Farceur Du Large put in a fantastic effort to finish fifth in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter on Saturday afternoon, in a performance that delighted all connected with ‘Frank the tank’.
Coming into the race full of confidence after his two wins already this season, Farceur Du Large was sent off a 14/1 shot for his biggest test of the season, over the marathon four-mile two-furlong distance on stamina-sapping heavy ground. He travelled well throughout, leading up to around the 20th fence. A mistake over the third last fence stopped his momentum and he failed to pick back up, eventually finishing in fifth place.
Jockey Gavin Sheehan said after the race:
“He was a pleasure to ride. Jumping from fence to fence, he was enjoying himself out in front and travelled well throughout. He put his head down to push on at the business end of the race, but he put down over the third last fence, which cost us crucial momentum. There’s plenty of fun to be had with him though, I really enjoyed myself there.”
Trainer Jamie Snowden was delighted with his effort, reporting:
“Farceur Du Large seems absolutely fine after the race, which is excellent news. It was a cracking effort, with his ears pricked throughout and jumping his fences well. One of the other horses (My Silver Lining) got us racing a little earlier than we would’ve liked, and after jumping the fourth last well he put down and galloped through the third last, which lost our momentum and cost our chance of placing. It was a fantastic effort in a valuable race and he’s run his heart out, so I couldn’t ask any more from him. In regards to his future targets, let’s let the dust settle and see which way to go with him. He’s qualified for Hunter Chases now which is an option for him, or we could continue down the handicap route still.”
FDL trotted out sound and well the following morning – he is a bit stiff through his near fore, but that is just him, as the x-rays prove. He does have a small cut on a back leg, but it’s purely superficial, and he ate up his supper on Saturday evening. He is bright and happy and will enjoy a quiet week, and we’re delighted with how he has come out of the race.
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