Emma Lavelle's triumph in the Classic Chase has opened up opportunities for her winning horse, My Silver Lining.
Despite having the option to participate in the Eider Chase at Newcastle next week, the decision has been made to take her to Haydock for the Virgin Bet Grand National Trial this Saturday. The ground conditions are heavy at both venues, prompting Lavelle to avoid any delays and capitalise on her mare's current exceptional form.
My Silver Lining has consistently performed at a high level, finishing outside the top two only once in her last six races. Her impeccable jumping skills at Warwick secured her a remarkable victory in the prestigious £100,000 race, where she successfully fended off Galia Des Liteaux. With her sights set on another major triumph, Lavelle confidently stated,
"She's in phenomenal form. Initially, we had planned for the Eider Chase, but after careful consideration of the heavy ground conditions for both races, we had to weigh the options. Ultimately, the decision came down to whether we should run her over three and a half miles this week or wait an additional week to tackle the four-and-a-quarter-mile distance. Although we originally entered Haydock as a contingency plan, the uncertainty of improved ground conditions next week, combined with the additional half-mile on such challenging terrain, made it a risk not worth taking for our talented mare. While she excels on any track, she particularly thrives in courses where jumping prowess plays a vital role”.