EVERY year the Grand National throws up a David and Goliath story in one form or another.
And this time it’s millionaire entrepreneur David Maxwell playing the role of underdog with his first ever ride in the world’s most famous race.
GettyAmateur jockey David Maxwell has a big ride in the Grand National[/caption]
Part-time jockey Maxwell, 45, has been around for years and is used to crossing swords with the likes of Harry Cobden, Paul Townend and Co.
But it’s a completely different kettle of fish in the National, with 34 runners set to compete over four and a quarter miles around at Aintree with millions watching around the world.
At times, Maxwell has been a figure of fun, given his unique style in the saddle, but he continues to work hard in his spare time with his jockey coach Dave Crosse.
And he feels he is up to the task of riding in the National, especially on a reliable jumper like Ain’t That A Shame, who Sunracing revealed last month he had swooped in to purchase.
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Maxwell was given the nod while on a holiday with pals in Ireland that Henry De Bromhead’s Thyestes Chase winner was up for sale.
A few phone calls later, he’d not only bought himself a Grand National runner, but a Grand National ride.
He said: “They are hard to find, these National horses, they don’t often get sold but this lad was available so it was a no-brainer.
“I was shooting in Ireland and I asked one of the guys I was with to keep an eye out for a National horse for me – two days later he rang and said he had one for me.
“He seems a good solid jumper which is the main thing. I will just try to get a clear view of the fences and keep out of trouble, so we will see how far we get!”
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Maxwell has, at least, been over to County Waterford to get to know his new star before the big day.
And the horse has the benefit of a previous sighter over the big’uns at Aintree, having finished midfield 12 months ago.
He was the subject of a huge late gamble that day and was sent off just 10-1 – but he will be at least five times the price this year.
Maxwell continued: “Henry seems to think he’s in better nick now than he was this time last year.
“Then again, I’m riding him instead of Rachel, so that’s probably the reason he is 56 points bigger in the betting this year!
“I went over to Henry’s to ride him a couple of weeks ago, he is a lovely horse and I got on with him well.
“He is a good solid jumper, he seems to have plenty of zest for life left, a bit like me at the ripe old age of 45.
“I haven’t spoken to Rachael yet but I will do before the race, I just want to pick her brain and understand him a little bit more as I’m yet to throw a leg over him in anger.
“I’ve been trying not to think about it too much, it’s a lifetime ambition, but I don’t want to get myself in too much of a state before we’ve even started. It really is going to be a dream come true.”
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