Trainer Tom O’Leary would love to see the clouds gather over Aintree this week, for every drop of rain that falls on the Grand National course will be added assistance to his confirmed mudlark Preist’s Leap.
“Sure, it would be helpful to see the ground softer, but if it doesn’t rain we’re not going to let that stop us enjoying ourselves,” said the 35-year-old from Clonakilty in County Cork.
Preist’s Leap, who travels to Aintree tomorrow, was bought by owner John D O’Donohue in 2003 after his wife died from cancer.
“Shortly before she died, she told John he should have his own horse - he’d been part of syndicates before - so obviously the horse is very special to us,” said O’Leary.
The cost of 33,000 euros at Tattersalls, Ireland, has been more than repaid, as the horse has won four races and over £140,000 in prize money.
The majority of that prize money has come from the horse’s two victories in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park. Preist’s Leap won that race last year and this year, both times at the generous odds of 20/1, and is one of only two horses to double up in the race.
Winning the Thyestes Chase could also be a pointer to their horse’s chance at Aintree as previous winners of the Gowran Park event include Hedgehunter and Numbersixvalverde, winners of the John Smith’s Grand National in 2005 and 2006 respectively. “It’s not a bad omen, is it?” the trainer said.
O’Leary, who briefly worked with Aidan O’Brien, started his training career 10 years ago with just a single horse in the yard, called Vanhoutonscoco, who finished last on his first outing and 10th on his only other run. O’Leary now has 20 horses in his yard.
