The late Trevor Hemmings owned Famous Bridge, an eight-year-old chaser. Famous Bridge might run in Saturday's Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster. It depends on ground conditions. Trainer Nicky Richards is reconsidering options. They canceled Haydock's card last weekend. Famous Bridge was set to seek a hat-trick in the Peter Marsh Chase.
Richards said, "We confirmed him for the Great Yorkshire Chase. But it hinges on the ground." We're monitoring the conditions. If it leans towards good ground, our plans might change." He emphasized Famous Bridge's versatility. The horse has won at Wetherby, Kelso, and Ayr. This underlines that he's not just a Haydock specialist.
Richards also discussed Universal Folly, another potential contender for the Great Yorkshire Chase. A vacationing patron from Barbados owns the horse. It shows promise on a sound surface and carries a lightweight. Universal Folly also has the option of the Edinburgh Grand National at Musselburgh. The strategy depends on ground conditions.
The Great Yorkshire Chase, a £100,000 event, currently has 27 horses in contention. Notable entries include Jamie Snowden's Ga Law, last year's near-winner. Ante-post favorite Victorino is from Venetia Williams' stable. Anthony Honeyball's Forward Plan is also notable. Nicky Henderson's Mister Coffey and Toby Lawes' Surrey Quest are hopefuls. Emmet Mullins-trained Sweet Will is the sole Irish contender. Richards will decide later based on the weather and ground conditions. Storm Isha and its disruptions influence this week.