This season, Latenightpass has come under the tutelage of Dan Skelton.
Renowned point-to-point handler Tom Ellis has opted to obtain a full licence to allow him to field Latenightpass in the upcoming Randox Grand National at Aintree in the following month.
Bred and owned by the trainer's mother, Pippa Ellis, the 11-year-old has excelled in numerous victories in point-to-point races and has also showcased his talent in hunter chases. Notably, he clinched victory in the 2022 Foxhunters’ Chase over the Grand National fences, steered by Ellis’ wife, Gina Andrews.
The transition of Latenightpass to the care of Dan Skelton, who is Andrews' sister Bridget's brother-in-law, has been fruitful this season. However, Ellis perceives the opportunity to run a horse dear to his heart in the prestigious Randox Grand National as a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
"We have been contemplating obtaining a full licence for some time. When presented with the chance to potentially have a runner in the Grand National, we felt compelled to pursue it,"
expressed Ellis.
"I realised that no matter how long I trained, having a Grand National contender bred by my mother and ridden by my wife would be an extraordinary feat. So, it made sense to expedite the process,"
he added.
Following a promising debut under Skelton at Cheltenham in November, where he secured the runner-up spot in a cross-country race, Latenightpass returned the following month to claim victory.
It was after this triumph in the Cotswolds that Ellis's Grand National aspiration became more defined.
"We entrusted Latenightpass to Dan based on Gina's longstanding desire to participate in the cross-country race at Cheltenham. The course seemed tailor-made for the horse, so we made the decision to send him to Dan,"
explained Ellis.
"It was only after his win in the subsequent Cheltenham meeting that the possibility of a National bid came into focus. Following his weight increase to secure entry, we felt compelled to take on the challenge,"
he continued.
Despite a lacklustre performance in the Grade Two Prestige Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock after his Cheltenham triumph, Ellis remains optimistic. He attributed the underwhelming display to adverse weather conditions.
"The conditions at Haydock were unfavourable; although he has triumphed on heavy ground previously, the weather was particularly severe. This race was more of a stepping stone towards Aintree rather than a primary objective,"
remarked Ellis.
"Latenightpass has been an exceptional horse for us, consistently performing well. He boasts an impressive record over the National fences, having placed three times in as many runs, albeit in the Foxhunters’. He also clinched fourth place in the hunter chase at the Cheltenham Festival when ridden by Bridget during the Covid-impacted year when amateur jockeys were restricted,"
he highlighted.
"With a relatively light racing schedule, I believe his longevity in the sport at the age of 11 is a testament to his ability and resilience,"
concluded Ellis.