RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL NEWS: GRADE TWO SUCCESS FOR DIVA LUNA IN GOFFS NICKEL COIN MARES’ BUMPER
Thursday 11th April
The concluding contest on Opening Day at the 2024 Randox Grand National Festival, the Grade Two Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Bumper went to 13-2 chance Diva Luna, who scored by three and a half lengths from Jubilee Alpha (10-1).
Winning trainer Ben Pauling said: Pauling said: “It was a very nice performance from a very nice mare. We kept it simple as she has got loads of gears. I thought if we can dictate, then kick on as late as we could we would be okay. I thought she could put up a performance like that so I am pleased.
“It has been an extraordinary day. I think we have had the rough with the smooth. Everyone has their reasons for what they do, and The Megsons have been huge supporters of mine for many years, and I will always thank them for that.
“For whatever reason they have chosen to move them, I don’t know what they are, but I wish them the best of luck. We’ve ended today on a high, and we have a few more days to come.”
Winning rider Kielan Woods: “She’s so talented, and it’s just brilliant for Ben Pauling and Lynne Maclennan. I missed her the last day [because he was banned] and they didn’t have to put me back on her. It’s lovely that they did.
“It’s been a tough enough season for me, through nobody’s fault but my own. It’s been well-documented what I was banned for - I actually dropped my whip today, which is a story on its own - but it’s actually been a good season. The horses are flying, I’ve got good support behind me and I couldn’t ask for more.
‘My wife Christy has had to put up with me through the ban and all the winners I’ve missed - she’s my biggest supporter.
“I’ve worked very hard with George Baker - he’s a genius. I was so embarrassed to ring him when I got suspended the second time, so embarrassed to tell him, until people said that he’d be upset if I didn’t ring him. I’ve worked hard with him to put it behind me.
“Diva Luna’s so class - I’ve ridden her in a good few bits of work at home. Brian Hughes rode her last time and he was so complimentary about her. She was just very impressive. I thought she won in a canter. She covers lots of ground - the good ones usually do - and she jumps really well. The Maclennans have been great supporters of mine and were very kind to let me ride her.”
Trainer Paul Nicholls said of the second Jubilee Alpha: “She has run really well. She is a good filly and I can’t wait to see her go novice hurdling. She ran a bit keen, and I was amazed she kept galloping like she did, but she is a lovely filly. After she won at Wincanton we were always going to come here, and we are thrilled with her.
“She is right up there with the best bumper horses, but the best one we have is Regent’s Stroll that won at Newbury. As a filly she is the best bumper filly we have. She will get two and a half miles over hurdles, but she is not slow.”
