Turf Topics: Family affair primed for place in the National history books

Nigel Twiston-Davies was so disillusioned with training that he was on the brink of quitting the job to run his village pub before Bindaree's life-changing Grand National win eight years ago.

It prompted Twiston-Davies to quickly reappraise his career and he was right to do so. Now one of the country's most successful and respected trainers, he will make history if one of his five entries wins tomorrow's John Smith's-sponsored National.

Following Imperial Commander's brilliant win in last month's Gold Cup, Twiston-Davies would become the first trainer since the late, great Fred Rimell in 1976 – who enjoyed success with Royal Frolic and Rag Trade respectively – to train the winners of both the Cheltenham showpiece and the National in the same year.

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It is a remarkable reversal of fortune for Twiston-Davies given that the Cotswolds-based trainer was so publicity-shy that he declined to be interviewed after the durable Earth Summit, ridden by his current assistant Carl Llewellyn, won his first National in 1998.

Yet, in many respects, the stories surrounding some of his riders going into battle are equally astonishing.

There is Irish Raptor – the mount of Imperial Commander's victorious jockey Paddy Brennan. History is on his side.

Bindaree's jockey Jim Culloty warmed up for Aintree by riding Best Mate to the first of his three Gold Cup triumphs.

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Or Beat The Boys, a welcome first National ride for Brian Hughes, the accomplished jockey attached to Richmond trainer Alan Swinbank's yard. He hopes to follow Liam Treadwell's example – a 'rookie' National winner on 100-1 shot Mon Mome last year – and rode the horse for the first time on Easter Monday.

Then there is Hello Bud, last year's Scottish National winner and a dream National ride for the trainer's 17-year-old son Sam, who was in winning action at Wetherby this week when his solitary ride, Love of Tara, obliged for punters and, in doing so, highlighted his growing maturity and acumen in the saddle.

Bidding to become the youngest winner since Bruce Hobbs won on Battleship in 1938, Twiston-Davies is currently an amateur – the last such rider to triumph was journalist Marcus Armytage on Mr Frisk two decades ago – and is taking time off from his A-level studies to ride at Aintree. He also had to get special dispensation to take his place in the 40-runner cavalry charge.

The 17-year-old had never ridden over the National fences until yesterday when he rode Baby Run – the horse that carried him to an emotional victory in the Foxhunters Chase at Cheltenham 40 minutes after Imperial Commander's finest hour – at Aintree. Leading over The Chair, they parted company at the sixth fence – a salutary lesson for the youngster ahead of his date with destiny.

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"This is a dream come true," said the young jockey who hopes to become a professional after taking his A-levels this summer in Business Studies, ICT and Physical Education. "I'm probably a little bit more excited than nervous – but that will no doubt change.

"Hello Bud is a brilliant first ride. He hasn't quite had the ground that he likes, but he'll love the four-and-a-half-mile trip. I'd love to be galloping along at the front alongside Denis O'Regan on Black Apalachi, and then just hope we can see the trip out.

"I don't do history but I've been reading up on Bruce Hobbs who was two months younger than me when he won on Battleship. He was very talented and very good with horses; hopefully, I can be the same.

"I can't wait to feel what it's like to go over the fences. Probably less difficult than my school work – well, hopefully. That horse is my hero. He's changed my life. School has changed, teachers have changed. I get a lot more respect; people talk to me who used to ignore me.

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"The downside is that I've been sent a pile of school work but that can wait until after the National. A bit cheeky of them, if you ask me.

"The race means the world. I watched Dad win in 1998 on TV at home, and again in 1992. I can't wait."

It would be foolish to write off Twiston-Davies's other entries which comprise Wetherby specialist Ollie Magern, a two-time winner of the Charlie Hall Chase, and the perennial Ballyfitz.

But, while the trainer, 52, is bullish about the chances of each of his quintet, it is clear family loyalties come first with Hello Bud and his son.

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He says his confidence in Twiston-Davies junior is absolute and he would not have allowed him to ride if he could not do justice to the horse's chances.

He had to apply to the British Horse Racing Authority for special dispensation for Twiston-Davies junior to ride Hello Bud because his number of winners was one short of the eligibility criteria.

They had no doubts – and nor does Sam's proud father.

Twiston-Davies says he drew more satisfaction from his son's victory on Baby Run than Imperial Commander's Gold Cup victory. "Why not?" he said.

"I'm not worried about Sam having a fall. He's got plenty of experience and knows what to do. The hardest thing for me is the responsibility to the owners in case he makes a mess of it. I just don't want him to let anybody down.

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"He's very keen on making a career as a jockey and he's very dedicated. Other parents are probably worrying about their children being out nightclubbing and taking drugs or whatever but, if you want to be a jockey, you certaintly don't do any of that."

The words of a proud father – and one who, as a pub landlord, might have been dealing with the consequences of errant teenagers had it not been for the Grand National.

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