Harry Redknapp's Shakem Up'Arry, the hero of the Cheltenham Festival, is set to take on Aintree's Grand National fences. However, it remains uncertain whether he will participate in the main race itself or the Randox Topham Handicap Chase a day earlier.
Trained by Ben Pauling, this 10-year-old horse was named after a devoted West Ham supporter who used to encourage the former manager with the phrase 'Shakem Up'Arry' during match days. Shakem Up'Arry secured an impressive victory in the TrustATrader Plate, providing Harry Redknapp with his first win at National Hunt's prestigious event. This triumph followed his earlier success at Prestbury Park on New Year's Day. With Shakem Up'Arry currently in the best form of his career, his connections eagerly anticipate the challenge of tackling Aintree's renowned spruce fences next month.
“He’s got an entry in the National and the Topham and he will run in one of them,” said Pauling. “A lot will depend on the next confirmation stage of the National when we will see where we are, but we don’t have to make a decision until nearer the time and to be honest he’s only going to be ticking over and pop over one or two fences in preparation.”