Nicky Richards' Famous Bridge is gearing up for a Scottish Grand National attempt following his respectable fourth-place finish in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
The eight-year-old horse races in the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings and has established himself as a quintessential chaser associated with those distinctive silks.
After claiming victory in a competitive handicap chase at Haydock in November, the gelding returned to the same course the following month to triumph in the Tommy Whittle.
Unfortunately, he was unable to complete the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster and then had a parting of ways with jockey Sean Quinlan during the Grand National Trial at Haydock last month. However, he put those setbacks behind him when he lined up at Cheltenham.
Starting as a 25-1 outsider in the three-mile-one-furlong Ultima, Famous Bridge finished fourth out of 21 runners, setting the stage for a potential Scottish Grand National appearance to conclude his season.
“He’s had a grand year, it’s a shame he unseated at Haydock but there you go, he’ll make up for that next year and we’ll train him with the National in mind,” said Richards.