Trainer Brian Ellison hopes Haydock plan for Sam’s Adventure comes off

BRIAN Ellison is keen to tackle Saturday’s Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock with Sam’s Adventure if the meeting beats the weather.

Sam’s Adventure won over the same extended three miles and one furlong when claiming last month’s Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase at the track.

Taking up the lead at the last before going on to score by four lengths, the nine-year-old triumphed on heavy ground that day.

And with a wet forecast and possible snow in prospect this week, Ellison is confident his charge will deal with conditions after booking former Grand National-winning rider Ryan Mania.

He said: “Sam’s Adventure is in good form and the plan is for him to run in the Peter Marsh Chase on Saturday.

“This race has been the target since his last win at Haydock where he was very impressive.

“He stays the trip and handles testing conditions, so we would be hopeful of a good run.

“It looks a competitive race judging by the entries, but you would expect that and we are looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”

Haydock’s meeting passed an initial inspection yesterday after appearing to escape most of the deluge that led to widespread flooding across the North West.

Another inspection will be held tomorrow morning for an eagerly-anticipated meeting in which Buveur D’Air is due to make his long-awaited comeback in The New One Unibet Hurdle.

The dual Champion Hurdle hero has been sidelined since he picked up a nasty injury to his hoof at Newcastle in November 2019.

The Nicky Henderson-trained 10-year-old had a six-inch splinter stuck in his foot when beaten in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, requiring surgery.

It has been a long road, but Buveur D’Air has been pleasing Henderson of late and is now ready to return to the fray.

The Grade Two contest sees him take on last year’s winner Ballyandy and Navajo Pass in an intriguing three runner race.

Meanwhile Politologue is set to face seven rivals in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Clarence House Chase at Ascot.

Last season’s Queen Mother Champion Chase hero made a flying start to the current campaign when bagging a second victory in the Tingle Creek at Sandown – and he is a hot favourite to provide trainer Paul Nicholls with a sixth success in this Grade One race.

The trainer also saddles Duc Des Genievres. The grey won the 2019 Arkle at Cheltenham when trained by Willie Mullins and has been placed twice since joining Nicholls, at Cheltenham and Kempton respectively.

Last year’s winner Defi Du Seuil returns to defend his crown while Ruth Jefferson’s Waiting Patiently, runner-up in last month’s King George VI Chase, carries to the hopes of Yorkshire and the North.

Former Grand National-winning rider David Mullins has announced his retirement from the saddle at the age of 24.

Mullins, one of the youngest jockeys to win the National, secured Aintree glory at the first attempt when Rule The World won in 2016.

Mullins, who rode primarily for his champion trainer uncle Willie and father Tom, bows out with 211 Irish winners to his name.

He said: “It just didn’t fit with what I wanted to do any more, but racing is a tough game to get out of, and I’ve been trying for the last year to 18 months. Sales are 100 per cent something I’m looking at. I bought Court Maid for 1,800 euros and she’s won eight times now, including a 120,000 euros race last year.”

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