran a huge race in the National last year so hopefully we can get some luck in running and we can be competitive.

“I’d say it’s every trainer’s dream to win the Grand National. My first time to come to the National was the year Bobbyjo won it and I went to school with Paul Carberry, so that was a big occasion and it’s the 25th anniversary this year.

“We’re thrilled to have a few runners in it. Obviously last year we got so close, but it would be fantastic to go one better and win it.”

Gavin Cromwell is searching for his first victory in the Grand National
Gavin Cromwell is searching for his first victory in the Grand National (David Davies/PA)

Cromwell shod a National winner working as as farrier when his good friend Gordon Elliott’s Silver Birch galloped to Aintree glory.

However, his own involvement in the race has been limited to saddling the veteran Raz De Maree on two uneventful visits to Merseyside prior to Vanillier giving him the thrill of his life 12 months ago.

A Cheltenham winner in his own right, Vanillier had taken his time to live up to his Festival-winning exploits over hurdles since switching to fences. But a second to Kemboy in Fairyhouse’s Bobbyjo Chase highlighted his National credentials and Cromwell had him tuned to the minute for his big-race assignment.

Sent off 20-1, he stayed on stoutly late in the piece, and although Cromwell momentarily began to dream, Vanillier could never quite reel in Lucinda Russell’s impressive Corach Rambler.

Vanillier has been a good servant for Gavin Cromwell
Vanillier has been a good servant for Gavin Cromwell (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)

Cromwell continued: “He probably got a bit far back on the second circuit and we would have liked to have been a bit closer from the Canal Turn. But he came home really strong and we were delighted.

“There was a moment we thought it might be possible, but Corach Rambler ran out a good winner and was probably idling a little bit in front. We were very happy with his performance, though.”

After being anonymous when running over inadequate stamina tests in the early part of the current season, the nine-year-old served notice of his Aintree intentions when second once again in the Bobbyjo Chase.

Despite pleasing his trainer, Vanillier’s outing in the Bobbyjo did unveil a foe all Aintree contenders will need to be wary of in stunning winner I Am Maximus, and Cromwell has the utmost respect for Willie Mullins Irish National winner, who has emerged as one of Vanillier’s chief market rivals.

I Am Maximus winning at Fairyhouse with Vanillier in second
I Am Maximus winning at Fairyhouse with Vanillier in second (Damien Eagers/PA)

Cromwell said: “I was happy with how Vanillier ran in the Bobbyjo, visually in the race he jumped and travelled really well and everything except for the result was very good.

“You’d have to say that I Am Maximus looked very good on the day and it was a big performance.

“You would have to be really impressed with I Am Maximus. He was very good and one you would have to be very afraid of on the day.”

As well as Vanillier’s obvious claims, the County Meath trainer could also have a hidden gem bubbling just below the main market principals in the form of Cheltenham Festival heroine Limerick Lace.

Owned by JP McManus, she has won three of her four starts this season, finishing second on the other occasion in a stamina-sapping renewal of the Troytown Chase.

No mare has won the Grand National since Nickle Coin in 1951 and although Magic Of Light came close in 2019 when chasing home Tiger Roll, Limerick Lace could have a standout chance of ending that long 73 year wait, arriving in Liverpool on the back of a career best when downing Dinoblue in the Cotswolds.

Limerick Lace winning at the Cheltenham Festival
Limerick Lace winning at the Cheltenham Festival (Adam Davy/PA)

“She’s come out of Cheltenham really well and the plan is looking like we will go to the National,” said Cromwell.

“It’s an unknown for her with the trip, but I think she will stay well. She stayed on quite well in the Troytown Chase at Navan earlier in the season on bad ground.

“It is obviously her first time over the fences and a lot will depend on how she takes to it, but I would like to think she will be competitive. It’s an exciting time.”



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Cromwell lining up triple challenge for National honours

Last year’s runner-up Vanillier and Cheltenham Festival heroine Limerick Lace could be joined by Malina Girl to form a three-pronged assault on the Randox Grand National for trainer Gavin Cromwell.

Vanillier charged home from the rear to finish best of the rest behind Corach Rambler 12 months ago and warmed up for his return to Merseyside by finishing second in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February for the second year in succession.

The grey is a Cheltenham Festival winner himself, having landed the 2021 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, and Cromwell is optimistic of another bold showing at Aintree on Saturday week.

Vanillier in action in last year's Grand National
Vanillier in action in last year’s Grand National (Mike Egerton/PA)

“He’s good, I’m happy with him now, he’s come out of the Bobbyjo well and come forward since that,” said the County Meath handler.

“I’d like it if it stopped raining so the ground isn’t too testing. If it dried up a little bit it would be no harm.

“If you look back at his form, he won the Albert Bartlett in the spring time when there was a bit of nice ground coming and we think he improves for it.

“This has been the plan for the year, we’re pretty happy with how it’s gone and we’re happy with where he is now, that’s the most important part.”

Limerick Lace has won three of her four starts over fences so far this season, most recently edging out fellow JP McManus-owned runner Dinoblue in a thrilling Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham.

The seven-year-old will step up almost two miles in distance in the Grand National, but William Hill ambassador Cromwell does not feel she is lacking in the stamina department.

“At the moment, the plan is to run her, she’s come out of Cheltenham well,” he said.

“She jumps well, so hopefully she’ll take the fences.

“She was second in the Troytown in Navan back in November and stayed well that day over three miles on testing going. I know the National is a bit further again, but the Troytown is a big stamina race and she did stay well, so hopefully she can stay a bit further.

“She certainly handles soft ground and she’s very clear winded, but the softer the ground, the more stamina that’s needed. Hopefully she can stay.”

Malina Girl (left) on her way to victory at Cheltenham
Malina Girl (left) on her way to victory at Cheltenham (Nigel French/PA)

Malina Girl, who won a staying handicap chase at Cheltenham in November, is currently the 39th horse in the order of entry, meaning she is not yet guaranteed a place in the final field of 34.

But with an allotted weight of just 10st 5lb, Cromwell is keen to let her line up if she does make the cut for the world’s most famous steeplechase.

“She’d probably prefer it if the ground dried out a little. She’s only small, but she does jump really well and she’s off a light weight, so we plan to run her anyway,” he added.

“She’s probably not got much in hand off her handicap mark, but at the same time she jumps well and stays well and has a light weight, so hopefully she can run well.”



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I Am Maximus sees off Vanillier in Bobbyjo

I Am Maximus booked his Randox Grand National ticket with an easy victory over last year’s Aintree runner-up Vanillier in the Tote.ie Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.

Trained by Willie Mullins, I Am Maximus was returning to the scene of his finest hour having won the Irish Grand National last season and after this display, he is now a general 12-1 chance for Aintree on April 13.

Mullins used the Bobbjyo as an Aintree prep for Hedgehunter, who went on to win on Merseyside in 2005, but I Am Maximus looked to face a stiff task giving 12lb away to Gavin Cromwell’s Vanillier.

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, hears from Jody McGravey, and trainer Willie Mullins
Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, hears from Jody McGravey, and trainer Willie Mullins (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)

Jody McGarvey did the steering on the evens favourite, travelling well throughout the near three-mile-two-furlong affair before thoroughly asserting his authority in the straight, cruising home by 14 lengths.

Mullins said: “I thought it was a magnificent performance considering how badly he jumped going away from the stands.

“He just missed one or two there and Jody left him alone and let him find his own feet.

“When he got half down the back and around the fifth last once he saw the stands, I think he just clicked into a another gear.

“I don’t know how good he is but he’s certainly improving with every run. However, he does love Fairyhouse and maybe this is his track, he certainly has an engine.

“It’s very hard to quicken in this ground, he has a big engine in there.

“I’d imagine he goes for the Grand National, he would look a Gold Cup horse in time but I’d imagine Aintree is his objective.

“I’m not worried about ground for him. I don’t know how good he is yet because he just keeps improving.”

I Am Maximus survived a slight blunder at the last
I Am Maximus survived a slight blunder at the last (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)

Sean Flanagan was not too disappointed with Vanillier’s effort in second, with the gelding having finished a half-length second in the race last year to Kemboy before going on to the National itself.

Vanillier will have a reduced 8lb advantage over I Am Maximus at Aintree and his rider is eager for the big day.

He said: “I’m very happy and I think he’s run better in the race this year than he did last year. There were a lot higher quality horses in the race this year.

“He’s probably got going a bit early in the race, but I wanted to get a proper race into him as I didn’t think they were going to go quick. Without forcing him I was trying to force the tempo of the race. I think he’s ran well.

“I’m looking forward to Aintree.”



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Vanillier backed to boost Aintree hopes at Fairyhouse

Gavin Cromwell expects Vanillier to take a step forward in the Tote.ie Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday as he builds up towards a return to Aintree.

The grey flew home in the Grand National last year – and passed all bar the winner Corach Rambler.

He has been allotted 4lb more in his quest for National glory this term but first he must take on last season’s Irish National winner I Am Maximus and the Gordon Elliott pair of Fury Road and Minella Crooner.

In three runs to date this season, Vanillier has failed to get anywhere near troubling the judge.

However, Cromwell said in his William Hill blog: “Vanillier is certainly moving in the right direction and I’m happy with him ahead of the Bobbyjo Chase.

“We’re hoping to see a good run here which should set him up well for the Grand National. He’s taken a bit of time to get to where I’d like him to be, but we weighed him on Friday morning and he’s a similar weight to where he was this time last year, which was encouraging to see.

“We were happy with the weight the handicapper gave him for the race at Aintree. It’s a lovely racing weight considering how well he ran in it last year and you can’t really make any excuses on that front.

“It would be amazing to win a Grand National and I do think he’s capable of doing it, as we know he likes the fences and has the stamina. He’s coming along nicely and Saturday will hopefully bring him forward again.”



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Long-term National plan coming together for Cromwell and Vanillier

Last year’s runner-up Vanillier is the ante-post favourite with most bookmakers following the publication of the weights for this year’s Randox Grand National.

Gavin Cromwell’s grey was rated 147 when finishing best of the rest behind Corach Rambler at Aintree last April and will this year compete from a mark of 151, which does at least guaranteed him a starting berth in what will be a reduced field of 34 runners for the first time.

Reflecting on last year’s performance, Cromwell said: “We were obviously thrilled to be second in the Grand National, but when you’re coming home well like that you do think about what could have been.

Gavin Cromwell is looking forward to heading back to Aintree with Vanillier
Gavin Cromwell is looking forward to heading back to Aintree with Vanillier (David Davies/PA)

“But it was a great moment. We had lots of luck last year. He went round on the inside and got all the luck – you need luck in every National.

“It’s every trainer’s dream to win the Grand National and we’ll certainly give it a good shot again this year anyway.”

Assuming top-weight Hewick takes his chance, Vanillier will carry 10st 8lb on his return to Merseyside.

The nine-year-old has been well beaten in three starts so far this season, finishing fifth behind star two miler El Fabiolo in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork, fifth over hurdles at Punchestown and 15th on his most recent outing in a handicap chase at Leopardstown’s Dublin Racing Festival.

However, it is clear Cromwell has had one race in mind all along.

He added: “I’d have to be happy enough with that (rating). It’s a lovely racing weight and having been second last year it’s got to be expected.

“He’s been trained for this race really and it’s a case of him coming in the spring – he is a spring horse.

“He’s going to have to improve plenty but he does have the experience of last year.”

When told that Vanillier is the 12-1 favourite with the Grand National’s official betting partner, William Hill, Cromwell laughed: “I won’t be worrying about that, but I hope they’re right!”

Letsbeclearaboutit is a potential Grand National contender
Letsbeclearaboutit is a potential Grand National contender (Niall Carson/PA)

The County Meath handler has three other potential National contenders in Letsbeclearaboutit (10st 10lb), Limerick Lace (10st 4lb) and Malina Girl (10st 2lb).

He added: “Letsbeclearaboutit is a possible for the race. He needs one more run to qualify. He’s likely to go to Cheltenham and hopefully that’ll qualify him, but the plan is certainly to go to Aintree.

“Limerick Lace will probably go to Cheltenham. We’ll see how that goes as to whether we go to Aintree. Malina Girl, she’s a fair way down the list but I would like to run her if we can.”

Corach Rambler (11st 2lb) is one of several horses just behind Vanillier in the betting with William Hill at 14-1, while Panda Boy has been cut to 16-1 after being allotted 10st 3lb.

Gordon Elliott’s pair of Delta Work (11st) and Galvin (10st 12lb) have also been trimmed to 25-1 from 33-1 and 40-1 respectively, while Mr Incredible (10st 7lb) has been pushed out to 40-1 from 25-1.



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Vanillier pencilled in for Thurles return

Last season’s Grand National runner-up Vanillier is set to start back on the road to Aintree by making an earlier than expected return to action at Thurles.

Gavin Cromwell’s grey beat all bar Corach Rambler in the world’s most famous steeplechase in the spring and a return to Merseyside is unsurprisingly top of his agenda for this term.

Cromwell was concerned the eight-year-old may not make his reappearance until Christmas due to a setback suffered during the summer – but has been so pleased with his recent progress that he is planning to saddle his charge in the BetVictor Chase in County Tipperary on Thursday.

“He’s coming to hand quicker than I thought,” the trainer confirmed.

“It’s a Listed race over two-mile-six (furlongs) for horses that haven’t won a race worth more than €50,000 in the last two years, so it’ll be a nice race to start him off in.

“He has Grade One entries for Christmas, but he might go to the Kinloch Brae or something, then I’d say he’ll almost definitely go to the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse again in February as the weights are out at that stage and it’s a lovely race to go for.

“We obviously have to be mindful along the way when all roads lead to Aintree.”

Another Cromwell inmate who could be Grand National-bound is Malina Girl, having shown her staying prowess with victory in a valuable handicap chase at Cheltenham last Sunday.

Malina Girl (left) on her way to victory at Cheltenham
Malina Girl (left) on her way to victory at Cheltenham (Nigel French/PA)

Cromwell added: “I can’t believe she has got to the level she has. She’s 15’2 or 15’3, a tiny little thing, with spindly legs on her.

“I see she’s getting quotes for the English National and I would say there is a good chance she could go there.

“I ran her at Punchestown over hurdles (off 113) and thought she had a right chance, she was in great form. I suppose we could definitely go back at some stage over hurdles.

“She jumps well and those extended trips are where she really comes alive.

“I don’t have a plan, but we’ll make one. She definitely won’t he having a complete break because she’s only had two runs.”

Last month The Jockey Club announced a number of significant changes to the Grand National in a bid to improve safety, including reducing the number of runners to 34 from 40 and moving the first fence 60 yards closer to the start.

Commenting on the alterations, Cromwell said: “I think the first fence being closer is a no-brainer – I think that’s a great initiative.

“There’s pros and cons with reducing the field, but it’s in now and we’ll have to just go with it.

“Obviously there’s going to be a few disappointed people, with six more people not getting a run. It’s going to raise the cut-off weight, but it is what it is.”



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All roads lead back to Aintree for National second Vanillier

Gavin Cromwell will return to Aintree for next year’s Randox Grand National with Vanillier after the grey stayed on to take a superb second place behind Corach Rambler in the 175th running of the world’s most famous race.

The 20-1 shot came from well off the pace under Sean Flanagan and was running down the idling winner with every stride, although he could not bridge the gap, which was down to two and a quarter lengths at the line.

Cromwell admitted to feeling a mixture of pride and disappointment.

He said: “I suppose the way he stayed on at the finish, you have to be a little bit disappointed, but he was good.

“He was a little bit sticky over the first three or so and got caught a little bit further back than Sean would have liked, but he stayed on really well, albeit from a little bit too far back.

“You have to be happy. Coming back next year will definitely be the plan, absolutely.

“He might not be as well weighted, but he will benefit for the experience.”

Flanagan briefly felt he could have overhauled the winner.

“I tucked him in early and probably got caught further back than I wanted to be,” he added.

“He’s a really strong stayer and we probably didn’t go forward early enough, but he’s stayed on and it was a super run, and he jumped really well.

“I briefly thought we could catch Corach Rambler, but at the same time I knew I had a lot of ground to make up. I’m very happy with that.”

At 10-1, Gaillard Du Mesnil was one of the best-backed horses in the build-up to the four-and-a-quarter-mile marathon, one of five runners for trainer Willie Mullins.

Gaillard Du Mesnil was a fine third and will return next season
Gaillard Du Mesnil was a fine third and will return next season (David Davies/PA)

Cheltenham’s National Hunt Chase winner stayed on to be third, having also made up plenty of ground under Paul Townend.

Mullins, who was at home recuperating after having a hip replacement operation, said the 10-1 chance, who was a further four and three-quarter lengths back in third, will also make his return to the National next season.

“Gaillard Du Mesnil ran a cracker, jumped well and I was very happy,” he said.

“He put up a terrific performance, one that probably says he should be aimed at it next year again, so we will see how things go.”

Carefully Selected finishing 14th under Michael O’Sullivan for Mullins, with Capodanno was pulled up and Recite A Prayer and Mr Incredible both unseating.

“Carefully Selected ran well as well, so we’re happy,” added Mullins. “Capodanno was going well until he just got too tired. Probably a lack of runs maybe.

“As far as we know all of ours are all right, which is great. Mr Incredible was very unlucky at the Canal Turn the second time. I thought he was going well. It looked like his saddle slipped and he unseated well after the fence, which he jumped OK. That is what we were told.

“Recite A Prayer went at the first. He jumped the first all right, but I think some horse cannoned into him after the first.”

Noble Yeats stayed on well to be fourth in defence of his crown
Noble Yeats stayed on well to be fourth in defence of his crown (David Davies/PA)

Last year’s winner Noble Yeats (10-1), fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, produced another fine run to fill the same position under Sean Bowen.

“He never touched a twig, he was foot perfect with that weight, 19lb higher – what an effort,” said Bowen.

“To get into the position he did was incredible considering he was off the bridle a long way out. He’s absolutely run his heart out.”

Owner Robert Waley-Cohen added of the eight-year-old: “I thought Sean gave him a fantastic ride. You need the odd break but he made no errors whatsoever, and he finished very strongly.

“Remember Corach Rambler was 10lb well-in. Our horse has given his all.”

Peter Fahey was “thrilled” with the performance of The Big Dog, who was a neck behind Noble Yeats in fifth.

The 12-1 shot travelled well throughout under Aidan Coleman, and Fahey is hopeful he will similarly return to Aintree for another crack at the prize.

He said: “We are thrilled with him. It was an absolutely brilliant run. He ran a cracker and he jumped brilliantly. There are no excuses, he was beaten fair and square. That’s all you’d want.

“He loved it, he travelled good and strong and did everything right the whole way through.

“He did himself proud, and the owners, too.

“He will go home now and get his summer break, then we will come back and make a plan, probably working around the National and trying to come back here again, especially when he took to it so well.”



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Flooring Porter ‘on target’ for Stayers’ Hurdle defence

Flooring Porter is “on target” for a Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle hat-trick bid, according to trainer Gavin Cromwell.

The eight-year-old was magnificent from the front in the hands of Danny Mullins in both 2021 and 2022, but his chances of lighting up Prestbury Park for a third time appeared to be in the balance having met with a setback following defeat in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown.

His hopes of making the Festival were described as no better than “50-50” at the time, but connections are now happy with their charge, who returns to his beloved Cheltenham as the 6-1 joint-fourth favourite with the race sponsor.

“We’re happy now and we’re on target to run,” said Cromwell.

“Obviously he missed a bit of work and that isn’t ideal, but we’re happy with him nonetheless. He’s in good form and hopefully now we can get him over there in one piece.

“With such an unideal prep, hopefully he doesn’t have as big a target on his back and we can be slightly under the radar.

“But we’re delighted to be getting him there – a month ago we were very unsure whether we would, so it’s great to be thinking he’s certainly going to run.”

Cromwell is also hoping that Vanillier can sparkle in the spring when he heads to the Randox Grand National on April 15 following a pleasing display in Fairyhouse’s Bobbyjo Chase.

Vanillier here winning at the Cheltenham Festival, is set to line up in the Randox Grand National
Vanillier here winning at the Cheltenham Festival, is set to line up in the Randox Grand National (Michael Steele/PA)

The former Albert Bartlett winner was coming off a back of a fall at the Dublin Racing Festival when lining up in the Grade Three contest, but produced a clean round of jumping to finish just half a length behind Kemboy in second.

He is now likely to head straight to Aintree and saw his odds trimmed to a general 25-1 for National glory.

Cromwell continued: “I was delighted with the run. He jumped and travelled well and it was a good run to finish so close to Kemboy. I suppose the third horse was a bit behind on ratings which wasn’t ideal, but it was a good run nonetheless.

“I would say he is unlikely to run again between now and Aintree, but he’s not definitely not going to run again.

“We don’t know which way he will take to the fences, but hopefully he will and we’re looking forward to it.

“He’s a horse who seems to come good in the spring, so hopefully that is the case.”



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