Elliott snaps up champion-elect Bowen for National

Image from Alamy 2XHGHMW Sean Bowen – National Hunt Jockey.

Britain’s champion jockey-elect Sean Bowen has been enlisted by Gordon Elliott to partner Three Card Brag in the Grand National at Aintree.

Following the news that stable rider Jack Kennedy is set to miss the rest of the season, Elliott has moved to secure the runaway jockeys’ championship leader.

The Cullentra handler is bidding for a record-equalling fourth Grand National success, while Bowen was fourth on Noble Yeats in 2023 in his best National effort to date.

Elliott delighted to secure ‘lucky’ rider

Three Card Brag secured his place in the race on Monday after six horses were removed at the latest confirmation stage. He is now number 32 on the list and is guaranteed a run and Bowen is the man doing the steering.

“We’ve booked Sean Bowen to ride Three Card Brag. The owners were keen for Sean to come on board if Jack wasn’t able to ride him,” said the trainer.

“They have had great success with Sean over the years – he has been a very lucky rider for them. He’s a class rider and has had a great season so far. Let’s hope that continues on Saturday!”

Three Card Brag is set to carry just 10st 5lb, and Elliott admitted that he has been trained all season with the race in mind.

“He seems to be in great form and we’ve had the National in mind for him all season. I know some people say he wants plenty of cut in the ground, but I don’t think he does,” he added.

“I think he’ll bounce off that nice ground on Saturday. The key thing about him is stamina. He’ll stay all day long. All he does is keep galloping and he won’t be stopping. Fingers crossed, with a clear round and a bit of luck, he can run a big race.”

Record in sight for Elliott

Should Elliott provide the winner at Aintree he will join legends Ginger McCain, Fred Rimell and George Dockeray as the joint-winning-most trainers in the race’s rich history.

Three Card Brag is one of four definite contenders alongside Conflated, Coko Beach, Fil Dor – who are all guaranteed a spot in the 34-runner field – while Duffle Coat could make it five for Team Cullentra.

Elliott said of his remaining Grand National contenders: “They all seem to be going over there in great form.

“Coko Beach has been the horse of a lifetime and will give somebody a great spin. I’ve said all year I think Fil Dor will run a cracker in it and I still think he will. He could surprise a few people.

“Conflated is not the horse he was, but he’s come down the weights and will love the ground. We’ll see what happens with Duffle Coat, but hopefully he gets in.”

Elliott also confirmed that Sam Ewing, Danny Gilligan and Jordan Gainford would all be riding for him in the National, though exact arrangements are still to be determined.

Kennedy, who returned from a broken leg in time for the Cheltenham Festival, is taking a chance to get himself some rest.

“Jack [Kennedy] is going to miss the rest of the season. It’s nothing serious and there is nothing broken or anything like that, but he just needs a bit of time to get the leg right. He just aggravated it a little bit and the best thing for it is rest,” Elliott added.

“He’s my number one and there is no pressure on him. The horses will all be here for him when he’s back.”